Baton Rouge Zoo Exploration: Wildlife Adventures in Louisiana's Capital
Pop quiz: What is the #1 year-round family attraction in Baton Rouge? You guessed it: it’s the 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.
Explore Exhibits, Encounters & Seasonal Fun
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! And daily events, including the Tortoise Bath, Otter Chat, and Running of the Ducks, are an integral part of the interactive experience.
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.
Plan Your Visit
Baton Rouge Zoo hours run from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (last entrance at 4 p.m.). Parking is free, and stroller- and wheelchair-friendly pathways abound. Baton Rouge Zoo tickets are $10 online or at the gate, with discounts available for seniors and children. 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!
Hungry? Grab a snack at the Flamingo Cafe or a sweet (seasonal) treat at Cool Critters. Stop by the Adventure Market to stock up on souvenirs. And, if you’re in Red Stick between Nov. 29 and Dec. 30, enjoy the magical Zoo Lights of Baton Rouge.
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!
