Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo

1405 Bernstein Park Drive Monroe, Louisiana 71202 318-329-2400

Mission Statement The mission of the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo is to help people develop a sustainable relationship with nature. In so doing, the Zoo shall provide for the recreation and education of the people, the conservation of wildlife, and the discovery of biological knowledge. Joseph Clawson - (318) 329-2400 Interim General Curator - Lisa Taylor - (318) 329-2582 Education Curator - Kim Walker - (318) 329-3308 Office Manager - Carin Collins - (318) 329-2400 Click here for a map Community Affairs Newsletter Volunteer Information

Percheron Draft Horse Rides
Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo features more than 500 animals from around the world including the rainforests of Africa, South America and Australia; indigenous animals of North America and especially animals from the original territory purchase as highlighted in our Louisiana Purchase Exhibit.

The Zoo's newest attraction features some extraordinary examples of some of the largest horses in the world. Visitors can enjoy both saddle and wagon rides that feature Percheron Draft Horses. These magnificent horses can grow to an average of 18 hands at the withers, (over 6 feet, three inches at the shoulder), and weigh over 2000 pounds! Our gentle giants have become a major attraction, whether sporting their custom double saddle as they ride guests around the giant wheel or pulling the specially designed wagon through the back pasture of the zoo where the deer and antelope play.

Percheron Draft Horses originally appeared in the Le Perche Provence of France. Also called the "war horse" they were known to have carried knights and warriors into battle. The Percheron pulled the wagons across North America as settlers made their way west. Today, the Percheron is regularly used by the Amish communities of the midwest to farm their lands, pulling plows, rakes and wagons.

At the Zoo, Percheron wagon rides are offered daily, saddle rides Thursday through Sunday. Tickets for the rides are needed and available at the admission gate along with tickets for the Zoo's unique boat excursion ride.

Wagon Rides, weekends, $3.00
Saddle Rides, Thursday - Sunday, $3.00
Zoo Boat Rides, daily, $3.00

Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo is the premier family attraction in northeast Louisiana. This 80+ acre zoological park exhibits over 500 animals, many in naturalistic habitats. A zoo boat ride is a unique way to view many of the larger animals and operates spring, summer and fall. A Louisiana Purchase Exhibit was added recently in commemoration of the Bicentennial Celebration of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, and features animals indigenous to the original land area of that acquisition that doubled the size of the U.S. Festivals and special events are planned throughout the year. A zoo pavilion is also part of this facility and is available for rental for community events, meetings, reunions, concerts and the like. Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo is a delightful place for family and friends to spend leisure time and even offers group rates.

LOCATION: The Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo is located at 1405 Bernstein Park Drive. From I-20, Exit 118-A, Travel south on US 165, 2.2 miles to Ticheli Road, Turn right, cross Reddix to the Zoo. From US 165 South, turn left on Ticheli Road.

HOURS OF OPERATION: The Zoo is opened 7 days a week, from 10 am to 5 pm. We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Office hours 8 am to 5 pm, (318) 329-2400.

ADMISSION: Adult $4.50, children 3-12 $3.00, Seniors (age 65 and over) $3.00, children 2 and younger are free. Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society members are free with membership card.

GROUP SALES: The Zoo offers discount admission for groups of 10 or more. Please call (318) 329-2400 to make reservation.

For calendar of events, visit the Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society at www.monroezoo.org.