Hattiesburg Zoo

09/10/2024

Hattiesburg Zoo will be closed Wednesday, September 11th, to prepare the zoo for Tropical Storm Francine. Stay safe!

09/09/2024

Rascal is a pretty COOL bird ! We are loving this cool air in south Mississippi !🍂 Our citron-crested cockatoo is waiting for fall weather to arrive at the Hattiesburg Zoo for real! (yea, its been nicer but we mean FALL!!! Who else is excited for sweater weather? 🦜🍁

📸 Jordan Martin

09/08/2024

🎀 Casimira growing up! And is mighty cute!

Can you believe Cazi is almost A WHOLE YEAR OLD? 💗🎂🎉

📸 Keeper Maggie

09/07/2024

🐅 was a beautiful day at the Hattiesburg Zoo! ☀️ looks to be another fantastic day.

Get your tickets online before 9am day of visiit. admissions.hattiesburgzoo.com. Zoo is open 10am-4pm Tuesday-Sunday!

09/06/2024

Fennec Fox Friday! Today was a little gloomy, but Saturday and Sunday are looking better ☀️ and like great ZOO DAYS! Head on over to check out these cuties 🦊!

We are open 10am-4pm. Last entry at 3:30pm. Get your tickets online at admissions.hattiesburgzoo.com before 9am day of visit. We even have a few SLOTH EXPERIENCES open Saturday and Sunday!

09/06/2024

On Monday, our dedicated Hattiesburg Zoo team spent the day making a difference by collecting 347 pounds of litter along the Okatoma! 🌿 We love doing our part to keep our community clean and beautiful. Let’s all work together to protect our natural spaces! 💚

09/05/2024

Come see us at the Hattiesburg Zoo!

We've got friends in (high) places. 🦒

Celebrate with your little adventurers at Hattiesburg Zoo! From giraffe feedings and the 'Touch Africa' petting zoo to one-on-one sloth encounters, your kiddos will meet animal buddies from around the globe! 🌍✨

09/05/2024

We celebrated our sassy Colobus lady Makeda turned 9️⃣ years old recently! She considered sharing her birthday prize with Mojo.....well just considered it! 🤣 🎁

Happy Birthday, Makeda!

📸 Keeper Maggie

Zoo is open 10am-4pm Tuesday-Sunday. (Weather permitting) Last entry at 3:30pm.

09/02/2024

Relaxing in the water this Labor Day! (and giving you a hint that you should too!) The Zoo is closed today but Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo is open until 6pm. Come cool off with some 🌊Splishing, 🌊Splashing and 🛝Sliding at Serengeti Springs!

📸 Keeper Matt

09/01/2024

Family and Friends enjoying a meal TOGETHER!

Have a Sunday Funday today at the Hattiesburg Zoo. Today is our MONTHLY Sensory Day. On a regular day, the Zoo is a bustling attraction, filled with plenty of sounds and movement that could possibly trigger an adverse reaction in someone with sensory sensitivities. On every Sensory Day the zoo will have all music turned off, quiet train rides, sensory stations, and calm animal encounters throughout the day. This event will take place during regular zoo hours from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Hattiesburg Zoo staff has been trained by leading professionals to recognize guests with sensory needs, and know how to handle any sensory overload situations that may occur. Sensory bags, available in the Zoo office are equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads are designed to help both children and adults and can help lessen sensory overload and help engage and redirect individuals.

Zoo staff is prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities, and all guests will be welcomed with comfort and accommodation. The Hattiesburg Zoo was the first attraction/destination in Mississippi to be certified by KultureCity as a sensory inclusive location.

Zoo is open 10am-4pm. Last admission is at 3:30. Regular admission rates apply. Annual Passes do apply.

📸: Animal Curator Stephen

08/30/2024

Happy Friday! Here’s some cuties to brighten up your timeline and start the weekend off right! 🥰

08/29/2024

Did you know that Hattiesburg Zoo plays a pivotal role in creating the world’s largest and most comprehensive knowledge base on over 22,000 species? As a member of global nonprofit Species360, Hattiesburg Zoo contributes data on the animals and groups in its care every day, from lifecycle traits to environmental needs.

“Zoological Information Management System, or ZIMS, is where we input weights, daily observations, medical records, lineage, identifiers, and diet changes,” said Stephen Taylor, Animal Curator for the Hattiesburg Zoo. “ZIMS helps us keeps track of all the vital information we need to know about the animals under our care.”

ZIMS is a global database consisting of over 1,300 institutions, and is celebrating its 50th year. To date, Hattiesburg Zoo has contributed data on more than 1,137 animals and 313 species, subspecies, and breeds to Species360 ZIMS. ZIMS combines the data from Hattiesburg Zoo with contributions from like-minded species conservation institutions worldwide. The result changes what is known about animals and their environments, including insight into disease treatment, animal welfare, population health, and species conservation.

“We are proud to be a part of this international effort and its impact on animal welfare and wildlife conservation. As part of our commitment to conservation and animal welfare, we meticulously record data on our animal collections. This ensures our animals receive the best care and contributes to species population management and conservation. By continuing to share our knowledge and expertise, we can make even greater strides in protecting the planet’s biodiversity," said Dr. Julia MacGregor, Veterinarian at the Hattiesburg Zoo.

Hattiesburg Zoo, like other zoos, aquariums, and wildlife facilities worldwide, uses ZIMS to stay well informed about each animal and group. For instance, Species360 Global Medical Resources, part of the ZIMS for Medical module, help veterinarians treat and prevent diseases by providing benchmarks for normal blood test results. “The information we access through ZIMS enables us to access data that better allows us to monitor the health of our animals by comparing average lifespan, average weight, and growth rates in a particular species,” said Taylor.

“Being an institution that actively contributes to and accesses ZIMS speaks highly of the quality of our zoo Keepers and veterinary team,” said Rick Taylor, Executive Director of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission, which oversees management and operation of the Hattiesburg Zoo. “The animal care team works in concert with one another, which directly benefits the quality of care given to every species in our zoo.”

08/26/2024

Due to popular demand of guests of the Hattiesburg Zoo, the decision has been made to offer Sensory Day on the FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH!!

“Offering this special day at a regular time each month allows our guests to easily recall when Sensory Day will be held so they can plan their visits in advance to enjoy this day of lowered sensory levels at our Zoo,” said Jeremy Cumpton, Director of Conservation and Education.

Sensory Day dates for the remainder of 2024 are September 1st, October 6th, November 3rd and December 8th.

On a regular day, the Zoo is a bustling attraction, filled with plenty of sounds and movement that could possibly trigger an adverse reaction in someone with sensory sensitivities. On every Sensory Day the zoo will have all music turned off, quiet train rides, sensory stations, and calm animal encounters throughout the day. This event will take place during regular zoo hours from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Hattiesburg Zoo staff has been trained by leading professionals to recognize guests with sensory needs, and know how to handle any sensory overload situations that may occur. Sensory bags, available in the Zoo office are equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads are designed to help both children and adults and can help lessen sensory overload and help engage and redirect individuals.

Zoo staff is prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities, and all guests will be welcomed with comfort and accommodation. The Hattiesburg Zoo was the first attraction/destination in Mississippi to be certified by KultureCity as a sensory inclusive location.

Regular zoo admission rates apply, and there is no additional charge for Sensory Day. Annual passes will be honored for every Sensory Day.

08/24/2024

Happy CATURDAY from Bunga! 😻

Pounce into fun at the Hattiesburg Zoo today with our splash pad and frozen treats 🍧🍦. We’re open from 10am-4pm, with last entry at 3:30pm. Don’t miss out!

08/23/2024

TODAY‼️😃

📕 Once Upon a Time at a Zoo not-so far-away, a STORYTIME event was being held for free - every Friday in August 2024.

The Hattiesburg Zoo will host a free STORYTIME event geared for children, who are not yet in school, and their caregivers. Storytime will take place Friday, August 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th.

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. “We continue to have such great response for this community-based event,” said Jeremy Cumpton, Director of Conservation and Education at the Hattiesburg Zoo. “This an enriching service our Zoo provides, and seeing the smiling faces of our attendees is very rewarding.”

For the second time in STORYTIME history, each book will be read in both English and Spanish. The first time this bi-lingual event was held was in January of this year. Spots for each STORYTIME session are limited, and available on a first-come, first serve basis. There is no cost associated with this event.

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, which is located in advance of the zoo’s Ticket Booth.

08/22/2024

Cotton-top Cutie❤️

📚 Did you know? When Cotton-top tamarins get excited, their hair stands on end to make them look bigger and more impressive! Check out Motley's fabulous hairdo & pose! 🤩🎸

It’s the perfect day to visit the zoo! We’re open from 10am to 4pm, with last entry at 3:30pm. See you soon!

📸Keeper Sara

08/21/2024

Look at this handsome poolside piggy! 🐽🩵

Kevin Bacon 🐷 says to come visit him today and to pack a swim suit for the splash pad! It’s perfect for all ages and a great way to cool off! 💦 Open 10am-4pm, last entry 3:30pm!

📸 Keeper Kalix

08/20/2024

📢 📚 Home School Days return to the Hattiesburg every first Tuesday in October, November and December (October 1, November 5, December 3) 2024.

Home School Days run from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., which will allow these students early access to the Zoo an hour prior to the public opening, which will give the education team more time work with the participants on their assigned activities.

This year’s programming is based on BIRDS. 🦅🦜🦢From 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. there will be four activity stations located throughout the zoo, which will each have a unique task for students to work through. From 10:00 – 10:15 a.m. students and parents will enjoy an animal encounter at the Giraffe Pavilion. Also, from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. a Nature Swap will be held where students can share their unique nature-based finds and swap their treasures with other participant and with the zoo staff members. After 10:30 a.m. students and their parents are welcome to enjoy the zoo at their leisure.

Participation in Hattiesburg Zoo’s Home School Days requires advanced reservations which can be made through this link
https://tickets.hattiesburgzoo.com/event/hattiesburg-zoo-homeschool-program at a cost of $15 per student ($10 for a student with an annual zoo pass) and $8 for parents (free for a parent with an annual zoo pass). Students and parents with an annual zoo pass will need to bring them to the ticket booth on the day of their participation to receive their discount.

08/17/2024

Saturday? No! CATURDAY! 😻

Swing by today to see our feline friends and enjoy a purr-fectly fun day out. See you there! 🐱Open 10am-4pm. Last entry 3:30pm!

08/14/2024

Have you met our new cool “kids” on the block? 🐐😎

Open 10am-4pm. Last entry at 3:30pm. We hope to see you soon!
📸 Keeper Wendy

08/12/2024

Serengeti Springs is offering some pretty awesome Special Deals for the rest of the season!

Deal Days begin Monday August 12th and run through Thursday, August 29th.

🇺🇸Military Monday – BOGO (Must Present Military ID)
(Available to any member of the family with a military ID) Two-for-one for all members of the party.

📚Homeschool Tuesday – BOGO for groups of 10 or more

👵🏼Senior Adult Wednesday (Ages 55+) – BOGO (Must Present ID)

📚College Students – BOGO with active college ID (Monday-Thursday)

🎉After School 🏫 Special–BOGO Monday–Thursday after 2pm. Applies to everyone in the group/family.

Enjoy the final days of summer 🌊Splishing, 🌊Splashing and 🛝Sliding on the Fusion Fortress and 🌊Reclining, Relaxing and Resting on the Lazy River.

🌟Tickets are available AT THE Serengeti Springs GATE ONLY. Cabanas can be rented online and in-person (pending availability) for the advertised price. The full food🍕 and beverage 🍺🥤menu will be available for purchase.

08/11/2024

We really thought EVERYDAY was National SON and DAUGHTER DAY! 💙 🩷 But evidently today is the actual HOLIDAY! Come celebrate your sons and daughters at the Hattiesburg Zoo today! Not only can you come see our favorite sons and daughters that are residents 🦓 🦒🐊 here; but you can find a jewel 💎at our Mining Expedition (bags for mining range from $7-$25), give our 🧗🏾‍♂️High Ropes Adventure Course a try and end your day with a 💧splash or two in the Splashpad! (or really end your day on a cool note at Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo next door!

08/10/2024

PURRRfect photo for ! 💙

Zoo is open 10am-4pm today and the SPLASHPAD is still SPLASHING!

📸 Keeper Maggie

08/09/2024

Part 2 of Animals of Asbury in closing ceremony of 🌟Hattiesburg Zoooooolympics🌟!

We hope you enjoyed the Hattiesburg Zooooolympics for 2024. 🏅🥈🥉🇺🇸

📸 Keeper Stephanie

08/09/2024

As part of our Closing Ceremony for the Hattiesburg Zoooooolympics Keeper Stephanie got many of the Animals of Asbury in on some of the Olympic action! Proud to pose with their flag of their country of origin!

Stay tuned for part 2 of our closing ceremony!

08/08/2024

🌟Hattiesburg Zoooooolympics Featured Animal Athlete

Athlete Name: Piper
Species: Howler Monkey
Place of Origin: Central/South America
Competing Country: USA
Sport: Gymnastics – Uneven Bars

It’s rare that athletes allow spectators in on one of their training sessions, but Piper was happy to give a behind-the-scenes view. Piper’s coaches Dancer and Stumpy (Blue & Gold Macaws) are tough on their athletes. Let’s listen in to their training session. “And, 1…and, 2…and, 3! Now, extend…and back up, Piper! Only 8 more sets and we will move on to the next exercise.” It’s not uncommon to hear Piper howl (LOUDLY) at her coaches when she disagrees with their directions, especially since the Howler Monkey’s vocalizations can be heard clearly for up to 3 miles. Practice makes perfect!

Go for Gold! (or at least some lettuce!)

08/06/2024

The Hattiesburg Zoo has welcomed two baby goats 🐐🐐 to its Petting Zoo. Violet and Eloise are both one month old and are joining 5 mature goats at the Hattiesburg Zoo. Violet and Eloise are a cross breed of Alpine and Nigerian goats with an average lifespan of 12 – 15 years. The pair were a donation to the Hattiesburg Zoo from a private owner/breeder.

“Cute doesn’t even come close to describing Eloise and Violet,” said Kristen Moore, Director of Animal Care. “They will certainly be lively in our Petting Zoo, and will give guests quite the show.” Eloise and Violet can be found in the petting zoo daily.

The Hattiesburg Zoo is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

08/03/2024

🌟Hattiesburg Zoooooolympics Featured Animal Athletes🌟
Athletes Names: Hope, Bertie, Sue Ellen
Species: Reticulated 🦒 Giraffes
Place of Origin: Africa
Competing Country: USA 🇺🇸
Sport: 3 on 3 Basketball 🏀
Bertie, Sue Ellen and Hope🦒🦒🦒 think they have a good chance at GOLD in 3 on 3 Basketball. They have it all – long legs, height advantage and speed. The only problem……..getting the ball in the basket! They have been working on their passing skills, but they are struggling with hoop accuracy. Here they are pictured discussing strategy during halftime of a pick-up game with the Guinea Hens.

07/31/2024

🌟Hattiesburg Zooooolympics Featured Animal Athlete🌟

Athlete Name: Gidget
Species: Cotton Top Tamarin
Place of Origin: Mexico/South America
Competing Country: USA 🇺🇸
Sport: Gymnastics

One of the smallest, and most agile and certainly one of the cutest of the primates is the Cotton Top Tamarin, which makes Gidget a perfect competitor in gymnastics. Cotton Top Tamarins spend most of their time in the upper branches of trees. Gidget is quite intelligent and sizes up her uneven bars before swinging from bar to bar. When she finishes her bar routine her hair stands on end because she is so excited!

Congratulations to USA Gymnastics on outstanding performances in Paris! 🏅🥉

07/30/2024

OH MY GOODNESS...CAN IT BE TRUE? HATTIESBURG ZOO WELCOMES BABY ZEBRA NUMBER 2️⃣!!! In fewer than three weeks the Hattiesburg Zoo welcomes a second 🦓zebra foal born in the Africa barn. Mom, Safara gave birth to 💙 male at 1:03 a.m. on Monday, July 29th. The foal was up and walking in less than 15 minutes. Mom Safara is 4 years old and the stallion, Bakari is seven years old.
Samira, who gave birth on July 14th and her female foal were in the barn when the male zebra was born.

Samira’s foal has been named Jasira by her zoo keepers, which means “bold and brave. Jasira’s name tracks with her personality and behavior,” said Kristen Moore, Director of Animal Care. “Jasira is wide open on the Veldt, and seemingly has no fear.”

Visitors can see the zebra foals on the African Vedlt. 🦓💙🦓🩷