Hattiesburg Zoo

01/18/2025

We would like to give an update on the health of our Jaguar, Maya. For the last several days Maya has been receiving additional medical treatments, testing, and close monitoring for chronic kidney disease and an acute kidney infection.

Maya is being given large amounts of fluids through an IV catheter and under the skin to help flush out her kidneys. She is also receiving antibiotics to address the infection. The zoo’s veterinary staff and animal care team are continuing to work closely together monitoring her condition and welfare.

“Maya is responding positively to our efforts, and is showing a bit more interest in food and exhibiting some normal behaviors,” said Hattiesburg Zoo veterinarian, Dr. Julia MacGregor. “We will give Maya the opportunity to access her outdoor habitat this weekend as she chooses,” said Kristen Moore, Director of Wildlife. “We have been monitoring the weather, and we want her to be able to enjoy the sunshine before the weather turns frigid this coming week.”

As Maya will have access to both her outdoor and indoor habitats, guests may or may not be able to view her over the weekend. We want to thank everyone for the supportive messages and well wishes for Maya. ❤️

01/17/2025

This weekend looks like perfect weather to visit us before the chill sets in! Saturday should be sunny and warm- perfect for a Zoo day! ☀️😎
We’re open Friday-Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM.

Come “chill” with us… before it gets too chilly!

01/15/2025

Maya, the Hattiesburg Zoo’s melanistic Jaguar, is being cared for in her indoor habitat, and will not be visible to our guests at this time. Maya is experiencing health problems due to kidney disease and is being treated by the Zoo’s Veterinarian, Dr. Julia MacGregor along with the animal care team.

“Maya has a history of early chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is common in cats,” said Dr. MacGregor. MacGregor and the animal care team have been monitoring Maya’s bloodwork, and she is being treated to slow the progression of the disease. “We have taken steps to gain further knowledge of her condition through additional diagnostic testing to help guide our treatment plan,” continued MacGregor.

Maya came to the Hattiesburg Zoo in 2016, and she is 21 years and 7 months old. The average age of a Jaguar in captivity is between 16 and 18 years of age.

“Maya is not only loved by our guests, but she is a favorite of every member of the Zoo staff,” said Kristen Moore, Director of Wildlife for the Hattiesburg Zoo. “We are closely monitoring her behaviors and are treating her accordingly.”

01/15/2025

We’re thrilled to announce that the Hattiesburg Zoo has been nominated for Best of Mississippi! Help us win by voting us as the Best Attraction for Kids! Voting starts today and runs through February 16th. Thank you to everyone who nominated us—we appreciate your support! 🎉

Vote at the link:
https://mismag.com/2025-best-of-mississippi-reader-poll/ #//

01/14/2025

Even animals can’t resist jumping into a leaf pile! Our animal residents of Wallaby Walkabout had a blast playing in the leaves. Sometimes, it’s the simple things in life that bring the most joy. 🍂

Visit our Wallaby Walkabout and meet the rest of our animals, Friday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM!

01/13/2025

CALLING ALL TEACHERS!! 🗣️
The education team at the Hattiesburg Zoo has partnered with the Mississippi Forestry Association to present a Project Learning Tree training session for formal and informal teachers on February 8th from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Project Learning Tree is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers, other educators, parents and community leaders working with youth. The activities and resources in Project Learning Tree engage children in learning about the environment through the lens of trees and forests.

“We are excited to offer our first teacher workshop at the Hattiesburg Zoo,” said Jeremy Cumpton, Director of Conservation and Education for the Hattiesburg Zoo. “It is critical that we teach Environmental education to our youth, and through this training session we will explain how this can be done through an interdisciplinary approach.”

Recipients will explore the Project Learning Tree book, participate in various activities from the book, and network with all participants. The Project Learning Tree training session costs $25 and lunch is included. There are limited spaces available and registration must be made by February 1st through the link below:
https://tickets.hattiesburgzoo.com/event/project-learning-tree

Each participant will receive their own teaching guide, and Continuing Education Units are available for K-8 educators.

01/10/2025

Yesterday, teams from the Hattiesburg Convention Commission successfully cleared the Longleaf Trace of trash, from the Sixth Street Museum District all the way down to Patio 44. Together they collected a whopping 301 lbs of trash!

A big thanks to the Hattiesburg Zoo and Sixth Street Museum District teams for coming together—despite the cold, it was incredibly rewarding!

01/09/2025

The Hattiesburg Zoo will be closed tomorrow, January 10th, due to weather. Our Storytime Friday event is also cancelled. ☔️

We plan to reopen Saturday, January 11th, for normal operating hours! See you then, stay safe!

01/06/2025

When it’s the first Monday of the New Year, everyone is bringing salads to work, and you’re already thinking about ordering takeout… Do you have any New Year’s resolutions? Let us know in the comments! 🥬😉

01/03/2025

We will happily take all of your old Christmas lights!

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – Do you have Christmas lights that are broken, frayed or tangled beyond repair? We have some good news! The Hattiesburg Zoo will accept damaged Christmas lights thi…

01/03/2025

Our Winter Hours start next week! We’ll be CLOSED Monday through Thursday, and OPEN on the weekends, Friday to Sunday!

Just one more reason to look forward to Fridays! 😉

01/01/2025

As we step into 2025, we reflect on another incredible year at the Hattiesburg Zoo, made possible by our dedicated team, community, and amazing guests. Thank you for your continued support of our animals and mission. We’re excited for another wild year ahead! Happy New Year from all of us at the Hattiesburg Zoo! 🐅🎉

Reminder that we are closed today!

12/27/2024

Wild about wildlife! Celebrate National Visit the Zoo Day by exploring the wonders of nature at the Hattiesburg Zoo. From exotic animals to engaging exhibits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while learning about conservation and animal care. Don’t miss the chance to connect with the creatures that make our world so amazing! Support your local zoo!

12/27/2024

Once Upon a Time at a Zoo not-so far-away, a STORYTIME event was being held for free- every Friday in January 2025. ✨

The Hattiesburg Zoo will host a free STORYTIME event geared for children who are not yet in school, and their caregivers. Each Storytime will have two reading sessions, which will be held at 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Doors for the first reading session open at 10:30 a.m.

Spots for each STORYTIME session are limited, and available on a first-come, first served basis.
“This bi-annual event is a big hit for our young guests,” said Jeremy Cumpton, Director of Conservation and Education at the Hattiesburg Zoo. 🪄

A different book will be read each week, providing the opportunity for children to attend multiple STORYTIME events. In addition to the book reading, children will be able to participate in an animal encounter and education session. STORYTIME will take place in the Zoo’s Education Room! 📚

12/26/2024

Just a reminder that the Hattiesburg Zoo is closed today, 12/26, but we will be baa-ack tomorrow! 🐐

12/25/2024

From all of us at the Hattiesburg Zoo, we wish you a joyful and peaceful Christmas filled with love and laughter. May your holiday be as wild and wonderful as our Hattiesburg Zoo residents! 🎄❤️

12/24/2024

The stockings were hung by the hyenas with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there....🎄❤️