Places of Greater Baton Rouge BREC’S BATON ROUGE ZOO Years in Business: 56 Years BREC, Owner
B aton Rouge’s his- tory of realizing the importance of a zoo started in the 1930’s with a collection of animals displayed in City Park. In 1965, taxpayers passed a millage that provided over $750,000 and matching funds were obtained from the Bureau of Outdoor Rec- reation to build the facility.
are thoughtfully designed to engage visitors at every stage of life. What do you enjoy the most about having the Zoo in our region? We’re proud to be part of BREC’s award-winning parks sys- tem, and to provide patrons with an accessible, afford- able, one-of-a-kind rec- reational experience. Our Zoo connects people with wildlife and the natural world through exception- ally engaging experiences and conservation efforts that impact our world both locally and globally. What’s next for the Zoo? As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Zoo is exclusive to the top 10% of zoos and aquariums in the United States. Next steps include the Ambassa- dor Animal building, Phase II – Africa, and Phase III – Atchafalaya. The Am- bassador Animal building, construction to begin in 2026, is a modern facility that will elevate animal care and expand educational opportunities. Phase II will create an intimate experi- ence taking guests through the central part of Africa highlighting lions and goril- las. Phase III will celebrate the region’s rich culture, history, and wildlife which will bring the swamp alive. Each phase brings us closer to a more immersive, world-class destination that educates and inspires.
The Zoo opened to the public Easter Sunday,
1970. The residents of East Baton Rouge Parish fully embraced the new zoo, and a sense of ownership was instilled by television personality, Buckskin Bill. In his words, “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. With over a quarter million guests each year, the Zoo attracts visitors of all ages and backgrounds, repre- senting a cross-section of the community becoming the area’s #1 regional attrac- tion and Louisiana’s largest urban zoo. How do you make it a point to put families first? The Zoo is a safe, fun, educational recreation experience committed to serving our region. Zoo experiences—including events, educational infor- mation, and keeper chats—
64 Faces & Places ® | Winter 2026
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