Mississippi Zoos, Aquariums & Wildlife Parks

Discover Mississippi's diverse collection of zoos, aquariums, and wildlife parks featuring everything from American bison herds to Gulf Coast marine life. From the largest zoo in the state spanning 210 acres to intimate wildlife encounters and drive-through safari experiences, Mississippi offers memorable animal adventures for visitors of all ages.

10+

Zoos & Wildlife Parks

800+

Animal Species

466

Acres at Largest Safari Park

3

Major Aquariums

Table of Contents

All Mississippi Zoos & Animal Attractions

Jackson Zoo

2918 W. Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 39209

Established in 1919, this historic zoo in 110-acre Livingston Park features over 120 species and approximately 250 animals. ZAA-accredited facility with themed areas representing different ecosystems.

Highlights:

  • African Savannah with white rhinoceros, zebras, and wattled cranes
  • Asian Garden with Sumatran tigers and reticulated giraffes
  • Wilderness Mississippi featuring native species
  • South America Aviary and Discovery Zoo
  • Endangered species conservation programs

Hours: Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday, 10am-4pm

Admission: Military discounts available

Safari Wild Animal Park

1549 Rooks Rd, Como, MS 38619

Mississippi's premier 466-acre authentic African drive-through and walk-through safari park and wild animal preserve, located just 40 miles south of Memphis.

Highlights:

  • 6.5 miles of African Safari roads for drive-through experience
  • Feed animals directly from your vehicle
  • Giraffe feeding station
  • Camel rides and lorikeet feeding
  • Children's petting safari

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-4pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm

Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo

Tupelo, MS

At 210 acres, the largest zoo in Mississippi featuring over 260 animals. Originally a cattle ranch, the park added buffalo in 1997 and officially opened as a zoo in 2001.

Highlights:

  • Largest herd of buffalo east of the Mississippi River (historical)
  • Modified school bus tours through buffalo habitat
  • Lions, Bengal tigers, giraffes, kangaroos, zebras
  • Exotic animals including pythons, parrots, monkeys
  • Tall Boy the giraffe (19 feet tall)
  • Pony rides, zip line, and Chickasaw Indian village

Hattiesburg Zoo

107 S 17th St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401

Opened Easter Sunday 1950, this 12-acre zoo in Kamper Park features over 100 species in beautifully designed habitats among oak and pine trees.

Highlights:

  • Jaguars, sloths, lemurs, capybaras, flamingos
  • Experience Africa with giraffes, hyenas, colobus monkeys
  • Asbury Discovery Center with reptiles and Galapagos tortoise
  • High-ropes adventure course
  • Sloth Experience encounters (Saturdays, $25)
  • Train rides ($3) and carousel ($2)

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm (closed Mondays)

Admission: $5 all ages (under 2 free)

Cypress Point Resort Safari

Brandon, MS

Safari tour experience featuring hundreds of animals representing over 30 different exotic species.

Highlights:

  • Drive-through safari tours
  • Petting zoo ($5 per person)
  • Jeep rentals for self-drive tours ($35 plus admission)

Admission: $15 safari admission

Blue Springs Safari

Mississippi

Interactive safari experience featuring a wide variety of exotic and domestic farm animals for hands-on encounters.

Highlights:

  • Exotic animals and farm animals
  • Interactive experiences

Admission: $15 per person (2 and under free)

Mississippi Aquariums & Marine Centers

PREMIERE AQUARIUM

Mississippi Aquarium

Gulfport, MS

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) aquarium opened August 29, 2020, on the 15th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, replacing the Marine Life Oceanarium destroyed by the hurricane. Features 5.8 acres with over 80,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Highlights:

  • 12 freshwater and saltwater habitats
  • Over one million gallons of water
  • 200+ species of animals
  • Bottlenose dolphins and river otters
  • Sandbar sharks and stingrays
  • Recent Changing Tides expansion (7,000 sq ft)

Special Offers: Discounted admission when purchasing online 24+ hours in advance

MARINE RESEARCH

Ocean Adventures Marine Park

10801 Dolphin Lane, Gulfport, MS 39503

Operated by the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS), a research organization founded in 1984 and recognized as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) in 1995. The marine park opened in 2018 adjacent to IMMS facilities.

Highlights:

  • Dolphin, sea lion, and stingray shows
  • Bird and reptile exhibits
  • Interactive animal encounters
  • Educational shows highlighting conservation
  • American Humane Certified facility

Hours: Daily 9am-4pm, no reservations required

Admission: Adults $16.50, Children 3-12 $14.50

Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center

Ocean Springs, MS

A $25 million state-of-the-art marine aquaculture research and education facility at Gulf Coast Research Laboratory's Cedar Point research site.

Highlights:

  • Spotted sea trout breeding facility
  • 100,000 square feet of culture space
  • Cutting-edge marine aquaculture research
  • Visitor's Center with facility overview
  • Private tours available by request

Marine Education Center

Ocean Springs, MS

Part of Gulf Coast Research Laboratory at the University of Southern Mississippi, offering interactive marine science education experiences.

Highlights:

  • NOAA's Science on a Sphere interactive display
  • Augmented reality sandbox
  • 208-foot pedestrian suspension bridge
  • Self-guided nature trail
  • Kayak launch dock

Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Admission: Free

Wildlife Rehabilitation & Nature Centers

Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers: Most wildlife rehabilitation facilities in Mississippi are not open to the public to protect animals being prepared for release. However, the Arkabutla Lake Wildlife Rehabilitation & Nature Center offers public educational experiences.
PUBLIC ACCESS

Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation - Arkabutla Lake Nature Center

Arkabutla Lake, North Mississippi

Founded in 1995, MWR assists hundreds of injured and orphaned wild birds and wildlife annually. The Arkabutla Lake facility features public educational programs on 154 acres of natural habitat.

Public Features:

  • Hands-on exhibits and classrooms
  • 2-3 miles of nature trails
  • Wildlife education programs
  • Community festival presentations

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

Jackson, MS

Features permanent and rotating exhibits on Mississippi wildlife, including reptile exhibits and special events like World Snake Day.

Highlights:

  • Live reptile exhibits and demonstrations
  • Special exhibits like "Reptiles: The Beautiful and the Deadly"
  • World Snake Day events with live native snakes
  • Educational programs on Mississippi wildlife

Petting Zoos & Farm Experiences

Landrum's Homestead & Village (Laurel, MS)

Living history museum with petting zoo featuring goats, chickens, and pigs.

Paul B. Johnson State Park (Near Hattiesburg)

Nature Center with small petting zoo featuring native wildlife species.

Mississippi Zoos & Aquariums by Region

North Mississippi

  • Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo - Tupelo (210 acres, 260+ animals)
  • Safari Wild Animal Park - Como (466 acres, drive-through safari)
  • Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation - Arkabutla Lake (nature center, trails)

Central Mississippi

  • Jackson Zoo - Jackson (120+ species, historic 1919 zoo)
  • Cypress Point Resort Safari - Brandon (30+ exotic species)
  • Mississippi Museum of Natural Science - Jackson (reptile exhibits)

South Mississippi

  • Hattiesburg Zoo - Hattiesburg (100+ species, $5 admission)
  • Landrum's Homestead & Village - Laurel (petting zoo)
  • Paul B. Johnson State Park - Near Hattiesburg (nature center)

Gulf Coast

  • Mississippi Aquarium - Gulfport (5.8 acres, 200+ species)
  • Ocean Adventures Marine Park - Gulfport (dolphins, sea lions)
  • Marine Education Center - Ocean Springs (free, interactive exhibits)
  • Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center - Ocean Springs (research facility)

Planning Your Visit to Mississippi Zoos

Admission Prices

Budget-Friendly Options:

  • Hattiesburg Zoo: $5 all ages (best value)
  • Marine Education Center: Free admission
  • Cypress Point Petting Zoo: $5 per person

Standard Admission:

  • Safari Wild Animal Park: Drive-through experience
  • Ocean Adventures Marine Park: Adults $16.50, Children $14.50
  • Blue Springs Safari: $15 per person

Discounts & Special Offers:

  • Mississippi Aquarium: Online discounts 24+ hours in advance
  • Jackson Zoo: Military discounts available
  • Annual passes available at major facilities

Best Times to Visit

Seasonal Considerations:

  • Spring (March-May): Mild temperatures, active animals, baby animal season
  • Summer (June-August): Peak season, splash pads open, arrive early for cooler temps
  • Fall (September-November): Comfortable weather, fewer crowds, ideal for outdoor zoos
  • Winter (December-February): Smaller crowds, special holiday events, some closures on major holidays

Typical Hours:

  • Most zoos open 9-10am, close 4pm
  • Arrive by 3pm for entry
  • Many closed Mondays (check individual facilities)
  • Drive-through safaris best in morning or late afternoon

Holiday Closures:

  • Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (Dec 24-26)
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Fourth of July (some facilities)

Special Experiences & Add-Ons

Animal Encounters:

  • Hattiesburg Zoo Sloth Experience: Saturdays 11am, $25 (ages 4+)
  • Hattiesburg Giraffe Feeding: Daily 11am-12pm, $5
  • Hattiesburg South American Yard: Sundays 11am, $35 (alpacas & capybaras)
  • Hattiesburg Anteater Feeding: Saturdays 11am, $25
  • Safari Wild Animal Park Giraffe Feeding: Available at feeding station
  • Tupelo Buffalo Park Camel Rides: Available during park hours

Rides & Activities:

  • Hattiesburg Zoo Train: $3 per person, 10:30am-4pm
  • Hattiesburg Zoo Carousel: $2 per person, 10:45am-3:45pm
  • Hattiesburg High-Ropes Course: Adventure course available
  • Tupelo Zip Line: Available at Buffalo Park
  • Cypress Point Jeep Rentals: $35 plus admission for self-drive safari

Visitor Tips

What to Bring:

  • Comfortable walking shoes for outdoor exhibits
  • Sunscreen and hats for summer visits
  • Water bottles (most facilities have refill stations)
  • Camera for animal photography
  • Cash for animal feed, rides, and special experiences

Family-Friendly Features:

  • Strollers welcome at most facilities
  • Splash pads at Hattiesburg Zoo (summer season)
  • Petting zoos for hands-on experiences
  • On-site dining at major facilities
  • Free parking at most locations

Accessibility:

  • Wheelchair accessible pathways at major zoos
  • Drive-through safaris accessible for all mobility levels
  • Rest areas and benches throughout exhibits

Frequently Asked Questions

The Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo is the largest zoo in Mississippi at 210 acres, featuring over 260 animals representing diverse species from around the world. The park is known for its large American bison herd and offers unique drive-through safari experiences using modified school buses with large off-road tires. The facility includes a petting zoo, reptile house, giraffe barn, bird barn, and even a Chickasaw Indian village exhibit. It's home to Tall Boy, one of the tallest giraffes in the United States at 19 feet tall.

Hattiesburg Zoo offers exceptional value at just $5 admission for all ages (children under 2 free), making it one of the most affordable accredited zoos in the United States. Despite the low price, visitors get access to over 100 animal species, a train ride, carousel, splash pad, wallaby walkabout, and special animal encounter experiences. The zoo also offers free parking. For free experiences, the Marine Education Center in Ocean Springs provides interactive marine science exhibits at no cost, featuring NOAA's Science on a Sphere and an augmented reality sandbox. Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport offers online discounts when tickets are purchased at least 24 hours in advance.

Mississippi has three major aquarium facilities on the Gulf Coast. The Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport is the state's premier aquarium, spanning 5.8 acres with over 80,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring 12 freshwater and saltwater habitats with over one million gallons of water and 200+ species including bottlenose dolphins, river otters, sandbar sharks, and stingrays. Ocean Adventures Marine Park in Gulfport, operated by the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, features dolphins, sea lions, stingrays, birds, and reptiles with educational shows and interactive encounters. The Marine Education Center in Ocean Springs offers free interactive marine science exhibits including NOAA's Science on a Sphere and an augmented reality sandbox. The nearby Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center is a research facility with a visitor's center offering tours by request.

Yes, Mississippi has several drive-through safari experiences. Safari Wild Animal Park in Como is the premier drive-through safari, spanning 466 acres with 6.5 miles of African Safari roads where visitors can drive their own vehicles and feed animals directly. The park features exotic animals, a giraffe feeding station, camel rides, and a children's petting safari. Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo offers modified school bus tours through the buffalo habitat where visitors can observe the massive American bison herd up close. Cypress Point Resort Safari in Brandon provides safari tours with hundreds of animals representing over 30 exotic species, with the option to rent Jeeps for self-drive tours ($35 plus admission per participant). Blue Springs Safari also offers drive-through experiences with exotic and domestic animals.

Mississippi zoos offer numerous hands-on animal encounters. Hattiesburg Zoo provides several unique experiences including the Sloth Experience (Saturdays at 11am, $25 for ages 4+) where guests meet and feed sloths, daily Giraffe Feedings (11am-12pm, $5), the South American Yard Experience with alpacas and capybaras (Sundays 11am, $35), and Anteater Feeding sessions (Saturdays 11am, $25). Safari Wild Animal Park in Como features a Giraffe Feeding Station, Lorikeet Feeding, and a Children's Petting Safari where kids can interact with friendly animals. Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo offers camel rides and allows visitors to feed various animals during their drive-through experience. Ocean Adventures Marine Park provides interactive encounters with dolphins, stingrays, and sea lions through educational shows and programs.

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable weather for visiting outdoor zoos, with mild temperatures and active animals. Spring is particularly special as it's baby animal season at many facilities. Summer visits (June-August) should be scheduled early in the day when temperatures are cooler and animals are more active; this is also when splash pads and water features are open at facilities like Hattiesburg Zoo. Winter (December-February) brings smaller crowds and special holiday events, though some facilities may have reduced hours or closures on major holidays. Most zoos open between 9-10am and close at 4pm, so arriving by 3pm is recommended. For drive-through safari experiences, morning or late afternoon visits are ideal when animals are most active and temperatures are moderate.

Hattiesburg Zoo is ideal for toddlers and young children, offering a manageable 12-acre size that won't overwhelm little legs, affordable $5 admission, and numerous child-friendly attractions including a train ride ($3), carousel ($2), splash pad (included with admission during summer), and the Wallaby Walkabout where kids can observe wallabies up close. The zoo's compact design allows families to see everything without extensive walking, and there are plenty of shaded areas under oak and pine trees for rest breaks. For petting zoo experiences, Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo features hands-on encounters where children can feed goats, sheep, deer, and other animals, plus pony rides and a zip line for older kids. Cypress Point Resort Safari offers a $5 petting zoo experience perfect for young children. Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport features touch tanks and interactive exhibits designed specifically for young learners.

Yes, several Mississippi zoos maintain professional accreditation and active conservation programs. Jackson Zoo is accredited by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) and supports eleven endangered species through multiple Species Survival Programs, making it a significant conservation facility in the state. The zoo has been serving the community since 1919 and maintains rigorous animal care standards. Ocean Adventures Marine Park, operated by the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, is the first facility in Mississippi to earn the American Humane Certified seal, demonstrating the highest standard of animal care and welfare. IMMS has been an active participant in the National Stranding Network since its inception and serves as the premier stranding organization for the Mississippi-Louisiana-Alabama region of the Gulf Coast, caring for sick and injured marine mammals and sea turtles. Mississippi Aquarium operates as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to education and conservation of Mississippi's aquatic resources from the Delta to the Gulf Coast.

Related Mississippi Resources

USA Zoo Directory

Explore zoos and aquariums across all 50 states

Mississippi State Guide

Comprehensive guide to Mississippi attractions and resources

Mississippi Family Activities

Discover more family-friendly attractions throughout the state

Last updated on November 27, 2025