SEPTEMBER 26
Brew at the Zoo
OCTOBER 18, 19, 25 & 26
Boo at the Zoo
JULY 5
Surprise + Delight: Red, White + Zoo
JULY 26
Surprise + Delight: Frozen Safari
AUG 9
Zoo & Me Morning
SEPT 5
3rd annual Art for Animals: Call for Artists: Submissions accepted Sept. 8-Dec. 5
SEPT 13
Zoo & Me Morning
On behalf of everyone at the Baton Rouge Zoo, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. Your membership is vital in helping us create a world-class experience for our guests while ensuring the care and conservation of the incredible animals that call our zoo home.
This past year has been a transformative one for the Baton Rouge Zoo. After nearly four years of dedicated effort, we are thrilled to announce the completion of Phase 1 of our major renovations. With this milestone, we have introduced seven brand-new exhibits, renovated 11 existing habitats, and constructed 11 new buildings. Some of our most exciting additions include Sapo Springs, home to an African aviary, pygmy hippos, and colobus monkeys, and a state-of-the-art giraffe exhibit, which will soon feature a unique feeding experience.
We recently celebrated our 55th anniversary on April 5 and 6 during Zippity Zoo Fest, a special weekend of festivities commemorating this milestone.
Throughout this process, our goal has been to make your zoo visits more immersive, engaging, and memorable. When you step through our brand-new entrance off Highway 19, you immediately embark on a journey into the wild — surrounded by nature, wildlife, and experiences designed to connect you with the wonders of the animal kingdom. As we say, it’s time to Immerse Yourself in the Wild!
But we’re not stopping here. With Phase 1 complete, we now turn our focus to the future. Phase 2 will see the completion of our Africa exhibits, further enhancing your experience with new habitats and deeper storytelling about the continent's rich cultures and ecosystems. Looking ahead to Phase 3, we are excited to bring the beauty of Louisiana’s backyard to life with an immersive Atchafalaya exhibit, celebrating our great state's unique wildlife and landscapes.
Your membership ensures that we can continue making these dreams a reality, and we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We look forward to welcoming you back to the zoo soon so you can experience these incredible new additions firsthand.
With gratitude,
*Dates subject to change
Jim Fleshman ZOO DIRECTOR, Baton Rouge Zoo
The zoo is buzzing with excitement as several animals settle into their new homes and others prepare for their public debuts.
Rosie, one of the zoo’s giraffes and mom to Reign, is now comfortable in her surroundings and can be seen exploring her exhibit. Visitors can enjoy watching Rosie roam and interact, marking a major milestone in her acclimation. In the coming months, the zoo plans to open its Giraffe Feeding Station, where guests will be able to purchase lettuce and feed the giraffes. An official opening date has not yet been announced.
In one of the Africa habitats, visitors can now see species found across sub-Saharan Africa. The mixed ostrich exhibit, along with the recently introduced Dama gazelles and scimitar-horned oryx, adds to the dynamic environment and brings fresh energy to the space.
In the past few months, the zoo prepared for the arrival of several new animals. Red River hogs are currently off exhibit as they complete their quarantine and medical checkups but will soon
join the mixed hoofstock exhibit. In mid-May, a black rhinoceros, Nubian ibex, and an additional zebra stallion arrived at the zoo. However, it may be some time before some animals are available for public viewing, as it must first complete its quarantine.
Additionally, Andean bears also arrived. As with any new animal acquisition, they must go through a quarantine and medical checkup and will remain behind the scenes until they are fully acclimated and ready for exhibit. The zoo is also welcoming a new female Sumatran tiger, another exciting addition to the animal collection.
“We are thrilled to welcome these incredible animals to our zoo family,” said Jim Fleshman, director of BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo. “Each arrival is part of our mission to support conservation, education, and meaningful connections between people and wildlife.”
For more updates on these animals and more zoo updates, visit brzoo.org or follow the zoo on social media.
We’ve updated your favorite rewards to bring you even more value. Keep exploring, keep earning, and enjoy these new perks! education
Visit 8 times with 12 months of signing up or renewing your membership and receive a one-time use 15% discount at Flamingo Café.
Visit 10 times with 12 months of signing up or renewing your membership and receive a free train ride pass.
Visit 12 times with 12 months of signing up or renewing your membership and receive a special animal encounter with a zookeeper. 8
Did you know that our zoo education program served 24,248 kids & 23,254 adults in 2024
In Chinese tradition, the Year of the Snake symbolizes wisdom, intuition, and transformation. Those born under this sign are known for their intelligence, charm, and strategic thinking. The Snake represents mystery and elegance, often associated with deep insight and resilience. It is a year for introspection, calculated decisions and personal growth.
Meet some of our ambassador animals, Wilbur (hognose snake) and Orchid (boa constrictor), who were also featured on social media during our ‘Year of the Snake’ celebration. You can meet these beautiful snakes up close during meet-and-greets, major events at the Zoo, camps, Zoo & Me Mornings, and any programs involving schools.
DATE
ARK HAS HOSTED 1,700 CHILDREN
Thanks to generous grants from The Pennington Foundation, Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, and Jr. League of Baton Rouge, we can bring students to the zoo for a unique education experience.
Project ARK : Animals Reaching Kids is a program introduces children to animals they may see in real life, and helps children understand the importance of animals in our environment along with the significance of conservation of wild animals.
Student in grades 1st through 5th can come to the Zoo FREE OF CHARGE due to funding from our generous grant funders. The Zoo education team provides schools with a brief pre-test for students to take prior to their zoo visit and our team follows up with the school with for two simple
post-tests a month apart to help show retention of what the students learn.
To date we have hosted over 1,700 children.
Schools participating in the Spring 2025 Project ARK program are:
• Woodlawn Elementary
• Westdale Heights Academic Magnet (WHAM)
• Park Medical Academy
• LaSalle Elementar y
• Winbourne Elementar y
• Progress Elementar y
• Highland Elementar y
• Dufrocq Elementar y
• Brownsfield Element
Thank you to East Baton Rouge Parish School system for coordinating this effort along with our charitable grant funders!
KREWE dE ZOO OUR FiRSt aNNUal KREWE dE ZOO WRappEd Up on MArdi grAS dAy:And whAt A wild paRadE it WaS!
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined our Krewe and helped make this Mardi Gras season truly unforgettable. Our animal friends had a blast celebrating with you—beads, treats, and all!
Thanks to your incredible support, we raised over $2,800 for conservation efforts right here at the Zoo.
Until next year... laissez les bon temps rouler!
ROaR aNd pOUR thE FiRSt-EvER roAr And pour wAS A roAring SuccESS: And it:S All thAnkS to you!
We’re raising a glass to everyone who made this reimagined event unforgettable. With the help of our amazing sponsors, vendors, and incredible guests, we raised over $40,000 to support the Zoo’s mission of education, conservation, animal wellbeing, and community involvement.
A special shoutout to our presenting sponsor, The Queen BR, and to Rouses, REV, Visit Baton Rouge, NJC20 LLC Community Outreach, Wade’s Taxidermy, and Louisiana Pest Control—your support made this wild night possible!
We couldn’t have done it without you. Cheers to an even bigger Roar and Pour next year!
The Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation proudly presents Brew at the Zoo on Friday, September 26, 2025—our most popular fall fundraising event and a favorite among beer lovers! This exclusive after-hours experience invites guests aged 21 and older to sample a wide array of brews, from local home-brews and craft breweries to restaurant favorites. Enjoy mouthwatering bites from local eateries, jam out to live music, and meet some of the Zoo’s most charismatic Animal Ambassadors up close.
This year, we’re turning things up a notch with the introduction of our NEW VIP Plus ticket—an upgraded experience for the ultimate brew enthusiast! All ticket types are limited, so be sure to grab yours early.
Best of all, every sip supports wildlife—proceeds benefit the Baton Rouge Zoo’s vital conservation and education programs. Don’t miss this wild night of brews, bites, and unforgettable encounters!
Member presale will be held August 1-3.
DID YOU KNOW? Over 75% OF FLOWERING PLANTS and nearly 75% OF OUR CROPS rely on pollinators like hummingbirds, bats, bees, beetles, butterflies, and even flies! These hardworking creatures aren’t just vital to the environment — they contribute over $15 BILLION TO OUR ECONOMY EACH YEAR through agricultural services.
Sadly, many pollinator populations, especially bees, are rapidly declining across the U.S. and around the globe. That’s why places like our zoo are doing their part — and you can, too!
Next time you visit the Zoo, be sure to stop by our blooming pollinator garden just across from the Aquarium. It's full of vibrant native plants designed to attract and support pollinators year-round.
Want to make a difference from home? Creating your own pollinatorfriendly space is easy! Whether it’s a backyard garden, a balcony planter, or a few native flowers in a window box, every little bit helps support these essential species.
Protect pollinators. Plant with purpose. Grow change.
In the summer of 2024, the Baton Rouge Zoo welcomed Dr. Laken Russell as its new veterinarian. A recent graduate of LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Russell brings not only fresh expertise but also a lifelong passion for animal care and wildlife conservation.
Her journey to zoological medicine began in high school, shaped by a rural upbringing around horses and livestock. Initially considering a career as a farm veterinarian, her path changed dramatically after an unexpected opportunity to work as an animal keeper at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. That experience opened her eyes to the world of zoo medicine — an everchanging, hands-on field full of complexity and wonder. Over 13 years, she immersed herself in animal care, conservation, and veterinary procedures, developing a skillset that now serves her daily at the Baton Rouge Zoo.
As a zoo veterinarian, no two days are alike. Dr. Russell starts each morning with rounds, reviewing treatment plans, administering care, and tackling everything from physical exams to radiographs. One moment might involve a jaguar needing dental work, the next, laser therapy for a stork.
Since arriving, she’s navigated an exciting variety of cases — from quarantining new arrivals like foxes and bats to ensuring preventative care for primates and big cats. The diversity of
species and medical needs keeps her constantly learning and adapting.
Dr. Russell thrives on collaboration, working closely with zookeepers who provide essential insights into each animal’s behavior and history. Together, they form a unified front for animal well-being.
What inspires her most are the tough cases that end in triumph and the opportunity to mentor future wildlife veterinarians. She remembers being told her dream was unrealistic, but that doubt only fueled her determination. Today, she encourages aspiring veterinarians to pursue their goals with persistence and passion.
As for a favorite animal? She can’t choose just one. From parrots to livestock, every creature carries a memory, and every day reminds her why she loves this field. Through her dedication and joy, Dr. Laken Russell is helping shape a healthier future for the animals of Baton Rouge Zoo — and for the next generation of zoo veterinarians, too.
Art and nature came together in a powerful way this spring as Art for Animals 2025 took over BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo. From February through May, guests were invited to experience the beauty of wildlife and the power of creativity through a juried art exhibition, hands-on activities, and a celebratory festival and awards event.
The heart of the event was the Art for Animals exhibition, on display from February to May in the Atrium of the Zoo’s new entrance. Showcasing the talents of local artists ages 14 and up, the exhibit featured striking and thoughtful works inspired by animals, nature, and conservation. Visitors explored the gallery Monday through Friday, taking in a diverse range of styles and voices that reflected a shared passion for protecting the natural world.
The celebration culminated on Saturday, May 3, with Festival Day and the Closing Reception, bringing art to life with interactive fun for the whole family. From 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, festivalgoers enjoyed a variety of creative activities—
including art stations for kids, face painting, a caricature artist, and character meet-and-greets—all with the the art exhibition just steps away in the atrium.
At 1:00 PM, the event transitioned to the Closing Reception and Awards Ceremony, where attendees gathered in the Atrium to honor the artists whose works made this year’s show so meaningful.
Awards presented included First, Second, and Third Place honors, along with special recognitions such as the Juror’s Selections. Additional accolades included Honorable Mentions in the Youth Category, the People’s Choice Award—voted on by exhibition guests— and the Director’s Choice Award, selected personally by the director for its creative impact and alignment with the conservation theme. The 2025 season celebrated not only artistic talent, but the connections between people, animals, and the environment— all within the Zoo’s mission of education and stewardship.
1st Place
Heidi Carrol, Daybreak
2nd Place
Jeanne Brandt and Ravell Robinson, Desert Landscape with Blue Tiger
3rd Place
Christa Pierce, Ruby People’s Choice
Rebecca Guevara, The Kindness Beneath The Roar
Director’s Choice
Gordner Kroll, For Crip and Josephine
Honorable Mention
Bobby Chen, Life Balance Darrion Beaudion, Harmony
These awards are uniquely special because they're not just trophies—they're genuine, animal-made art. Crafted by zoo residents like geckos, a nutria, and even a snake, each piece is created through playful interaction with paint and paper, often guided by food incentives. For example, Leopard geckos painted while chasing mealworms, and a nutria followed a carrot through paint. Zoo educator Conni Pope ensured that participation was voluntary, allowing animals to explore the experience on their terms. The result: vibrant, paw-made paintings that reflect each animal's personality and natural behavior—making every award a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
LEFT, ABOVE Pictured from left are first place winner Heidi Carrol with Daybreak, second place co-winner Ravell Robinson with Desert Landscape with Blue Tiger, and people's choice recipient Rebecca Guevara, The Kindness Beneath The Roar
LEFT, BELOW The second annual Art for Animal winners with their one-of-a-kind animal made awards are pictured from left: Jim Fleshman, Heidi Carrol, Ravell Robinson, Rebecca Guevara, Brandon Finnorn and Brianna Jeansonne. display their certificates. Not pictured are Bobby Chen, Darrion Beaudion and Christa Pierce.
Artists ages 14 and up are invited to submit original, conservation-themed works for the next Art for Animals exhibition. Submissions will open in September and close in December, with selected works to be featured in the 2026 show.
TH
BIRTHDAY
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo | April 5-6, 2025
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo marked its 55th birthday in true party-animal fashion at the annual Zippity Zoo Fest on April 5th and 6th! Families from across the region flocked to the Zoo for a weekend packed with springtime fun, entertainment, and educational adventures.
Guests enjoyed action-packed performances from community talent groups, exciting shows by The Dinosaur Experience, and non-stop fun in the beloved Children’s Village, featuring bounce houses, a coloring station, caricature art, and more. Face painting and character meet-and-greets with superheroes and princesses delighted kids of all ages, while the EdZoocation Station and booths from community partners offered hands-on learning experiences throughout the zoo.
A highlight for many? The free birthday cake — because no celebration is complete without it!
Become a valued member of our exclusive Director’s Circle or Safari Club and enjoy special benefits while supporting our Zoo. These elite groups offer unique opportunities to engage with our Zoo community, access behind-the-scenes experiences and contribute to the preservation of wildlife. Discover the perks of membership and make a lasting impact on our conservation efforts. For more information on joining, visit our website or contact us directly.
Ian Blanchard
Malaura Blanchard
Riley Boudreaux
Zoe Dauser
Jessie Depriest
Jesse Dupont
Clayton Fields
Scott Joseph Fin
Phil Frost
Samantha Fugler
Lauren Juneja
Michael Kearns
Jessie Leblanc
Rebekah Leblanc
Martha Littlefield
Ashley Malbroux
Shari Morman
Bill O'quin
Tanner Oneal
Melinda Prevost
Christopher Primes
Robert Rabalais
Christopher Reid
Angela Robinson
Kenneth Sherman
Paul Sicard
John Standiford
John Turner
Paula Varnado-Sullivan
Christa Wilborn
William Wilcox
Corey Wilson
Robert Woody
Joanna Arrington
Michael Austin
Karly Bennett
Ruth Bergeron
Michele Blackwell
Richard Boyer
Hallye Braud
Emily Brooks
Trevor Carville
Sarah Casemore
Sarah Casemore
Michael Castille
Stefanie Castracane
Catherine Coates
Brandon Cook
Ginger Corcoran
Patrick Crowder
Dane Dunaway
Marcella Hackney
Cortney Haser
Richard Hirsch
Lisa Hite
Daniel Johnson
Katherine King
Chelsea Knazs
Tyler Lewis
Elyse Lockwood
Richard Marshall
Kelly Mayeux
Deidre Mcellhiney
Megan Mcglinchey
Terry Lee Moore
Julie Morales
James Mungall
Ellie Noel
Julie Noland
Jane Norris
Kevin Raske
Amanda Robben
Karen Rush
Sue Salomon
Autumn Schilling
Kelli Stevens
Eilleen Thompson
Sandra Volden
Raegan Walker
Joseph White
Shawn Wolkart
Whitney Woodson
We want to see your Zoo adventures! Share your favorite moments and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Use #BRZoo to join the conversation and connect with fellow animal lovers. Your photos and stories help us celebrate the joy of wildlife and spread the word about our amazing Zoo!
Find the perfect keepsake or gift at our Zoo Gift Shop! From adorable animal-themed souvenirs to unique treasures, our shop has something for everyone. Check out our latest collection and take home a piece of the Zoo.
ME MBERS ALWAYS RECEIVE 15% off OF THEIR PURCHASE!
Share your WILD times at the Zoo! become a fan of the Zoo on Facebook, X and Instagram.
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo @BatonRougeZoo @batonrougezoo