What are the opening hours?

Monday 9:30am - 4pm Tuesday 9:30am - 4pm Wednesday 9:30am - 4pm Thursday 9:30am - 4pm Friday 9:30am - 4pm Saturday 9:30am - 4pm Sunday 9:30am - 4pm

BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo

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Baker, LA
BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo

Connecting people to wildlife through engaging experiences & conservation efforts globally & locally. BREC was a finalist for the award in 1998.

BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo was a dream of the Recreation and Parks Commission as early as 1960. In 1965, the taxpayers passed a millage election that provided more than three-quarters of a million dollars to build the facility. At that time, a Zoo Director was employed to help design and implement the plans for the Zoo. Matching funds were obtained from the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. Construction b

egan in 1966 and BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo first opened to the public on Easter Sunday, 1970. The residents of East Baton Rouge fully embraced the concept of the new Zoo, and a sense of ownership was instilled in the community, aided by the urging of television personality Buckskin Bill. The words of Buckskin Bill, "Baton Rouge needs a Zoo" at the end of his television program rallied the residents of East Baton Rouge Parish. Entertainment and Culture
The Zoo is a place where people connect with animals. Over the past forty years, the Zoo has grown to become the #1 year-round family attraction in Baton Rouge. With more than a quarter million guests each year, the Zoo attracts visitors of all ages and backgrounds. The Zoo is a favorite place for families and groups to discover the animal kingdom. Professionalism
Today, BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo is home to animals from around the world including tigers, black rhinos, flamingos, alligators and giraffes. The Baton Rouge Zoo was the first zoo in Louisiana to achieve the distinguished honor of being accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. As a leader in the zoo field, the Baton Rouge Zoo was accredited in 1977, four years before any other zoos in the state and eight years before such accreditation was mandatory for membership in this prestigious professional association. Conservation
The Zoo is very active in conservation programs and fully participates with other zoos around the world in nearly 30 international Species Survival Plans (SSP) for critically endangered species. Three of these SSP animals, the Guam Rail, Arabian Oryx, and Golden Lion Tamarin, have been successfully reintroduced into the wild and represent living proof of our long-term commitment of reintroduction to strengthen and supplement wild populations of endangered and threatened wildlife. Education and Research
The Zoo conducts active outreach and in-house educational programs. These programs are aimed at making the public aware of the problems confronting the wildlife of the world. Our educational programs reach thousands of children in school groups each year. Educational programming has expanded to include activities such as community outreach programs, reading programs, day camps, weekend classes, teacher workshops, on-site live animal and artifacts encounters and demonstrations. The demand for our educational programs increases every year. We also work very closely with the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine conducting research on several species. Behavioral studies are also conducted through other departments at Louisiana State University as well as other colleges throughout our region. A Facility of BREC
BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo is owned and operated by the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC), a public government agency. BREC was created by an act of the Louisiana State Legislature in 1946 and is governed by a nine member appointed Commission. BREC is funded by Ad Valorem taxes, fees and charges and grants, gifts and donations. The BREC system is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. BREC has won the prestigious National Gold Medal Award for excellence in Recreation and Park Administration in 1975 and 1991. Community Support Organization
BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo is supported by the Friends of the Baton Rouge Zoo organization. The Friends' mission is to support the Zoo and its programs. The Friends work closely with BREC to raise funds for the capital projects, increase attendance through events, and to promote community involvement. The Friends of the Zoo has a Federal Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) status.

11/16/2024

🚧 All Aboard...Soon! 🚂

Thank you for your patience!

11/16/2024

Today!!! Come join us at Perkins Rowe!

11/15/2024

🎄✨ The countdown is ON! We’re anxiously awaiting the return of Zoo Lights, presented by our incredible presenting sponsor, Our Lady of the Lake Children's Health! 🌟

Join us starting Nov. 29 for a sparkling holiday tradition filled with dazzling lights, festive displays, and holiday cheer!

🌟 Don’t forget: Bring a non-perishable food item and get 50% off admission as we work toward our 8,000 lb donation goal for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. Let’s light up the season and make a difference! 💙

📅 Nov. 29 - Dec. 30 (closed 12/24 & 12/25)
⏰ 5:30 - 8 PM

11/15/2024

Tongues out! 😝🦒 Give us your best giraffe impersonation!

11/13/2024

11/12/2024

✨ The holiday magic is back! ✨

Join us as BREC's BR Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights at Zoo Lights starting next month! 🎄🌟

We're proud to partner again with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank this year to help make a difference. Our goal? Bigger and better than last year. We're hoping to collect 8,000 lbs of canned goods! 🥫💪 Bring a donation and receive 50% off admission—it's a win-win for the season of giving. 🎁❤️

For details, visit BRZOO.ORG or click the link in our bio!

Let’s make this season bright together! 🌠

11/11/2024

Take a peek behind the scenes at our Sapo Springs + Pygmy Hippo Exhibit! 🦛💧 This is our Life Support Systems (LSS) Room, where advanced water filtration keeps the exhibit clean and eco-friendly. These hidden upgrades are essential to a modern zoo and help us provide the best care for our animals every day. 🌿

11/11/2024

🎨 Huge shoutout to Brandon Finnorn with Finnorn Illustrations, LLC for capturing the spirit of BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo through his amazing artwork! 🖌️ Be inspired and join us in celebrating art and wildlife—get your submissions in for our Art for Animals Festival, open now through December 9th. Don't miss your chance to showcase your talent! 🌟

Details here 👉 [https://brzoo.org/news/call-for-artists]

11/11/2024

Today, we honor and thank all veterans and active military members for their dedication, courage, and sacrifice.

We’re proud to offer complimentary admission to veterans, active military personnel, and up to five guests with a valid military ID as a token of our appreciation. Join us today to celebrate and enjoy a memorable day at the zoo with your loved ones.

To those who have served and continue to serve—thank you for your unwavering commitment.

Non-military guests are welcome to join us with regular admission.

11/07/2024

🦛✨ Enter the cozy nighthouse of our pygmy hippos and discover the hidden world that keeps them happy and healthy! Join Paige, our lead curator of carnivores and primates, as she takes you behind the scenes to showcase these exciting upgrades. These improvements are significant for the Zoo—they’re all about prioritizing the well-being of our animals every step of the way.🌿💚

11/07/2024

We love great reviews! Thank you for visiting!

11/06/2024

After a close competition, we have a winner! 🏆 The Indian Flying Fox has soared to victory, winning by just 42 votes! 🦇

Our Barred Owl came in a strong second, with the Indian Rhino rounding out the top three! Thank you to everyone who voted and helped us choose a curator fan favorite! 🎉

11/06/2024

Thank you, East Baton Rouge Parish! 🎉🌳

We’re incredibly grateful to our residents for voting to renew BREC's millages that keep our parks, facilities, and programs thriving. 🌟 Your support allows BREC to continue enhancing our community with safe, beautiful spaces, recreational activities, and innovative programs for everyone. 🏞️✨

This investment ensures we can keep making progress through our *Imagine Your Parks 3* plan and provide continued and improved opportunities for play, relaxation, and connection across our parish. 🛝🌸

Thank you for believing in the power of parks! 💚🙌

11/05/2024

Join us this Saturday, November 9th, and Monday, November 11th, as we recognize and honor the brave men and women who serve and have served in the armed forces. Military veterans and active military receive complimentary admission for themselves and up to five guests with a valid military ID.

Come enjoy a day at the zoo with your loved ones and experience the beauty of wildlife in appreciation of your service.

Non-military guests are welcome to join in the fun with regular admission. See you at the zoo.

11/05/2024

Address

13350 Highway 19
Baker, LA
70714

Opening Hours

Monday	9:30am - 4pm
Tuesday	9:30am - 4pm
Wednesday	9:30am - 4pm
Thursday	9:30am - 4pm
Friday	9:30am - 4pm
Saturday	9:30am - 4pm
Sunday	9:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+12257753877

Website

http://www.brzoo.org/

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Videos

✨ The holiday magic is back! ✨ Join us as BREC's BR Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights at Zoo Lights starting next month! 🎄🌟 We're proud to partner again with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank this year to help make a difference. Our goal? Bigger and better than last year. We're hoping to collect 8,000 lbs of canned goods! 🥫💪 Bring a donation and receive 50% off admission—it's a win-win for the season of giving. 🎁❤️ For details, visit BRZOO.ORG or click the link in our bio! Let’s make this season bright together! 🌠

🎨 Huge shoutout to Brandon Finnorn with Finnorn Illustrations, LLC for capturing the spirit of BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo through his amazing artwork! 🖌️ Be inspired and join us in celebrating art and wildlife—get your submissions in for our Art for Animals Festival, open now through December 9th. Don't miss your chance to showcase your talent! 🌟 Details here 👉 [https://brzoo.org/news/call-for-artists]

Happy Halloween from your friends down at the BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo! 🦇🎃 #BRZoo #HappyHalloween

Boo at the Zoo

👻🎃 Boo at the Zoo presented by Hancock Whitney is BACK tomorrow for Weekend 2! 🎃👻 Get ready for a wild, spooky time with roaring, fun activities on both days! 🦖✨ Saturday, Oct 26th: 👑 Petite Princess: 12pm-2pm 🎨 Face Painting: 11am-3pm 🪄 Magic Show: 11am-2pm 🦕 The Dinosaur Experience: 10am-3pm 🐾 Ambassador Animal Show: 9:30am-5pm Sunday, Oct 27th: 👑 Petite Princess: 12pm-2pm 🎨 Face Painting: 12:15pm-2pm 🪄 Magic Show: 11am-2pm 🦕 The Dinosaur Experience: 10am-3pm 🐾 Ambassador Animal Show: 9:30am-5pm Don’t miss out on the costumes, critters, and magical moments! See you at #BooAtTheZoo! 👻💫 #SpookySeason #FamilyFun

Did you know Baton Rouge Zoo is home to various incredible reptiles? 🐍 On your next visit, explore the fascinating reptiles that call our zoo home and learn about the vital conservation efforts supporting these species. Even though we missed it yesterday, we still want to praise the incredible reptiles that call Baton Rouge Zoo home! #reptileawarenessday

🎉 Have you caught our latest TV spot? 🌟 It's airing now, and we can't wait to show you all the wild experiences waiting for you at the zoo! 🐾 From incredible animal encounters to fun events and leisurely strolls, there's so much to explore. Immerse yourself in the adventure and plan your next visit today! 📺 Tune in to your favorite local channels for a sneak peek of what’s in store! #BRZoo #ImmerseYourself #VisitTheZoo #ZooLife #WatchNow #BatonRougeZoo

Don't miss your chance to showcase your passion for wildlife and conservation! Submit your original artwork by December 9th for the Baton Rouge Zoo’s 2nd Annual Art for Animals Exhibition. This is an open call for artists 14 and older, with selected pieces displayed in our new Zoo entrance in the Atrium from February to May. Let your creativity inspire others and support conservation efforts! Visit our website to submit your work today. Submit your art here: https://form.jotform.com/231385388921161 #artforanimals #BRZoo #BREC #BatonRougeArt

All aboard! Our beloved Coca-Cola Express train is soon reopening with a new depot, fresh paint, and upgraded tracks! Get ready to take a scenic ride through the zoo like never before! 🚂 #BRZoo #ComingSoon #BREC #Train #CocaColaExpress

New Zoo Entrance

🚨 **NEW ZOO ENTRANCE ALERT!** 🚨 The entrance has moved from Thomas Road to 3000 Zoo Circle via 13350 Highway 19, entering through Greenwood Community Park. Please use this new entry point for all future visits! 🐾 Reminder: The Zoo will close at Noon on Sept 27th for Brew at the Zoo.