Places of Baton Rouge BREC’S BATON ROUGE ZOO Years in Business: 54 Years Owner: Recreation and Parks Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge
B aton Rouge’s long of animals displayed in City Park. A new zoo was a dream of the Recreation and Parks Commission, and in 1965, taxpayers passed a millage election that provided over three-quarters of a million dollars to build the facility. Matching funds were obtained from the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. history of realizing the importance of a zoo to the community started in the 1930s with a collection Construction began in 1966 and the Baton Rouge Zoo first opened to the public on Easter Sunday, 1970. The residents of East Baton Rouge Parish 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. More than 600,000 pennies were collected, which made the purchase of the Zoo’s first two elephants possible. Since its opening, the Zoo has grown to become the area’s #1 year-round family attraction and Louisiana’s largest urban zoo. With over a quarter million guests
each year, the Zoo attracts visitors of all ages and backgrounds, representing a great cross-section of the region. The Zoo has become the region’s favorite place for families and groups to discover the animal kingdom. Services Provided: •Exhibits•Keeper Chats•Educational Programs•Year-Round Events•Birthday Parties•Field Trips•Zoo & Me Mornings•Camps Places of Baton Rouge MANSHIP THEATRE Years in Business: 20 Years having the zoo in our area? In the words of Buckskin Bill, “Baton Rouge needs a Zoo!” We love that so many members of our community fondly recall rallying behind their new Zoo and supporting the purchase of its first two elephants with their own pennies. We’re proud to be part of BREC’s award-winning parks system, and to provide Baton Rouge residents with an accessible, affordable, one-of-a-kind recreational experience.
What’s next for the zoo? In 2024, we rejoined the approximately 10% of zoos and aquariums in the United States to achieve the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation. With Phase 1 now complete, the Baton Rouge Zoo is moving forward with the next stages of its transformation. Up next is renovation to the Africa & Atchafalaya area, celebrating Louisiana’s culture, history, and wildlife, followed by the Atchafalaya Exhibit, which will further showcase the state’s rich ecosystems. The Zoo will also introduce new lion and gorilla exhibits, enhancing the visitor experience and advancing conservation efforts. Each phase brings us closer to a more immersive, world-class destination that educates and inspires. Stay tuned for what’s next!
How do you make it a point to put families first? The Zoo is a fun, educational, safe recreational space that guests of all ages can enjoy and learn from every day! Everything at the Zoo, from events to informative signs to keeper chats, is crafted with all age groups in mind. For instance, our most popular community event of the year, Boo at the Zoo, is a “merry- not-scary” event; even our youngest Zoo-goers can enjoy the weekend of entertainment, costumes, fall decor, special enrichments, and more! Most importantly, all Zoo staff are trained and practiced in protocols that ensure safety and peace of mind for all guests, especially families and children.
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46 2025 | FACES & PLACES OF GREATER BATON ROUGE
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