The Face of ANIMAL EDUCATION BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo Jim Fleshman, Zoo Director, and Jennifer Shields, Education Curator PHOTO CREDIT: BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY
B REC’s Baton Rouge Zoo is a place where people con- nect with animals worldwide, including flamingos, rhinos, and alligators. Visitors can explore world-class exhibits like Sapo Springs, Twiga Oasis, and L’aquarium de Louisiane, providing fun and education for all ages. The Zoo plays a significant role in the community by offering educational and conservation opportunities. Key initiatives include: 1. Education and Conservation Programs Animal managed programs, like SSPs and TAGs, help maintain diverse populations. They are also key components in conserving endangered species in our care. These efforts support global and local in-situ conservation initiatives. As the zoo shifts to a zoo- geographical display model, this brings local culture and nature together. This also allows the Zoo to highlight various regions around the world, where these animals and cultures live together. Programs like ZooMobile, Meet & Greets, and Animals Reaching Children (ARC) pro- vide students and the public with educational experiences on wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship. Hosting events like Zippity Zoo Fest, Boo at the Zoo, and Rumble in the Jungle, fosters
family-friendly and commu- nity-focused centered engagement for all.
2. Recreational and Family Activities Offering interactive
experiences like the Safari Playground, Otter Cabin, and KidsZoo provides hands-on educational opportunities for children and families and promotes learning through play. Events like Krewe de Zoo during Mardi Gras and ZooLights during the holiday season create festive, community- building opportunities.
3. Accessibility and Public Engagement
By maintaining affordable admissions and programs like Wednesday Afternoon Discounts, the Zoo ensures an accessible space for all within our community. 4. Volunteer Opportunities The Zoo provides opportuni- ties for community members of all ages, to volunteer, gain- ing valuable experience in animal care, education, and event management. Through these various efforts, the Baton Rouge Zoo fosters a deep connection with the community, pro- motes conservation aware- ness, and offers a dynamic space for recreation and education. For more informa- tion, visit brzoo.org.
10 Faces & Places ® | Winter 2026
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