Wild Times - Summer 2026

DEAR VALUED MEMBERS,

Our entire team at the Baton Rouge Zoo would like to thank you for helping us kick-off 2026 with incredible success. Despite weather challenges, including the February freeze, your attendance and membership have helped maintain our Zoo as a must-visit attraction in Baton Rouge and a staple of animal care and conservation efforts in the state.

After the conclusion of Phase 1, which saw major efforts made to improve guest experience, we are now moving into design development for our new animal ambassador building. This project was valueengineered out of phase I but is needed to maintain our accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Soon after that is complete the zoo will begin Phase 2, Africa. In this phase, as we continue with our transition to a zoogeographical display model we will create a more intimate experience. We will continue to focus on new interactive displays, as well as expanding the variety of species focused in our African exhibit. We will continue to improve and renovate more spaces as we work to realize the zoo’s comprehensive campus master plan.

We’ve already hosted some incredible Zoo events this year including the Art for Animals Exhibition and Awards Ceremony, Member’s Night and Zippity Zoo Fest where we celebrated 56 years of the Baton Rouge Zoo.

With every phase and new addition our Zoo strives to better tell the stories of these incredible animals and to spread awareness of the importance of advocacy, sustainability practices and conservation efforts. And we absolutely couldn’t do that without the continued support of our Members.

We look forward to welcoming you and your families as we continue to grow the Baton Rouge Zoo experience.

With gratitude,

Jim Fleshman DIRECTOR, BREC's

Baton Rouge Zoo

Upcoming events*

JUNE 6 & 7

Guest Appreciation Days

JULY 4

Red, White and Zoo Day!

JULY 25

Surprise + Delight: Frozen Safari

AUGUST 8

Zoo & Me Morning

SEPTEMBER 12

Zoo & Me Morning

SEPTEMBER 20

The Wild Pour

OCTOBER 17 & 18 AND 24 & 25

Boo at the Zoo

OCTOBER 31

Rumble in the Jungle

NOVEMBER 14

Zoo & Me Morning

NOVEMBER 27–DECEMBER 30

ZooLights (closed christmas eve and christmas day)

DECEMBER 12

Zoo & Me Morning

*Dates subject to change

What’S (and Who’S) nEW at the Zoo

andEan BEaRS

Our new Andean Bear brothers, Apooh and Katcha, have adjusted very well to their new enclosure over the past few months. These very young and energetic bears are extremely curious and playful. You can catch them playing together and climbing the tree or waterfall structure most afternoons.

EaStERn cREStEd gUinEafoWl

Our newest Eastern Crested Guineafowl is finally out of quarantine and enjoying her enclosure. She was named by her previous keepers “Tracy Turnblood,” a play on Broadway musical Hairspray star Tracy Turnblad. We don’t know much about her personality just yet, but with a name like hers, she’s sure to soon become the star of the show.

noRthERn Bald iBiS

Northern Bald Ibis, also known as the Waldrapp, is an endangered Old World species of ibis that disappeared from Europe more than 300 years ago. In 2019, only about 700 wild birds remained in southern Morocco. Our new birds are both four years old and come from the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

5 yEaRS of SERvicE

Kaleb Mixon Animal Tech Carnivores & primates

Helen Broussard Custodian

Jessica Correll Gift Shop Supervisor

20 yEaRS of SERvicE

Commonisea Samuel Commissary Aide Commissary

John Marshall

Hoofstock Curator

Did you know that our zoo education program served 20,425 kids & 17,796 adults in 2025

Visit 8 times with 12 months of signing up or renewing your membership and receive a one-time use 15% discount at Flamingo Café.

We’ve updated your favorite rewards to bring you even more value. Keep exploring, keep earning, and enjoy these new perks!

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.

Zoo and Me Mornings:

Held on the second Saturday of each month (excluding June, July and October), this program is specially designed for children ages 3–5 and their parent or guardian. Each session features a fun new theme and includes a hands-on craft, a close-up encounter with one of our ambassador animals, and a tasty snack. Weather permitting, guests will also enjoy a guided walk through a portion of the Zoo.

thEMES AUGUST 8 Scales and Tails

SEPTEMBER 12 Animal ABCs

NOvEMBER 14 Fall Colors

DEcEMBER 12 All Wrapped Up

datE 2nd Saturday of every month*

*Excluding June, July and October.

tiME 9:30 – 11:30 AM

fEES

$21 per session for one child with one parent/guardian

$32 for 1 adult plus 2 pre-school age children; OR 2 adults and 1 pre-school age child

thE Magic of ZoolightS

From November 27 through December 30, BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo welcomed guests to a magical holiday tradition—ZooLights! Families and friends enjoyed festive displays, seasonal entertainment, and a memorable evening experience throughout the Zoo.

This year, we were proud to partner with the Baton Rouge Food Bank, making a meaningful impact in our community. Thanks to the generosity of our guests, ZooLights collected an incredible 5,715 pounds of donations, providing the equivalent of up to 4,762 meals for those in need.

Guests also indulged in holiday favorites from the Zoo’s Flamingo Café, featuring festive treats and warm drinks as they strolled through the lights. Additional seasonal goodies were available from Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck and Sweet Shoppe, adding even more cheer to the experience.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make ZooLights a bright success — we look forward to an even more magical season next year!

safari nights:

Safari Nights are an exciting overnight adventure at the Zoo! Offered on select Friday or Saturday evenings, this program includes guided tours, themed activities or crafts, and close encounters with our ambassador animals. The experience also features a pizza dinner, snack, and continental breakfast — plus every participant receives a Safari Night t-shirt to take home as a souvenir. With four unique themes to choose from, no two Safari Nights are ever the same!

datE Year-round

tiME Friday and Saturday evenings (booked in advance)

fEES $40 per person

(minimum 15 / maximum 25 people) $150 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your date. Visa and MasterCard accepted

aZa SafE SpEciES highlight

Asian Hornbill

at a glance:

LOCATION / Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia

HABITAT / Tropical and subtropical moist forests

DIET / Frugivore

CONSERVATION STATUS / Critically Endangered

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums created the SAFE program—Saving Animals From Extinction—to unite zoos, aquariums, and conservation partners in protecting species facing serious challenges in the wild. These programs focus on collaborative efforts that support wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and long-term species survival.

Conservation of Nature, the Species Survival Commission, the Hornbill Specialist Group, and the AZA community to advance conservation strategies for threatened Asian hornbill species and the forests they depend on.

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo supports this initiative through participation in the Hornbill Nest Adoption Program in Thailand. This community-based conservation effort hires local villagers to monitor and protect active hornbill nest trees while collecting valuable field data.

Hornbills have one of the most remarkable nesting strategies in the bird world. After breeding, a pair selects a large tree cavity where the female enters and seals herself inside using mud, food pulp, and other natural materials. A narrow opening is left so the male can deliver food. For several months, the male feeds the female while she incubates eggs and later cares for the chicks until they are ready to emerge.

guardians help ensure nesting birds are not disturbed and gather important research on population numbers, nesting cavity availability, habitat preferences, and diet. In areas where natural cavities are limited, artificial nest boxes have also been installed and successfully used.

Many hornbill species face threats from habitat loss, hunting, and a shortage of suitable nesting sites. The Helmeted Hornbill is of particular concern because of illegal poaching driven by demand for its solid casque, sometimes referred to as “hornbill ivory,” which is used for carvings and ornaments. In 2015, the species was uplisted to Critically Endangered.

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo is proud to support global conservation through partnerships with multiple AZA SAFE programs, including those focused on cheetahs, giraffes, North American songbirds, bison and many others.

SpEciES

BEnEfiting fRoM thiS pRogRaM include:

Great Hornbill

Rhinoceros Hornbill

Wreathed Hornbill

White-crowned Hornbill

Bushy-crested Hornbill

Helmeted Hornbill

Transmitter

fRoM caRE to conservation: TRAckING THE JOURNEy Of Our ZOO’s BOx TURTLES

Last summer at BREC Baton Rouge Zoo became an unexpected and rewarding chapter in our care of the resident box turtles. What began as routine health checks and treatments soon grew into a small conservation story—one that reminded everyone involved why hands-on stewardship matters. During a regular exam, we began discussing the possibility of releasing some of our box turtles onto zoo grounds, and in the process discovered that one of the females was gravid. After she laid her eggs, we carefully collected and incubated the clutch. When the eggs began to hatch, the excitement was unmistakable. From that single clutch, we successfully hatched five healthy turtles.

Their release was carried out with care and intention. We selected sheltered, foodrich areas within a forested section of the grounds that offered ample cover and protection. Following the hatchlings’ release, we expanded the effort by releasing 14 adult box turtles. Five of these individuals were chosen for a short-term radio telemetry study and were given names for identification: Hamm, Tortuga, Tonya, Nacho, and Lil Eugene.

Fitting these turtles with small radio transmitters allowed us to track their movements, habitat preferences, and survival in a natural setting. The process required patience and consistent fieldwork—locating signals, observing behavior from a respectful distance, and mapping movement patterns across the zoo’s landscape. Over the course of several months, we gathered valuable data on how the turtles navigated and utilized the grounds.

Beyond the data, the project had a meaningful human impact. Under the supervision of Area Curator Lee Schoen, participating staff gained hands-on experience with telemetry and developed a deeper appreciation for how these turtles live and thrive in their environment. For visitors, the story offered a tangible example of wildlife care and conservation in action.

Your Next Event

Host your next unforgettable event surrounded by nature at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo.

From corporate gatherings to celebrations with family and friends, our scenic pavilions and unique spaces offer a one-of-a-kind setting. Learn more about rentals and start planning today: brzoo.org/events-rentals/rental-information

Looking for a unique birthday party experience?

Host your celebration at the Zoo and give your guests an unforgettable adventure! Our birthday packages include exciting animal encounters, themed activities and more. Make your special day wild and wonderful — contact us to book your Zoo birthday party today!

brzoo.org/events-rentals/birthday-parties

2026

Art for Animals WINNERS

ADULT WINNERS

1st Puddle Play — Hannah Gravois

2nd Not just Another Bird — Brad Andrus

3rd Emergence of Beauty — Jax Nation

YOUTH WINNERS

1st King Cheetah — Isabella Deville

2nd Marty — Emma Strosnider

3rd Crawfish on a Rock — Holly Jones

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

Sally Crab — Jordan Padlo DIRECTOR’S CHOICE

Jaguar — Victoria Allen

The Art for Animals Exhibition showcased the incredible talent of artists who submitted works inspired by wildlife conservation and raising awareness for the animals that call the Zoo home.

The exhibition ran from March 9 through April 11, giving guests the opportunity to view and vote on a wide variety of meaningful and creative pieces. The event concluded with a reception and awards ceremony, celebrating the participating artists and their contributions to conservation through art.

We are grateful to all who submitted their work and helped make this exhibition a success.

Be on the look on the Zoo’s social media accounts for details for the next year’s Art for Animals Exhibition. We look forward to seeing even more inspiring pieces!

fo U ndation co R n ER

Create a Lasting Tribute at the Zoo

Honor a loved one or celebrate a special memory with a memorial bench at the Zoo. These thoughtfully placed benches provide a peaceful space for reflection while supporting the Zoo’s mission of conservation and education. Each eight-foot bench includes a personalized engraved plaque and is installed in a scenic location selected in collaboration with Zoo staff.

To learn more about creating a meaningful tribute, including engraving details and availability, visit brzoo.org/support/memorial-bench-program.

The Wild Pour - The Next Chapter Begins This Fall

Join us on Sunday, September 20 from 2:30–5:30 p.m. for The Wild Pour—an unforgettable, adults-only (21+) afternoon at the Zoo. As the next chapter of Brew at the Zoo and Roar & Pour, this all-in-one tasting experience brings together a wide variety of brews, wines, and spirits to enjoy as you explore the Zoo in a whole new way.

More than just a great time, The Wild Pour is a vital fundraiser supporting the Zoo’s mission of conservation, education, and animal care. Every ticket helps make a difference while you sip and stroll through this unique setting.

Zoo members will receive exclusive early access to tickets with a presale in mid-July, with details sent directly via email — so be sure to keep an eye on your inbox.

JOIN THE BATON ROUGE ZOO ON A JOURNEY TO

ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Natural Selection in the Enchanted Isles

September

12 to 23, 2027

Starting at $10,995 per person, double occupancy

For a thrilling cultural and wildlife adventure just a short trip away, set off to the captivating Galapagos Islands! Begin with 3 nights on the mainland, discovering UNESCO World Heritage marvels in Quito, snow-capped mountains and fantastic shopping in Otavalo, and friendly people every step of the way. Then board your vessel for a 7-night cruise aboard the Coral II, to experience close encounters with animals found nowhere else on Earth. Feel the wind as you navigate in an open panga, moving between the boat and each island, where your hikes will be accompanied by knowledgeable guides, eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for this world treasure.

SPOTLIGHT MEMBERS

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.

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE

Malaura Blanchard

Jennifer Buchanan

Wafa Daas Castro-Aguilar

Jessie Depriest

Jesse Dupont

Clayton Fields

Scott Joseph Fin

Phil Frost

Samantha Fugler

James Landry

Rebekah Leblanc

Martha Littlefield

Jessica Maguire

Richard Marshall

Jennifer Mistretta

Michael Morgan-Dodson

Shari Morman

Brandi Moss

Lettimarie Nezianya

Melinda Prevost

Christopher Reid

Angela Robinson

Jerry Shabel

Paul Sicard

John Standiford

Paula Varnado-Sullivan

Michael Walker

Christa Wilborn

William Wilcox

SAFARI CLUB MEMBERS

Candace Bergeron

Ruth Bergeron

Serena Birch

Byron Blair

Dara Boudreaux

Richard Boyer

Trudy Boyette

Hallye Braud

Laura Calhoun

Stefanie Castracane

Melissa Chauvin

Garrett Cheramie

Brandon Cook

Darren Creech

Heather Crowell

Anthony Delatte

Jennifer Guidry

Celia Harpe

Cortney Haser

Marci Henry

Daniel Johnson

Anna Jones

Devin Lambert

Tyler Lewis

Kyla Martin

Kelly Mayeux

Hayley Mccrory

Cale Mckey

Tristan Miller

Aubrey Monceaux

Terry Lee Moore

Julie Morales

Brittany Morgan

James Mungall

Jane Norris

Debbie Perry

Kevin Raske

Katharyn Ricci

Shawn Robins

Karen Rush

Sue Salomon

Randilynn Sandborg

Autumn Schilling

Lynne Schneider

Joseph Simmons

Katrina Stewart

Hunter Stockton

Eilleen Thompson

Sarah Vargas

Joseph Watson

Melissa White

Kimberly Willems

Shawn Wolkart

Whitney Woodson

SHOW US yOUR ZOO LOvE!

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!

ALWAYS RECEIVE 15% off OF THEIR PURCHASE!

Find the perfect keepsake or gift at our Zoo Gift Shop! From adorable animalthemed souvenirs to unique treasures, our shop has something for everyone. Check out our latest collection and take home a piece of the Zoo.

Share your WILD times at the Zoo! become a fan of the Zoo on Facebook, X and Instagram.