BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
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Nearby pet stores & pet services
Highway 19
70714
Groom Road
Gourrier Avenue, Baton Rouge
Plank Road
70714
Laredo Avenue, Baton Rouge
Nearby photography services
Lavey Lane
Longvue Drive
70714
Nearby clothing stores
No Public Access, Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge 70807
Main Street
Lavey Lane
Lavey Lane
Lavey Lane
Nearby taxis
Main Street
Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport
Blanche Noyes Avenue, Baton Rouge
W Highway 190, Port Allen
La-19, Zachary
Nikos Place, Arlington
Connecting people to wildlife through engaging experiences & conservation efforts globally & locally. BREC was a finalist for the award in 1998.
BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo was a dream of the Recreation and Parks Commission as early as 1960. In 1965, the taxpayers passed a millage election that provided more than three-quarters of a million dollars to build the facility. At that time, a Zoo Director was employed to help design and implement the plans for the Zoo. Matching funds were obtained from the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. Construction began in 1966 and BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo first opened to the public on Easter Sunday, 1970. The residents of East Baton Rouge 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. Entertainment and Culture
The Zoo is a place where people connect with animals. Over the past forty years, the Zoo has grown to become the #1 year-round family attraction in Baton Rouge. With more than a quarter million guests each year, the Zoo attracts visitors of all ages and backgrounds. The Zoo is a favorite place for families and groups to discover the animal kingdom. Professionalism
Today, BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo is home to animals from around the world including tigers, black rhinos, flamingos, alligators and giraffes. The Baton Rouge Zoo was the first zoo in Louisiana to achieve the distinguished honor of being accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. As a leader in the zoo field, the Baton Rouge Zoo was accredited in 1977, four years before any other zoos in the state and eight years before such accreditation was mandatory for membership in this prestigious professional association. Conservation
The Zoo is very active in conservation programs and fully participates with other zoos around the world in nearly 30 international Species Survival Plans (SSP) for critically endangered species. Three of these SSP animals, the Guam Rail, Arabian Oryx, and Golden Lion Tamarin, have been successfully reintroduced into the wild and represent living proof of our long-term commitment of reintroduction to strengthen and supplement wild populations of endangered and threatened wildlife. Education and Research
The Zoo conducts active outreach and in-house educational programs. These programs are aimed at making the public aware of the problems confronting the wildlife of the world. Our educational programs reach thousands of children in school groups each year. Educational programming has expanded to include activities such as community outreach programs, reading programs, day camps, weekend classes, teacher workshops, on-site live animal and artifacts encounters and demonstrations. The demand for our educational programs increases every year. We also work very closely with the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine conducting research on several species. Behavioral studies are also conducted through other departments at Louisiana State University as well as other colleges throughout our region. A Facility of BREC
BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo is owned and operated by the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC), a public government agency. BREC was created by an act of the Louisiana State Legislature in 1946 and is governed by a nine member appointed Commission. BREC is funded by Ad Valorem taxes, fees and charges and grants, gifts and donations. The BREC system is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. BREC has won the prestigious National Gold Medal Award for excellence in Recreation and Park Administration in 1975 and 1991. Community Support Organization
BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo is supported by the Friends of the Baton Rouge Zoo organization. The Friends' mission is to support the Zoo and its programs. The Friends work closely with BREC to raise funds for the capital projects, increase attendance through events, and to promote community involvement. The Friends of the Zoo has a Federal Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) status.
11/01/2026
You said we get one more hour of sleep? Still sleepy. 😴
10/31/2026
Our Not-So-Scary Animal Spotlight series concludes… with spiders! 🕷️🎃
Okay, we know. We saved one of the really scary ones for last. 😂
But spiders and other arachnids are far more fascinating than frightening. From helping control insect populations to playing an important role in food webs, these eight-legged creatures play their own special role in keeping ecosystems healthy and thriving.
And here's something to remember: not every spider is dangerous to humans, and most would much rather avoid us than bother us.
So, as we wrap up our Not-So-Scary Spotlights, maybe the biggest lesson is this: sometimes the animals that scare us the most are the ones we understand the least. 🕷️💚
10/30/2026
THAT’S A WRAP ON BOO AT THE ZOO, presented by Hancock Whitney ! 👻🎃
Four days. So many treats. Countless spooky memories!
A HUGE thank-you to everyone who joined us for Boo at the Zoo at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo! From our amazing guests and dedicated staff to our wonderful volunteers and vendors, you helped make this year’s event WILDLY wonderful! 🧡🐾
🌟 A SPECIAL THANK-YOU TO OUR INCREDIBLE SPONSORS! 🌟
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ochsner Health, Essential Credit Union, Community Coffee, Delta Utilities, Guaranty Bank and Trust Company and Our Lady of the Lake Children's Health 🧡 Your generosity, partnership, and commitment to our community help make Boo at the Zoo possible.
Even more exciting? The funds raised through events like Boo at the Zoo help support conservation efforts and the Zoo’s mission to protect wildlife! 🐾🌎 Your support helps us make a difference for animals and the natural world.
Thank you to Day of Bestie for capturing the magic during our event! day_of_bestie
Thank you to everyone who helped make the magic happen! 🎃✨
Until next year, Boo Crew… stay spooky! 👻
10/29/2026
🎉🦔 MAXIMUM CUTENESS: MAX TURNS 11! 🎂💚
Help us wish a VERY happy 11th birthday to Max, our three-banded armadillo and one of our beloved ambassador animals! 🥳
Born at the Saint Louis Zoo, Max joined our ambassador animal family when he turned one. For his big day, he enjoyed some well-deserved dig-around time and a special frozen birthday “cake” made with his pellets, puréed food, and mealworms. Talk about a crunchy celebration! 🪱🎂
🌎 But Max is more than just a birthday boy! He’s part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP), which helps maintain healthy, genetically diverse animal populations in human care.
Three-banded armadillos face challenges in the wild, including habitat loss, hunting, and natural threats. With populations declining and typically only one pup born at a time, conservation efforts are especially important for their future.
While Max may never be called upon to become a dad due to the number of males in the managed population, he will ALWAYS be number one in our book! 💚
Drop a 🦔 or 🎂 in the comments to wish Max a happy birthday!
10/28/2026
**BID BIG. SAVE RHINOS. MAKE A DIFFERENCE!** 💚🦏
Ready to shop for a good cause? 🛍️ Check out the **Bowling for Rhinos Auction** and discover exciting items while supporting wildlife conservation!
Every bid is an opportunity to make a difference and help protect rhinos and other endangered wildlife. 🌍🐾
✨ Browse the auction.
💚 Find something you love.
🦏 Bid for a cause!
⏰ **THE AUCTION IS LIVE NOW THROUGH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, AT 9 PM!** Don't wait—get your bids in before time runs out!
🔗 **Browse the auction and place your bids here:**
Link in Comments
Let’s strike up some support for wildlife conservation! 🎳🦏💚
10/28/2026
This time, we're shining the spotlight on the Maned Wolf! And no, these guys don't howl at the moon... that we know of. 🎃🐺
With its long legs, reddish coat, and unmistakable mane, the Maned Wolf looks like it could have stepped straight out of a spooky story. But this unique animal is actually the largest canid in South America — and it’s unlike any wolf you’ve met before.
Despite its name, the Maned Wolf isn’t really a wolf at all! It’s an entirely unique species with a diet that includes everything from small animals and insects to fruits and plants. 🍎🌿
10/26/2026
ATTENTION! Rumble is shifting gears! 🚗💨
We’re moving the fun to Saturday, December 5! Same wild rides, same Zoo, just a new date on the calendar. 🐅🏁
Mark your calendars and get ready to rumble! Registration details and updates on our website, or reach out below for more info!
10/25/2026
TODAY IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO BOO! 👻🎃
It’s the FINAL day of BREC's Baton Rouge's Boo at the Zoo presented by Hancock Whitney ! 🧡 Grab your costumes, gather your Boo Crew, and join us for one last day of Halloween fun!
📅 TODAY, OCTOBER 25
⏰ 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets available online or at the gate!
Don’t miss your last chance to make some WILD Halloween memories at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo! 🍬🕸️
10/24/2026
LAST CHANCE TO GET YOUR BOO ON! 👻
The FINAL weekend of Boo at the Zoo is HERE! 🍬🕸️ If you haven’t joined the Halloween fun yet, this is your last chance to experience four days of WILD Halloween memories at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo!
🎃 Come dressed in your favorite costume!
🍬 Enjoy trick-or-treating and Halloween fun!
🦖 Catch exciting entertainment and special appearances!
🍔 Grab a festive treat from our food vendors!
✨ Explore the spooky sights and Halloween decorations!
📅 TODAY & TOMORROW — October 24 & 25!
🎟️ Tickets are available online or at the gate. Pre-purchased ticket holders and Zoo members can use the express entry line!
👻 Gather your Boo Crew, grab those costumes, and come make this Halloween weekend WILD!
Don’t miss your LAST chance to BOO with us! 🧡
ZOO MEMBERS GET IT FREE !
10/23/2026
THE MAGIC IS TAKING SHAPE AT ZOOLIGHTS!✨
While strolling through BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo lately, you may have notice holiday light being strung up around the Zoo! 👀 That's our new light vendor, DNE Creative Technologies, DNE Creative Technology hard at work bringing the holiday magic to life.
Get ready to experience a dazzling wonderland filled with sparkling lights, festive holiday cheer, and merry memories waiting to be made. We can't wait for you to see what's in store this year!
📅 November 27 - December 30
🕠 Nightly from 5:30 - 9pm
🎄 Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Gather your family and friends, make plans to visit, and get ready to see the magic! 🎁🌟
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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Address
13350 Highway 19
Baker, LA
70714
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9:30am - 4pm |
| Tuesday | 9:30am - 4pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30am - 4pm |
| Thursday | 9:30am - 4pm |
| Friday | 9:30am - 4pm |
| Saturday | 9:30am - 4pm |
| Sunday | 9:30am - 4pm |
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