Explore Louisiana's exceptional collection of zoos, aquariums, and wildlife centers featuring over 6,000 animals across 7 major facilities. From world-renowned AZA-accredited institutions in New Orleans and Baton Rouge to unique bayou wildlife refuges, Louisiana offers diverse wildlife experiences blending swamp ecosystems with exotic species from around the globe.
Major Zoos & Aquariums
AZA Accredited Facilities
Animals on Display
Wildlife Refuge Entry
Address: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118
Animals: 2,000+ animals representing 350+ species across 58 acres
Hours: Daily 10 AM - 5 PM (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Admission: Variable pricing. Children under 2 free, Seniors 65+ save $5. No re-entry permitted
Accreditation: AZA accredited through March 2029
Highlights: Western lowland gorilla troop, Asian elephants, Sumatran orangutans (with zoo-born babies), white tigers, white alligators, Louisiana Swamp exhibit, Jaguar Jungle, Monkey Hill, endangered whooping cranes, Amur leopards, sea lion and elephant presentations, daily giraffe feeding at 2 PM ($5)
Voted one of top ten zoos in USA Today "10Best" reader poll. Located in historic Uptown New Orleans. Features award-winning natural habitat exhibits including World of Primates (western lowland gorillas, mandrills, colobus monkeys, golden lion tamarins, only Angolan talapoins in North America), Louisiana Swamp (black bears, cougars, bobcats, foxes, river otters, American alligators), and Asian Domain (Amur leopards, sun bears, Asian otters, Malayan tigers, barasingha).
Visit Website | (504) 861-5105
Address: 1 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Animals: 3,600+ animals from 250+ species
Hours: Daily 10 AM - 5 PM
Admission: Combo tickets with zoo save 25-42%. Aquarium + Insectarium combo available
Highlights: Gulf of Mexico exhibit (400,000-gallon tank, 17 feet deep), Maya Tunnel with stingrays overhead, Shark Discovery 13,000-gallon touch pool (touch sharks and rays), African penguins (endangered species), rare white alligators, Audubon Insectarium included with admission
Opened September 1, 1990 on Mississippi River banks by French Quarter. Ranked #9 Best Aquarium by Newsweek Readers' Choice. Top-rated New Orleans attraction. Specializes in aquatic life of the Americas. Survived Hurricane Katrina (2005), reopened May 26, 2006 after extensive rebuilding. Located in Woldenberg Park off Canal Street.
Address: 3601 Thomas Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70807
Animals: 1,800+ animals in beautifully landscaped grounds
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30 AM-4 PM, Sat-Sun 9:30 AM-5 PM (extended hours April-August)
Admission: Adults $10, Seniors 65+ $8.50, Children 2-12 $7, Under 2 free. Wednesday afternoon $3 (2-4 PM). Train ride $3 (10 AM-4 PM)
Accreditation: AZA accredited through March 2029 (first Louisiana zoo with AZA accreditation in 1977, regained 2024)
Highlights: The Otter Pond with replicated fishing cabin and underwater viewing, L'aquarium de Louisiane (fish, reptiles, amphibians of Louisiana), Parrot Paradise with rare tropical birds, Zoo Lights (Nov 28-Dec 30, 5:30-8 PM)
Owned and operated by Recreation and Park Commission of East Baton Rouge Parish (BREC). Located 15 minutes north of downtown Baton Rouge. Louisiana's largest urban zoo with exotic and rare animals from around the world. Open every day except New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day.
Visit Website | (225) 775-3877
Address: 3016 Masonic Drive, Alexandria, LA 71301
Hours: Daily 9 AM - 3:30 PM (some sources indicate 9 AM-4:30 PM, confirm before visiting)
Admission: Adults 13-64 $7.50, Seniors 65+ $4.50, Kids 4-12 $5.50, Under 4 free. Parking free. Holiday Light Safari $12 adults/$10 kids
Animals: 500+ animals representing 160 species. Lions, tigers, crocodiles, monkeys, bears, otters, jaguars, North American river otters, American alligators, black bears, white-tailed deer, great horned owls, maned wolves, raccoons, cougars, spider monkeys, capybaras (rare at zoos), African spurred tortoises, venomous snakes
Features: Train ride, playground, gift shop, concessions, picnic tables, ATM, stroller rental
AZA accredited. Beautiful cultural immersion. Louisiana exhibits include river otters, alligators, black bears along boardwalk. Central and South America section features jaguars.
Address: 1405 Bernstein Park Road, Monroe, LA 71202
Features: Children's petting zoo for up-close animal encounters. Pet food available for purchase
Family-friendly zoo with hands-on petting zoo experience for children.
Address: 5601 US 90 E, Broussard, LA
Regional zoo serving Acadiana region with exotic wildlife displays.
Features: Family fun facility with petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses, exotic animals, playground/picnic area, safari hay ride
Animals: Camel, zebra, sheep, goats, horses, kangaroos (2)
Covered, mist-cooled petting zoo for comfortable visiting in most weather. Hosts reunions, birthdays, field trips, company picnics, sports/scout events. Primarily designed for children.
Address: 26389 Hwy 40, Folsom, LA 70437
Type: Largest totally free-roaming wildlife preserve in the United States
Size: 900 acres
Animals: 3,000+ exotic, endangered, and threatened animals from around the world (approximately 1,000 animals)
Experience: Wagon tours and private tours where guests can feed animals during preserve tour
Wild adventure through free-roaming preserve. Animals roam naturally across 900 acres. Interactive feeding experiences included.
Features: Drive-through animal park and interactive petting zoo
Experience: Feed exotic animals, family-friendly adventures for kids and adults
Thrilling close encounters with exotic wildlife. Hands-on petting zoo experiences.
Address: 13600 Chimpanzee Place, Keithville, LA 71047 (22 miles southwest of Shreveport)
Type: Independent non-profit organization serving as The National Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Mission: Provide lifetime care for chimpanzees retired from medical research, entertainment industry, or no longer wanted as pets
Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center is an AZA Accredited Related Facility through March 2030. Chimp Haven provides humane sanctuary for retired research chimps.
Established: 1990
Size: Nation's largest Urban National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Within New Orleans city limits
Habitats: Bottomland hardwood forest patches, freshwater/brackish/estuarine tidal marshes, lagoons, canals, natural bayous
Wildlife: 340+ bird species (pelicans, phalaropes, buntings, buffleheads), American alligators (common sightings)
Activities: Fishing, crabbing, hiking, paddling, bird watching, nature photography, youth waterfowl hunting, self-guided tours, interpretive programs
Admission: FREE - no entrance fee
One of last remaining marsh areas adjacent to Lakes Pontchartrain and Borgne. "Bayou Sauvage" means "Wild Bayou." Provides food and shelter for massive bird diversity.
Size: 4,500 acres
Lake: 1,700-acre lake
Habitats: Lake, swamp, bottomland hardwoods, mixed pine and hardwood uplands
Wildlife: Alligators, turtles, coyote, deer, wide variety of fowl, numerous plant species
Features: Nature trails/boardwalks, pier, observation deck, nature center (restored 19th-century planter's house), fishing, birdwatching, environmental education, canoe rentals, boating
Majestic wildlife habitat with diverse ecosystems. Visitor center offers historical perspective and educational programs.
Size: 12,000+ acres
Management: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Wildlife: Alligators, turtles, snakes, waterfowl, songbirds, various fish species, Louisiana pine snake (rare), red-cockaded woodpecker (endangered)
Best Time to Visit: Late fall to early spring (cooler months, milder temperatures, higher migratory bird activity)
Renowned for rich biodiversity. Habitat for rare and endangered species. Picturesque natural wonders and recreational opportunities.
Location: 6 miles southeast of Intracoastal City (southwestern shore of Vermilion Bay)
Access: Watercraft only
Borders: Audubon/Paul J. Rainey Wildlife Sanctuary (west), Marsh Island Refuge (east)
Activities: Fishing, shrimping, crabbing, birding (hunting prohibited)
Remote waterway-accessible refuge for fishing and wildlife observation.
Admission: $20 per person (ages 2+) includes feed ($5 value) and arena ride (ages 3-15)
Reservations: Advanced reservations required
Baby Animals: Usually available April, May, June
Safe petting farm experience for young children. Interactive animal feeding and rides.
Services: Farm tours, field trips, horseback riding, birthday parties, mobile petting zoos, carriage rides, swimming, kids camps
Full-service farm experience center with diverse activities for all ages.
Family-friendly farm experiences and petting zoo.
Events: Easter, Halloween, Christmas, berry bash, summer camp, farmer trade day, pancakes and PJs, ties and tiaras
Activities: Pumpkin patch, face painting, pumpkin carving, costume contest, corn maze, petting zoo, jumping area
Seasonal farm events with holiday-themed activities and year-round petting zoo.
Last updated on November 27, 2025