DEAR VALUED MEMBERS,
Upcoming events*
JANUARY 10
Zoo & Me Morning
FEBRUARY 7
Surprise + Delight: I Heart My Zoo Day
FEBRUARY 14
Zoo & Me Morning
MARCH 6
Members’ Night 4–6:30 PM (grounds close at 7 PM)
MARCH 9
Art for Animals Exhibition Open
MARCH 14
Zoo & Me Morning
MARCH 21
Surprise + Delight: Spring Green
MARCH 28 & 29
Zippity Zoo Fest
*Dates subject to change
As 2025 ends, I want to take a moment to thank you for being part of our Zoo family. Your continued support and dedication as a member have made a tremendous difference this year.
We couldn’t have reached this stage of our renovations without you. Thanks to your commitment, we’re transforming the Zoo into an even more engaging and inspiring place for our community.
We’re excited to share that our animal ambassador building is currently in design, with construction set to begin soon. This new facility will be located on the right lawn as you enter the Zoo and will serve as home to our animal ambassadors — the animals that help connect guests of all ages to wildlife and promote conservation through educational programs.
In addition, we will soon begin construction on African Flight, an exciting new habitat located between our ostrich/red river hog/Thomson’s gazelle habitat and our scimitar-horned oryx/Dama gazelle habitat.
Looking ahead, our five- to seven-year master plan includes adding gorillas, lions and expanding our African habitats — continuing our mission to bring the wonders of wildlife closer to you while enhancing animal care and conservation.
As we begin 2026, please accept my sincere gratitude for your membership and your ongoing belief in the mission of BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo. Together, we’re creating a future where both people and wildlife can thrive.
Sincerely,
Jim Fleshman DIRECTOR, BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
WhAT’s (ANd Who’s) NEW at the Zoo
AmbAssAdoR ANImAl buIldINg…WhAT Is ThAT?!?
First, what are Ambassador Animals?
These are animals that visitors encounter at our Meet and Greets, birthday parties, corporate rentals, and EdZooCation programs. Some of the species include a tenrec, prehensile-tailed skink, ferret, chinchilla, corn snake, and Madagascar hissing cockroach! They play an important role in educational outreach, not only regarding animals, but also teaching about habitats, conservation, and our visitors’ role in protecting all species.
Dama Gazelle: A male dama gazelle calf was born on August 18, 2025 — the first dama gazelle ever born at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo! While he can now be seen regularly on exhibit, he spent the first two months of his life “stashed” by his mother. Stashing is a natural behavior seen in antelope and other hoofstock species to keep newborns safe. The mother hides her baby in dense vegetation or another sheltered area, while the calf instinctively remains still and quiet to avoid attracting attention from predators. The mother returns
As part of the AZA Accreditation standards, BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo is charged with maintaining modern zoological standards to ensure the animals have great wellbeing. When we lost accreditation, in 2018, the old housing for our Ambassador Animals was deemed a high-ranking concern within the AZA report. Although we gained AZA accreditation in 2023, the housing for Ambassador animals remained a major concern. This new building will house not only our current animals, but a few more new species as well.
periodically to nurse and even consumes the calf’s waste to help eliminate scent clues that could give away his location. Once the calf grows stronger and more coordinated, he joins the herd full-time — just like you can see him doing now!
EAsTERN blAck RhINo
Tumani, our Eastern Black Rhino, arrived from Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa on May 14th. She has quickly settled in and she loves getting refreshing baths, rolling in the mud, and chomping on browse — especially leafy branches!
While the building is still in the design phase, we are looking forward to this new endeavor and what it will bring. Education Curator, Jennifer Shields, said “we are excited to be able to increase the number and variety of ambassador animals to be able to expand the reach of our education programs and share the wonder of nature with even more guests.”
Stay tuned for more on this new facility addition. Construction is set to begin in 2026.
“Tumani’s curiosity and playfulness make her a joy to work with. She loves engaging with her keepers for training sessions, but there is nothing that makes her happier than a good mud wallow,” said Tumani’s keeper Dakota.
gIRAffE Njeri joined our Zoo family on October 22nd! She came to us from the Oklahoma City Zoo — the same facility where our female giraffe, Reign, was sent. Njeri loves snacking on lettuce and is excited to spend time with her new giraffe companions, Rosie and Rowan!
EASTERN BLACK RHINO
DAMA GAZELLE
GIRAFFE
ZOO gEAuxERs updATEs
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.
8 10 12
Visit 12 times with 12 months of signing up or renewing your membership and receive a special animal encounter with a zookeeper.
Did you know that our zoo education program served 24,248 kids & 23,254 adults in 2024
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
JANUARy 10 Warm and Fuzzy
FEBRUARy 14 Hearts and Flowers
MARcH 14 Wearing of the Green
APRIL 11 Flamingo Fandango
MAy 9 Down on the Farm
AUGUST 8 Scales and Tails
SEPTEMBER 12 Animal ABCs
NOvEMBER 14 Fall Colors
DEcEMBER 12 All Wrapped Up
dATE
2nd Saturday of every month*
*Zoo and Me Mornings are not offered in June, July or 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
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!
BOO AT THE ZOO RECAP — On October 18 & 19 and October 25 & 26, we hosted BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo – Boo at the Zoo 2025! Families from near and far filled the Zoo with smiling faces and some of the funniest, spookiest, and most adorable costumes around. Even with a bit of unpredictable weather, this beloved family-friendly fall tradition was once again a major hit. Brand-new this year — the Children’s Village — quickly became a crowd favorite, offering guests the Capitol City Produce Pumpkin Patch, a giant haunted maze inflatable, and festive face painting. Guests also enjoyed exciting special character appearances; thrilling shows by The Dinosaur Experience and a magician; and engaging, hands-on learning opportunities at the EdZoocation Station and community partner booths throughout the Zoo.
Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Hancock Whitney. Also, thank you to our supporting sponsors: Rousseau Orthodontics, Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, Primrose School of South Baton Rouge
fou N d ATI o N co RNER
Wild Nights. Cold Brews. Big Thanks to You!
BREW at the Zoo Raises Over $85,000 for Education and Conservation!
What a night to remember at this year’s BREW at the Zoo! Thanks to the incredible support from our patrons, sponsors and vendors, we’re able to continue growing our education and conservation programs, inspiring future generations and helping us care for animals here at the Zoo and around the world.
This year’s event brought exciting new highlights — including the debut of our VIP+
experience, the largest number of breweries in BREW history, and a lineup of new food vendors that kept guests coming back for more.
We danced the night away under the stars with Parish County Line and Tommy Remson, celebrating great brews, tasty bites, and even better company.
Wild nights like this are made possible by you! From all of us at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo — thank you for making this year’s BREW at the Zoo such a wild success!
Laissez les bon temps rouler — Zoo style!
Get ready to celebrate Mardi Gras with a wild twist! Krewe de Zoo is back for its second year, bringing festive fun and fundraising together in one joyful celebration.
From January 2 through Mardi Gras Day, guests can purchase colorful Mardi Grasthemed hang tags in purple, green, or gold for just $1, $3, or $5. Each tag features one of our Zoo animals decked out and dancing in full Mardi Gras attire — a playful way to show your Zoo spirit and support wildlife education and conservation.
NEW THIS YEAR — we’re proud to partner with Southern University to feature the jaguar on a special blue $1 hang tag. Fans can also preorder a Lacumba yard sign for $50 to show their Jaguar and Zoo pride all season long! Hang tags can be purchased online or during your Zoo visit and are proudly displayed in the windows of the Zoo’s Administration Building for all to see — so come join the Krewe, support your Zoo, and laissez les bon temps rouler for a great cause! brzoo.org/krewedezoo
Rumble in the Jungle Revved Things Up!
Our first-ever Rumble in the Jungle Car Show was a roaring success! With 80+ classic and custom cars, 4 motorcycles, and more than 1,700 guests filling the Zoo, the energy was high all day long. Add in perfect weather, family-friendly fun, great food, and 40+ trophies awarded, and it was truly a day to remember.
From polished chrome to crowd favorites, the show brought together car enthusiasts,
families, and Zoo supporters for an unforgettable fundraising event benefiting the Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation. Every engine rev helped support our animals, education, and conservation programs.
Thank you to our participants, sponsors, volunteers, and guests for making Year 1 such a hit — and get ready… Year 2 is already in the works!
Maned Wolf
at a Glance:
LOCATION / South America
HABITAT / Grasslands, savannas and wetland in central and eastern South American
DIET / Omnivore
CONSERVATION STATUS / Near Threatened (IUCN); Endangered (USFWS)
The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is South America’s tallest wild canid and a truly unique species — they aren’t wolves or foxes, but the only member of their own special family line! Their long legs help them see above tall grass in the open Cerrado, a threatened savanna habitat in Brazil and neighboring countries.
Maned wolves are listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to ongoing habitat loss, road collisions, and diseases spread by domestic dogs. With fewer safe spaces to roam, conservation support is more important than ever.
AZA-accredited zoos like ours also contribute to maned wolf conservation through research on nutrition, vocal communication, and breeding, as well as support for field projects in South America.
Together, we’re working to ensure that these incredible, long-legged canids continue roaming the wild for generations to come.
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
Dreamnight
More than 100 zoos worldwide host Dreamnight, a private, invitation-only event dedicated to children impacted by pediatric cancer and their families. BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo is proud to be the first zoo in Louisiana to participate in this international tradition. Together with our partners, we are honored to provide an evening where these children can enjoy pure fun, exploration, and joy at no cost — a rare opportunity to step away from their daily challenges and simply experience the magic of the Zoo. This year’s event brought smiles, laughter, and unforgettable memories, including nine-year-old Xavier’s heartfelt declaration that his visit was “the best day of my life,” reminding us exactly why Dreamnight is so meaningful to the families we serve.
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
Edward Alfortish
Graham Arnold
Ian Blanchard
Malaura Blanchard
Riley Boudreaux
Wafa Daas Castro-Aguilar
Jessie Depriest
Jesse Dupont
Clayton Fields
Scott Joseph Fin
Phil Frost
Samantha Fugler
Lauren Juneja
Michael Kearns
James Landry
Jessie Leblanc
Rebekah Leblanc
Martha Littlefield
Jessica Maguire
Ashley Malbroux
April Mccorkle
Shari Morman
Tanner Oneal
Melinda Prevost
Christopher Primes
Christopher Reid
Angela Robinson
Jerry Shabel
Kenneth Sherman
Paul Sicard
John Standiford
John Turner
Paula Varnado-Sullivan
Cathy WaggenspackLandry
Christa Wilborn
William Wilcox
Corey Wilson
Robert Woody
SAFARI CLUB MEMBERS
Joanna Arrington
Karly Bennett
Ruth Bergeron
Candace Bergeron
Michele Blackwell
Byron Blair
Colin Blood
Dara Boudreaux
Richard Boyer
Trudy Boyette
Hallye Braud
Emily Brooks
Trevor Carville
Sarah Casemore
Sarah Casemore
Michael Castille
Stefanie Castracane
Catherine Coates
Brandon Cook
Ginger Corcoran
Debra Crawford
Patrick Crowder
Kimberly Drews
Dane Dunaway
Alison Farr
Shane Fast
Jennifer Guidry
Marcella Hackney
Cortney Haser
Lisa Hite
Daniel Johnson
Anna Jones
Chelsea Knazs
Tyler Lewis
Elyse Lockwood
Richard Marshall
Kyla Martin
Kelly Mayeux
Terry Lee Moore
SHOW US yOUR ZOO LOvE!
Julie Morales
Brittany Morgan
James Mungall
Ellie Noel
Julie Noland
Jane Norris
Debbie Perry
William Potter
Kevin Raske
Karen Rush
Sue Salomon
Autumn Schilling
Joseph Simmons
Kelli Stevens
Eilleen Thompson
Sandra Volden
Raegan Walker
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.
MEMBERS 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.
