Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo

Come see our newest exhibits: Australia; The land down under featuring Birds and animals from the opposite side of the world and the Children's Zoo; Get close up and feed exotic domestic animals in a child friendly setting that includes miniature cows, miniature horse, goats and sheep.

OPEN EVERY DAY 10:00am until 5:00pm

(except Christmas, New Year and Thanksgiving)

We are a true zoo with Lions, Tigers and Bears. We have Zebra, Bison, Elk, baboons, gibbons and many other animals from around the world. We have a large number of birds and a reptile house. The Hall of Small is an immersive insect exhibit with hands on interactive opportunities. We have about 400 animals of about 200 species. We also have 27 acres of landscaped grounds with many interesting plants and a walkthrough greenhouse.

The mission of the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & 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.

What To Do

Have Lots of Fun!

See some of the world's wonders! Enjoy the picturesque and relaxing setting our zoo has to offer with over 500 animals and nearly a thousand species of plants!

Look and Listen!

The naturalistic habitats where our animals live provide a place for the animal to feel safe and comfortable. If you do not see your favorite animal, be patient and wait for the animal to emerge. You may want to check back later.

Be Careful!

Remember that animals are wild even in captivity. Make sure you watch your step. Parents should keep an eye on the kids and do not allow them to venture off the walking paths, cross barriers or fence lines, nor touch the animals.

Don't Feed the Animals!

Most of the animals housed at the ZOO are on special diets. Please do not feed them unless signs or our zoo keepers tell you otherwise. At the lagoon viewing deck, we do provide dispensers for nutritional food for the fish, ducks, swans, and turtles. Please understand that when food is gone, the animals have had their fill.

14-20 Years Old? Interested in learning about the Zoo? Become an Explorer! Contact the Education Curator, Kim Walker for more information about this fun program.

Support Your Zoo

Become a ZOO PARTNER by joining the Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society. Your membership allows for your free admission to Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo as well as many zoos and aquariums around the country. More information and a list of reciprocal zoos are found at the zoo society website: www.monroezoo.org

VOLUNTEER at the zoo and you too can make a difference!

OUTREACH programs are available for schools and organizations. Call our Education Curator Kim Walker for details. 318-329-3308.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS are offered at both our Education Building and your school. Just call Kim at the number above. Reservations are required.

TELL A FRIEND how much you enjoyed the zoo! There are ways you can participate including an Explorer program for teens. Contact the city's Public Relations Specialist Gary Miers for details:
318-329-4938

SPECIAL EVENTS are held throughout the year as presented by the Zoo Society. Check the website for annual events such as Wet'N'Wild, Boo at the Zoo, and our Easter Eggstravaganza!

ZOO RULES

Have a great time!

Be Kind to the animals. If you harass the animals or do something to intentionally harm an animal, you will be escorted out of the zoo.
Do Not chase the birds.
Don't Litter. Trash containers are provided for you.
Stay On the Sidewalks and in designated areas.
DO NOT FEED the animals. They're on a special diet.
Do Not Throw Objects into the animal areas, habitats, or water.
Obey all safety rules when riding the boat, the wagon and saddle rides.
Radios, bicycles and skateboards are not allowed.
Pets are not allowed.
Speak nicely. Vulgar, profane or disrespectful language is not allowed.
Balloons and straws are not allowed in the zoo. They harm the animals.
Alcoholic beverages and illicit drugs are not allowed to be brought into the zoo.

If you have questions, please ask any of our friendly staff. We will be happy to assist you.

Zoo Bayou Safari Boat Rides $3.00 animals on islands and natural wildlife.

See our Newest exhibits:

Children's Zoo
"Down-under" Australia Exhibit
Baboon Exhibit