To have a great time in Louisiana, all you need is a sense of curiosity and wonder. This state is home to many different zoos and animal parks, each with its own unique charm. You and your friends and family can visit these places to learn about the many animal species that call this beautiful state home. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the family or just a relaxing afternoon by yourself, be sure to check out some of the zoos that Louisiana has to offer. Take a look at the list below to find a zoo that’s right for you.
Cities With Zoos in Louisiana
Here are the most well-known zoos and animal parks in Louisiana.
Alexandria
Alexandria Zoological Park
Located at 3016 Masonic Dr, Alexandria, the Alexandria Zoological Park is a 33-acre zoo that is home to over hundreds of animals. These include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, and invertebrates. In naturalistic displays portraying the state’s swamps, wetlands, and highlands, native species such as crocodiles, roseate great horned owls, North American river otters, cougars, black bears, bobcats, raccoons, red wolves, white-tailed deer, and more can be found. A submerged viewing area even enables people to see turtles, fish, otters, and alligators in their natural habitat.
With an admission fee of only $5.50 for children and $7.50 for adults, this is a great place to take the family on a budget. The zoo is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm. Visitors aged 21 and up can experience the zoo while drinking spirits and enjoying live music. Extra beer and wine, as well as delightful food truck meals, are available to buy. On Earth Day, this zoo hosts educational events to teach you more about the environment, biodiversity, and our environmental assets. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the Alexandria Zoological Park should be on your list of places to see and explore.
New Orleans
Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
The Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium are located at 23 Canal St, New Orleans. Their new park space includes exhibition halls from the botanical garden and butterfly conservatory as well as new handmade displays. The revived center city site of Audubon will enable them to illustrate their wildlife preservation tale and their dedication to positively affecting the natural environment. Their mission is to foster an appreciation of the world of insects and instill an understanding of the importance of the conservation and stewardship of the planet. They seek to accomplish this through education, research, recreation, and sustainable management of natural resources.
With an affordable admission fee, this place is a very valuable garden to visit. This is a great place to take kids who are fascinated by bugs. The Audubon Insectarium is open from Monday to Thursday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. You can also book your events here for a truly unique and memorable experience. You can support their cause by making a donation or by becoming a member, which gets you free admission for a year and some other great benefits. If you’re looking for a fun, educational, and truly unique place to visit, be sure to check out the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium.
Audubon Zoo
The Audubon Zoo is located at 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans. The zoo takes care of wildlife from all around the world by offering educational programs as well as hands-on animal interactions. Natural environments that are one-of-a-kind, including the award-winning Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle, exemplify the beautiful relationships between individuals and the environment. Their daily animal presentations feature their critically endangered whooping cranes, Amur leopards, and orangutans, as well as their tiger and mysterious white alligators. Audubon Zoo is consistently ranked as one of the top ten zoos in the United States.
With many events and sites to explore, such as a flamingo exhibit, gorilla troop, lion exhibit, African savanna, and many more, your friends and family will definitely enjoy their time here. You can also support their cause by becoming a member or making a donation. If you are willing to adopt an animal, you can do so here as well. The adoption process is simple and easy, and it helps support the zoo’s many conservation programs. If you’re looking for a great place to visit in New Orleans, be sure to check out Audubon Zoo.
Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge Zoo
Baton Rouge Zoo is an excellent place to connect with and learn about animals from all over the world. The staff prides themselves on being a leader in animal care, education, and conservation. The zoo is located at 3601 Thomas Rd, Baton Rouge. With their many programs and events, they offer something for everyone. They have a variety of animals that you can learn about, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, and invertebrates. By becoming a member, you can get free admission for a year as well as other great benefits.
They know that it is now more important than ever for the youth to gain an understanding, admiration, and appreciation for the natural resources and environment that surround us.
Folsom
Global Wildlife Center
Global Wildlife Center is located at 26389 LA-40, Folsom. This is a great place to learn about wildlife from all over the world. They have private tours, wagon tours, field trips, and even parties that you can book. Here, you can see and learn about their giraffes, Bactrian camels, red kangaroos, grant’s zebra, American bison, and llama. You can even feed some of them! One of their main goals is to provide a fun and educational experience for everyone. They offer many different programs that are designed to educate people about the importance of conservation.
Their admission fees for public tours are $19 for adults, $17 for seniors, $13 for children, and free for infants that are less than one year old. There are discounts available for the military and for groups of 25 or more. By staying up to date on their exciting calendar of events, you can be sure to have a great time while also supporting their cause. Check out Global Wildlife Center in Folsom, Louisiana to learn more about the wildlife of the world. You can also join their membership program to get great discounts.
Pineville
Gone Wild Safari
Located at 805 Hooper Rd, Pineville, Gone Wild Safari is a great place to learn about animals and ecology. This safari is home to hundreds of exotic animals. You should consider taking a thrilling safari ride through this incredible nature reserve, where so many animals wander freely in natural environments similar to those found in the wild. Visitors of all ages will appreciate their petting zoo and animal feeding encounter, as well as meals, shopping, and so much more. If you’re planning an event, Gone Wild Safari’s Party Room is a great location for an event that everyone will remember for years.
Make your next event an adventure. This safari offers many programs designed to educate people about the importance of conservation, and they have a variety of animals with plenty of information about their habitats, ecology, and behavior. So, if you are looking for a place to learn about modern conservation efforts, be sure to check out Gone Wild Safari in Pineville, Louisiana. You can also join their family members to get great benefits and discounts.
Monroe
Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo
Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo is located at 1405 Bernstein Park Rd, Monroe. The zoo connects people with the natural world by providing educational opportunities, entertainment, and conservation of the planet’s biodiversity. They have hundreds of animals that are native to Louisiana, as well as many exotic species from all around the world. The zoo is also home to a variety of plants, including an orchid conservatory with hundreds of species of these beautiful flowers. With so many things to see and do, you can easily spend a whole day here.
One of the best things about this zoo is that it is affordable for everyone. They offer many different membership options so that you can choose what works best for you and your family. You can also join their family by becoming a member to get great benefits and discounts. If you are willing to support their cause, then you can donate to help them continue their work in conservation and education. Their website also has a lot of information about the zoo and its animals, so be sure to check it out before your visit.
Lafayette
Zoosiana
Located at 5601 Hwy 90 E, Broussard, Zoosiana is a family-friendly zoo that is perfect for a day trip. They have hundreds of animals, and the staff is very knowledgeable and able to answer any questions that you or your kids may have. With so many things to see and do, you can easily spend a whole day here with your loved ones.
It’s no wonder why Zoosiana is one of the top tourist attractions in the state. Year-round, they offer a variety of events and programs for the public. They also have a gift shop so you can take home souvenirs to remember your visit. You can give treats to the birds, ride the train, observe the wildlife exhibition, enjoy the playground, and have fun all day without breaking the bank. Be sure to check out Zoosiana; you’ll be glad you went.
Guide to Visiting Zoos in Louisiana
When visiting any zoo, it’s important to remember that you’re visiting the animals’ home. Although captive, these animals still have very specific needs in order to maintain their health and happiness. When planning a trip to any zoo, be sure to check out our guide below to get the most out of your visit to the best zoos in Louisiana.
- Consider your options: There are many different types of zoos, from safari parks to drive-through wildlife parks. Consider what type of experience you and your family are looking for before making a decision.
- Buy your admission ahead of time: Many zoos offer discounts for advance tickets purchased online or through third-party vendors. You can also find coupons in local publications and take advantage of any membership deals the zoo may offer.
- Examine the map: Once you have your tickets, take a look at the map of the zoo and plan your route. Be sure to take note of any special exhibits or events that may be happening during your visit.
- Wear cozy attire: Depending on the time of year, weather conditions can vary greatly. Be sure to dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes so you can enjoy your day without being miserable.
- Carry water and snacks: It’s important to stay properly hydrated and fed when walking around a zoo all day. Be sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks to keep your energy up.
Conclusion
With the right attitude and proper preparation, your visit to any of these zoos will be enjoyable and memorable. These zoos are not only great places to learn about animals and their habitats, but they are also great places for making memories with your loved ones. If you’re ever in the state of Louisiana, be sure to take advantage of one or more of their amazing zoos.
Looking to explore Louisiana? Here are some other great things to do in the state:
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