Who We Are
We are a full zoo with lions, tigers, and bears as well as many other animals from around the world. 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 too! We have about 400 animals of about 200 species. We also have 27 acres of landscaped grounds with many interesting plants, a walk-through greenhouse, and lots for the kids to do including our Zoo Oasis Splash Pad.
Our Mission
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.
Regular Admission
Children (2 years and under): Free
Children (Ages 3 – 12): $4.50
Adults (Ages 13 – 64): $6.00
Seniors (Ages 65 and up): $4.50
Group Rates - Applies to 10 or more paying customers.
Children (ages 2 – 12): $3.00
Adults (ages 13 – 65): $4.50
Seniors (ages 65 and up): $3.00
Our Hours
Open 7 days a Week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
(Closed Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Thanksgiving Day)
Summer Zoo Camp
Come spend a week or more exploring the world and its wildlife at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo.
The adventure begins each day with a light breakfast. We’ll feature daily animal encounters and walks through the zoo. Express yourself with animal-related arts and crafts. Hop on a train and board a boat for a ride among exotic creatures. We’ll have lunch provided by our concessions stand, and we’ll cool off in the ZOOasis splash pad at least twice during the week.
Early drop-off (after 8 a.m.) and late pickup (until 5 p.m.) are available at an additional fee.
T-shirts are included.
Registration opens March 15. A week at camp costs $150 for Zoological Society members and $200 for non-members.
Register online after March 15, 2025. (REGISTER NOW!)
Here are the themes and schedules for this year’s camps:
Not-So-Loony Tunes
June 2-6, Ages 5-7
Warner Bros., Disney and Dreamworks have all featured animated animals – Mickey, Bugs, Roadrunner, and Donald to name a few. What do the cartoons get right about animals, and what do they get wrong? Do bunnies really eat carrots, for instance? We’ll find out.
Down by the Bayou
June 9-13, Ages 8-10
Bayous make Louisiana a very special place. What at first seems tranquil at closer look is brimming with life -- fish, turtles, birds, reptiles, and mammals. The zoo will become a laboratory as we use our new swamp exhibit and lagoon system to explore the concept of food chains, from the microscopic to the apex predator.
Nature Thought of it First
June 16-20, Ages 11-13
Think you have a great invention? Then come to camp and see how your ideas stand up against Mother Nature’s. Velcro, airplanes, swimsuits, and backpacks are some things that we use every day, but did you know that these things were inspired by common instances in nature? Campers will learn where the ideas for many of our best inventions originated and will look for inspiration for their own ideas.
Wonderful World of Color and Patterns
June 23-27, Ages 5-7
Why do zebras and tigers have stripes? Find out how snakes’ varied patterns work in their favor. Whites and browns are common animal colors, but do you know why? Male birds make a splash, their mates -- not so much. It’s fashion week at summer camp.
The All-Stars
July 7-11, Ages 8-10
Can you run faster than a cheetah? Jump farther than a kangaroo? Or hold your breath longer than an otter? Can you dig as deep as a prairie dog with your hands? Campers will assess how they stack up when compared to some of nature’s champions.
Lights, Camera, Action
July 14-18, Ages 11-13
Campers will get a chance to create a short mockumentary. They’ll create a back story for one of the animals at the zoo, building a script, taking video, narrating the story, and putting it all together, similar to Animal Planet. It'll be part imagination, part research, and will develop skills needed to work as a team.
Splash Bash
July 21-25, Ages 5-7
During the summer, we humans love to splash and play in the water. Come and learn about otters, turtles, alligators, hippos, and other animals who love the water. Later, we’ll visit some animals who hardly need any water. Then, campers will get their turn at our Splash Pad.
Science of Ewwww!
July 28-Aug. 1, Ages 8-10
From sticky, squishy water animals to bald scavengers that fly, the animal kingdom can seem gross at times. Through interactive lessons, experiments, and animal programming, campers will discover such things as why animals emit stinky scents, what secrets can be found in poop, and why some animals have nasty habits. By week’s end, campers will understand that what may seem gross helps animals survive in the wild.
Train Ride
Our train runs daily year-round. During the summer months, it begins running at 10:30 a.m. and runs at the top and bottom of the hour. The last ride is at 4 p.m.
During the winter months, it begins running at 11:00 a.m. and runs at the top of the hour. The last ride is at 3 p.m.
Children and Adults (3 and up): $3.00
Children 2 and under Free
Safari Boat Ride
Open Year Round. May run on a limited schedule in the winter months. Call in advance for the schedule.
Children and Adults (3 and up): $3.00
Children 2 and under Free
Zoo Oasis
The Zoo Oasis, also known as the Splash Pad, is open during the warmer months of the year. You can cool off with a walk-through or spend the afternoon playing in cool water! The Splash Pad is FREE with a zoo admission fee.
Updated Splash Pad Schedule:
*May 1 through September 30- open every day!
*April & October- open on weekends only!
*November 1 through March 30- CLOSED!
Check out our freshly painted Splash Pad courtesy of the LA Purchase Zoological Society!
Birthday Party Fun!
Make plans to celebrate your child’s next birthday at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo. It’s the wildest party in town!
Price: Cost for up to 20 people plus a train ride: $150 (Member Price – $135), $75 Deposit Fee (Member Deposit Fee – $68) There is an additional charge per person fee for any guests over the 20 maximum.
Party Times/Sizes: Birthday parties are available on Saturdays and Sundays ONLY at 10:30-12:00 or 2:00-3:30.
Annual Events
Eggstravaganza | Boo at the Zoo | Jungle Bells | Zoo Summer Camp
For information on how to become involved in raising funds for the upkeep and continued growth of the zoo: Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo.
