Ocelot Conservation Day Returns to the RGV

On March 7, the annual celebration of Texas’ beloved native cat, Ocelot Conservation Day, returns to the Rio Grande Valley. Now in its 29th year, the event is hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Friends of the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, and Defenders of Wildlife, to celebrate the ongoing collaboration across South Texas to protect one of the state’s most threatened and iconic animals.  

As the Gladys Porter Zoo undergoes renovations, Cameron County’s award-winning South Texas Ecotourism Center is proud to welcome the public to a day of learning and fun with the beautiful Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge as the backdrop to the day’s events.  

Experts in ocelot conservation from the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, the East Foundation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will present insights into the work being done to conserve and restore these elusive cats and safeguard their future in Texas.

“We are ecstatic to step in and host this long-running community festival,” said Edward Meza, director of the South Texas Ecotourism Center. “This event offers a great opportunity to explore our trails and exhibits, learn something new and maybe even have a real wildlife encounter.”  

“We are proud to stand alongside our community to protect the ocelot and its fragile habitats. To help the ocelot recover, it needs a collaborative of landowners, conservationists and wildlife managers. During Ocelot Conservation Day, we’re not only celebrating this remarkable species but also strengthening the partnerships that ensure its survival for generations to come,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Park Ranger George Garcia.

“Once roaming across Texas and into parts of Louisiana and Arkansas, the ocelot survives in the U.S. solely within the Rio Grande Valley. Events like Ocelot Conservation Day offer families a meaningful way to learn about this beautiful endangered species that shares they share a home with here in South Texas,” said Dr. Greg Garcia, president for the Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.

“As people come together for this year’s activities, we hope they walk away remembering how important each one of us is to ocelot conservation. Education leads to awareness, and awareness can shape the future for this endangered species,” said Dr. Sharon Wilcox, senior Texas representative at Defenders of Wildlife.

All are invited to this free event, filled with events for all ages, from hands-on family-friendly activities to scientific presentations sharing more about the cutting-edge work underway to save these rare wild cats.  

Join us for the celebration and help ensure a future for the ocelot!