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Bridging Research & Public Understanding: Collaboration Between UTRGV and Gladys Porter Zoo

Mueller Gibbon at the Gladys Porter Zoo | Photo by Claudia Martinez  

By Karla Averanga 

JANUARY 22, 2026 

Dr. Valerie James-Aldridge, Curator of Behavior Research and retired professor of UTRGV, alongside Lab Director and Professor, Claudia Martinez from the UTRGV Comparative Psychology Lab, are collaborating with the Gladys Porter Zoo (Accredited by the Association of Zoo & Aquariums (AZA)). To bridge research into public understanding of animal welfare through protocol. 

In fall 2025, students in Advanced Specialization in Rhetoric, Composition, and Literacy Studies: Otherworldly Arguments (ENGL 4340) were asked to highlight the valuable efforts made by zoo professionals. Translating academic research into a public summary using the article, “How different zoo animals interact with each other: A Scoping Review,” published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science. Understanding primate dynamics, the students discovered patterns of interaction from: Claudia Martinez, Lecturer II of Psychological Science, Dr. Aldridge who brings 50+ years of expertise, and Todd J. McWhorter and Eduardo J. Fernandez from the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Australia. 

“The collaboration between our campus to the zoo is allowing public access to scientific research. There is potential to foster long-term cultural support for animal welfare and conservation,” responds Sergio Perez, the UTRGV Director of Sustainability, sharing the science behind animal behavior with the public can help advocate biodiversity. 

FROM CLASSROOM TO PUBLISHED ARTICLE 

Professor Martinez explains that the personal motivation behind the co-authored article, she “highlights how important the task of the zookeeper is. What we need to do is bridge the connection between experiences and make the best decisions for the animals. Every zoo should have a research center to combine insights in collaboration.” Her efforts in assisting primate research, reaction, and behavioral patterns are observed during transfers or deaths within primate groups. Including an exchange after the passing of one silverback that eventually inspired her to pursue an M.A. in Experimental Psychology. Ms. Martinez, who is currently pursuing her PhD in Veterinary Science views her choices “felt like everything fell into place on how she got to where she is but would like to be of help to all of the zoos and primates.” 

BREAKING STEREOTYPES OF ZOOKEEPING 

A major concern is the public’s belief in the disconnection of animals from their natural habitat. “Part of my conversation with visitors,” explains Dr. Aldridge, “is to reframe their perceptions. For instance, they may think animals are ‘doing nothing,’ but even stillness is behavior.” Zoo staff and researchers will act immediately using data-driven decision-making on certain animal behavioral issues. Holding the value of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) that mental and physical well-being is important for the maneuvering of the animal under any human care. 

The home to 377 animal species includes 20 primate species researchers using data aimed at improving ongoing animal welfare and conservation efforts where science behind observational research follows patterns of social interactions, the use of real ID sheets in fieldwork, and facing challenges to create solutions animals face within their exhibits. 

To learn more, visit the UTRGV Comparative Psychology Lab.