Baton Rouge Zoo | Baton Rouge

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo, situated at 13350 Highway 19 in Baker, Louisiana, covers 133 acres and is the first zoo in Louisiana accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is designed to combine education, conservation, and recreation, offering visitors an immersive wildlife experience.

Animal Exhibits

The zoo hosts over 1,800 animals representing species from across the globe, with thoughtfully curated habitats:

Realm of the Tiger: Home to Malayan and Sumatran tigers, Siamang gibbons, a Koi pond, and a walk-through Asian aviary. Visitors can observe these animals in settings that simulate their natural environments.

Otter Pond: Features North American river otters with underwater viewing, alongside a replica fishing cabin to highlight the animals’ habitat and behaviors.

L’Aquarium de Louisiane: Highlights Louisiana’s native aquatic species, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, and arachnids, emphasizing local biodiversity.

Twiga Oasis: Houses reticulated giraffes and Thomson’s gazelles, with a visitor feeding station where guests can offer lettuce to giraffes.

Giants of the Islands: Exhibits Aldabra and Galápagos giant tortoises, demonstrating longevity and unique adaptations.

Africa: Displays cheetahs, eastern black rhinoceroses, zebras, gazelles, nyalas, bongo, pygmy hippopotamuses, colobus monkeys, red river hogs, Nubian ibexes, ostriches, and Egyptian geese, offering a full African savanna experience.

Recent arrivals include Red River hogs, Dama gazelles, Andean bears, a black rhinoceros, and a Nubian ibex, all undergoing medical checks and quarantine before public introduction. Playground upgrades have also been added, enhancing the family-friendly environment.

Visitor Hours and Admission

Regular Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (admission gate), with zoo grounds closing at 5:00 p.m.

Extended Summer Hours: Admission gate open until 5:00 p.m., zoo closes at 6:00 p.m.

Closed: New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Admission Fees:

Adults & Teens: $10

Seniors: $8.50

Children (2–12): $7

Children under 2: Free

Programs and Events

The zoo offers a range of educational and interactive programs:

Zoo & Me Morning: Activities for ages 3–5 with parent participation.

Keeper Chats: Staff-led sessions about animal care and conservation.

Ambassador Animal Meet & Greets: Up-close encounters with selected animals.

Seasonal events include "Rockin’ at the Swamp," "Duck Duck Goose Day," and "Swamp Haunted Hikes," connecting visitors to nature and wildlife through themed experiences.

Infrastructure and Improvements

The zoo is undergoing phased renovations to improve both visitor experience and animal welfare. Completed upgrades include new enclosures, a relocated giraffe exhibit with feeding access, and updated playgrounds. Future plans involve an amphitheater and additional exhibits.

Location and Contact

Address: 13350 Highway 19, Baker, LA 70714

Phone: (225) 775-3877

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo offers an engaging, educational, and conservation-focused experience for families and wildlife enthusiasts, combining local and global animal exhibits with interactive programming.