Baton Rouge Zoo

Since 1970, BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo has offered an immersive experience for over 200,000 annual visitors of all ages. The Zoo is the first in Louisiana to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and is home to more than 95 different species and over 900 animals.

Diverse exhibits, educational programs, and interactive wildlife experiences make it the perfect destination for family outings, school trips, couples, solo adventures, and, well, pretty much anybody.

Exhibits

As you enter through the orientation plaza, you'll find well-maintained paths leading to various exhibits. Popular attractions include Realm of the Tiger, Twiga Oasis (a giraffe-feeding experience), and continental exhibitions, including Africa, which features pygmy hippos and colobus monkeys!

Seasonal exhibits, such as L'Aquarium de Louisiane, Parrot Paradise, Safari Playground, and KidsZoo, ensure there's always something new to explore. Don’t miss Sapo Springs and the ever-popular Giraffe Overlook!

Daily Activities

There's always something happening at the Zoo. Nearly every hour, you'll find a new activity offering a closer look at some of the Zoo's most fascinating residents.

Meet the Zookeepers at the Giraffe, Otter, and Black Rhino Chats, where you can ask questions and learn firsthand what it takes to care for these incredible animals. From May through August, swing by the Tortoise exhibit for Tortoise Bath, where the resident tortoises get a cool, refreshing scrub-down (a guest favorite every summer!).

And keep an eye out for the beloved Running of the Ducks at KidsZoo, held daily one hour before the Zoo closes. Please note: this experience is temporarily on pause, stay tuned for its triumphant return!

Educational Programs

Education is central to the zoo's mission, with programs like Keeper Chats and Ambassador Animal Meet & Greets that offer insights into wildlife conservation and animal care. You and your kids can even enjoy educational overnight adventures, such as year-round Zoo Camps and Safari Nights!

The Zoo is also active in conservation programs, participating in nearly 30 international Species Survival Plans (SSP) for endangered species. Three of these SSP animals, including the Golden Lion Tamarin, have been successfully reintroduced into the wild.

Seasonal Events

Special events are held throughout the year, giving guests new reasons to visit the Zoo again and again.

• Zippity Zoo Fest - Celebrate spring and the Zoo's birthday at this annual festival, featuring a Children's Village, education stations, a food court, animal encounters, and more.
  
• Art for Animals - Explore an exhibition of works by talented local artists. Pieces celebrate wildlife and conservation, and many are available for purchase, with proceeds supporting conservation programs.
• Red, White & Zoo - Celebrate the Zoo's red, white, and blue animal friends with a scavenger hunt along the path of your visit, plus scheduled animal chats and enrichments throughout the day.
• Brew at the Zoo - A fall fundraising event for guests 21 and older, featuring local homebrews and craft beers, along with tasty bites, live music, and visits with the Zoo's Animal Ambassadors.
• Boo at the Zoo - Wear your best costume and enjoy Halloween and fall themed displays throughout the Zoo, festive photo ops, character meet and greets, entertainment in the Plaza, and Halloween themed animal enrichments.
• Zoo Lights - Get into the holiday spirit and wander through a magical wonderland of twinkling lights.

Attractions

No trip to the Zoo is complete without exploring all of the fun attractions.

• Zoo Train - Climb aboard the Baton Rouge Zoo Train for a fun ride around the perimeter of the Zoo. This open-air train runs daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is just $3 per person, ages 2 and up.
• Kids Zoo & Safari Playground - Little ones can burn off some energy exploring the Kids Zoo and Safari Playground.
  
• Cafes - Hungry? Grab a snack at the Flamingo Cafe or a sweet (seasonal) treat at Cool Critters.
• Adventure Market - Stock up on souvenirs before you head home.

BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo promises extraordinary experiences filled with discovery, delight, and a host of enchanting animals, from Blue-Tongued Skinks to the Fulvous Whistling-Duck. What are you waiting for? Gather your family and friends and embark on an unforgettable adventure that combines education, conservation, and fauna-filled fun!

Address

The Baton Rouge Zoo is located at 3000 Zoo Circle, Baton Rouge, LA 70807.

Get Your Zoo Map

Hours

• September - March | Open Daily 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• April - August | Open Daily 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Last entry to the zoo is always one hour prior to closing. The Baton Rouge Zoo is closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Tickets

• Adults (13+) | $10
• Seniors (65+) | $8.50
• Children (2-12) | $7
• Children 1 & Younger | Free

The zoo offers group rate discounts for groups of 15 or more as well as weekly Wednesday Afternoon Discounts between 2-4 p.m. Want the best deal in town? Grab a Baton Rouge Zoo membership, which includes a host of benefits and discounts, for only $50 per year!

Parking

Parking is free. Driving in toward Greenwood Community Park and the Zoo, you'll pass the dog park, then reach a roundabout. Take the first or second right into the Zoo's main lot (the gravel lot isn't for patron parking).

If the main lot is full, loop back through the roundabout to the overflow lot between the dog park and roundabout, then walk in via the Bayou Promenade path. Since that's a longer walk and partly along the road, consider using the drop-off lane to unload guests before you park.

Accessibility

The Zoo's paths are stroller and wheelchair friendly throughout, and for those who need them, strollers, wheelchairs, and electric scooters are available to rent on a first come, first served basis. Service animals are welcome as well.

Baton Rouge Zoo holds the distinction of being the city's first Sensory Certified facility and the Zoo continues to partner with KultureCity to keep the zoo and its events sensory inclusive. Sensory bags are available to any guest who needs them, with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads. Quiet spaces are also available for guests who need a calmer, more secure environment.