KRGV.com

BROWNSVILLE - The Gladys Porter Zoo will hold its annual Wild Tales event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Wild Tales is a story telling event for children of all ages to experience. Visitors can expect a slew of activities, including listening to wild tales, face painting, a puppet show, arts and crafts and animal encounters.

This year, Gladys Porter Zoo has partnered with Workforce Solutions of Cameron County to bring children's book authors to the area. On Saturday, authors Dave Cromwell, Rickey E. Pittman, and Keith Graves will each read their children's books during story time at the zoo.

Rickey E. Pittman, originally from Dallas, tours the South and presents his stories, music and programs at schools and community events. He is scheduled to read his book "Irish Alphabet" from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Local author Dave Cromwell is a part-time environmental educator at Sea Turtle Inc. on South Padre Island. He is scheduled to read his story "Allison: The Mostly True Story of a Once Flipper Sea Turtle" from noon to 12:45 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Keith Graves is a professor emeritus at the Chicken School in Austin, where he teaches courses in chicken psychology and chicken history. Graves will read his book entitled "Chicken Big" from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

The Gladys Porter Zoo will offer special admission prices for Saturday only. Special rates include $3.50 for elementary or middle school children, $4 for high school students and $5 for adults. Zoo members and children younger than 2 enter for free.

All children who attend this event will receive a free children's book, while supplies last.

For more information, visit www.gpz.org or call the zoo at 956-546-7187.