Tagged News

• Baton Rouge Zoo welcomes Nubian ibex twins and American bison calf this spring

  May 14, 2026 4:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Baton Rouge Zoo is welcoming several newborn animals this spring, including two Nubian ibex twins and an American bison calf. The ibex twins were born on May 4 and have been named Luke and Leia. Nubian ibex are native to the mountainous, dry regions of... more »

• One Tank Trip: BREC Baton Rouge Zoo Play Video

  February 12, 2026 5:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Ever wanted to travel the world and see exotic animals without leaving Louisiana? The Baton Rouge Zoo offers a shortcut to a global adventure. For visitors like Bonnie Kate Zoghbi, the zoo is the perfect local escape. “We love it. It’s so nice because it’s... more »

• Infant gorilla at Audubon Zoo dies shortly after being born

  January 24, 2026 4:33 PM

  NEW ORLEANS — A baby gorilla died shortly after being born at the Audubon Zoo, the zoo shared on Saturday. This was the second infant for 18-year-old mother Tunami , a critically endangered western lowland gorilla, and 31-year-old father Okpara, a silverback gorilla. The pair's first infant died... more »

• A critically endangered gorilla at the Audubon Zoo is pregnant

  January 15, 2026 4:29 PM

  NEW ORLEANS — A critically endangered western lowland gorilla at the Audubon Zoo is expecting a baby soon, the zoo shared Thursday. The zoo said the pregnancy is a result of successful breeding between 18-year-old mother Tumani and 23-year-old silverback Okpara. Their baby is due in mid-February. Audubon... more »

• Audubon Zoo announces names for three new lion cubs

  November 26, 2025 12:10 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Audubon Zoo announced the names for its three newborn lion cubs on Wednesday. Born on Oct. 19, the cubs, consisting of two girls and one boy, are growing and showing their personalities more by the day, according to the zoo. The two girl cubs, Nandi,... more »

• BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo hosts Rumble in the Jungle car show Play Video

  November 1, 2025 2:18 PM

  BATON ROUGE - BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo brought together car lovers and animal enthusiasts alike for its Rumble in the Jungle car show on Saturday. The event showcased various vehicles, including classic cruisers and custom builds, at the zoo, which is home to over 600 animals, including more than... more »

• BREC's annual Boo at the Zoo returns to Baton Rouge Zoo

  October 18, 2025 10:15 AM

  BATON ROUGE - BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo will host its annual Boo at the Zoo celebration this weekend, featuring new events to get you in the spooky spirit. The celebration will feature festive activities like princess and character meet-and-greets, magic shows, dinosaur experiences, seasonal treats and a pumpkin patch.... more »

• 2une In Previews: BREC hosting Boo at the Zoo, car show over next few weeks at Baton Rouge Zoo Play Video

  October 6, 2025 8:37 AM

  BATON ROUGE — BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo has plenty to do throughout October and into November. One of the zoo's biggest events, Boo at the Zoo, is happening on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Halloween event will give kids the opportunity to see the... more »

• BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo welcomes its first dama gazelle calf to the zoo Play Video

  August 28, 2025 11:43 AM

  BATON ROUGE – BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo welcomed its first dama gazelle calf to the zoo. The birth of the male calf on Saturday, Aug. 16, marks an exciting milestone for the zoo's animal care team, BREC said. “The dama gazelle is one of the most endangered antelope... more »

• Audubon Zoo welcomes three new capybara babies

  July 28, 2025 6:14 PM

  NEW ORLEANS — The Audubon Zoo announced the arrival of three new capybara babies on Monday afternoon. The three newborns are the offspring of Turkey, their mom, and Sequoia, their dad. The pups won't be named until the zoo determines their sexes. For now, the babies are busy... more »

• Baton Rouge Zoo will host its first-ever car show this fall Play Video

  July 16, 2025 1:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Baton Rouge Zoo announced that it will host its first-ever car show this fall. The inaugural Rumble in the Jungle will display a variety of classic and custom-built cars all throughout the zoo's grounds. Anyone wanting to show off their ride can register from... more »

• 9-year-old says trip to BR Zoo during event for medically vulnerable kids was best day of his life Play Video

  June 6, 2025 10:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE - On Friday, hundreds passed through BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo as part of Dreamnight, a global initiative where zoos open their gates to medically vulnerable children for a special event. Nine-year-old Xavier Chew said Friday was the best day of his life. "Let me say something.... more »

• BREC Zoo describes how they kept their animals warm during the snow, freezing temperatures Play Video

  January 23, 2025 6:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Many of the animals at BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo were removed ahead of the snowstorm this week, but others seemed to enjoy it. Zoo Director Jim Fleshman said his team has been operating on a "skeleton crew schedule" to care for the animals. "The thing... more »

• BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo names new jaguar cub after Southern's mascot Play Video

  January 17, 2025 1:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE — After months of searching for a name, BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo on Friday named its new jaguar cub after Southern University's mascot. The cub will be named Lacumba III after Southern's jaguar mascot. "Lacumba III honors Louisiana’s heritage while symbolizing hope for this near-threatened species,"... more »

• Baton Rouge Zoo asks public to help name its first jaguar cub in over 30 years Play Video

  December 10, 2024 11:00 AM

  BATON ROUGE — BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo is asking the public to help name its brand new jaguar cub. The cub is the first jaguar born in the United State since 2022 and the first newborn cub the Baton Rouge Zoo has seen in over 30 years. The cub's... more »

• One Tank Trips: Blue Zoo Play Video

  November 21, 2024 5:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE - If you're looking for an educational adventure featuring creatures of the land and sea, the Blue Zoo has everything you need. Located inside the Mall of Louisiana, the Blue Zoo first opened in 2021. As the only aquarium in Baton Rouge, operations manager Nami Hawz says... more »

• One Tank Trips: BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo Play Video

  October 23, 2024 5:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE - If you haven't been to BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo in a hot minute, the cooler fall weather is a perfect time for a walk on the wild side. Over the last three and a half years, the zoo has undergone a series of major renovations that... more »

• 2une In Previews: BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo holding grand-reopening event this weekend Play Video

  October 2, 2024 1:08 PM

  BATON ROUGE — BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo has finished its facelift and is holding its grand opening this weekend. The grand opening of the Baton Rouge Zoo and Greenwood Community Park will be on Saturday, with festivities starting at 9:30 a.m. before the new zoo entry building and giraffe... more »

• EBR school introduces new agriculture initiative to turn farm skills into life skills Play Video

  September 18, 2024 5:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Northdale Superintendent's Academy is taking the barnyard to the schoolyard with its new farm program. The farm is located in the center of campus between academic buildings. Two goats and two pigs live on the farm, as well as several chickens, including a rooster. This is... more »

• 20-year-old Malayan tiger at Baton Rouge Zoo euthanized due to age-related ailments

  July 24, 2024 4:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A 20-year-old male Malayan tiger was euthanized after being treated for age-related ailments, according to the Baton Rouge Zoo. Intan, who arrived at the Baton Rouge Zoo in 2011, was born on December 23, 2003, making him 20.5 years old. He came to the Baton Rouge... more »

• East Feliciana animal preserve claims feds 'wrongfully confiscated' their sick giraffe Play Video

  September 13, 2023 2:31 PM

  ETHEL - A small-scale nature preserve that markets up-close encounters with exotic animals says federal regulators overreached this week when they took away its ailing giraffe. A statement issued by Barn Hill Preserve in Ethel alleges the U.S. Department of Agriculture had "no warrant, no ruling, no judgment, and... more »

• Police make arrest after break-in at Louisiana zoo; stolen monkeys still missing

  February 7, 2023 3:07 PM

  BROUSSARD - Police have arrested a man suspected of taking a dozen monkeys from an enclosure at a Lafayette-area zoo, though the animals remain missing. Broussard Police announced Tuesday that Joseph Randall, 61, of Opelousas was booked for burglary and 12 counts of animal cruelty just over a week... more »

• 'Chupacabra?': Photo shows bizarre figure lurking outside Texas zoo

  June 9, 2022 1:57 PM

  AMARILLO, Tx. - A Texas zoo wants help identifying a strange-looking animal spotted just outside its property. The Amarillo Zoo released a night vision photo Wednesday showing unidentified creature just outside a chain link fence. The zoo has been trying to identify the strange figure since it was first... more »

• Baton Rouge Zoo notices attendance boost while facing upgrade delays Play Video

  February 13, 2022 5:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Supply-chain problems are slowing down the Baton Rouge Zoo’s facelift, but they aren't slowing down the zoo’s attendance. Ava Blackwell, 9, is a Baton Rouge Zoo visitor and dreams of working with zoo animals one day. “I got a vet book, and my mom got... more »

• Three lions at Audubon Zoo test positive for COVID-19

  December 29, 2021 2:04 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Three African lions at the Audubon Zoo tested positive for COVID-19 Tuesday. According to the zoo, staff members discovered the infections after they noticed the lions were coughing. Nasal and fecal samples were taken for three symptomatic lions and tested at the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic... more »

• Audubon Zoo's two-headed snake, a gift from Nicolas Cage, has died

  September 16, 2021 12:34 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Harvey, a rare twin-headed snake given to the Audubon Zoo by Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage, has died. The zoo announced Wednesday that the 14-year-old gopher snake passed away due to complications brought on by his old age. Aside from his appearance, Harvey's arrival at the... more »

• Alexandria zoo mourns the loss of two tigers within a week

  September 14, 2021 5:26 PM

  Two tigers have died within a week of each other at Alexandria Zoological Park. Officials made the 2nd announcement on their Facebook page this afternoon. On September 14th, they announced their Malayan tiger, Jammu, was euthanized due to age-related issues. Jammu was... more »

• As zoos begin to vaccinate some animals, Baton Rouge Zoo holds off, wants more data Play Video

  July 15, 2021 11:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - At the Baton Rouge Zoo, many animals are natural pros at social distancing, keeping to themselves and their enclosures. That space, along with virus precautions taken by their caretakers, has paid off. "We have had no cases [of COVID-19] that we are aware of in the... more »

• BREC breaks ground on new projects at Baton Rouge Zoo, Greenwood Community Park Play Video

  December 8, 2020 8:05 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A transformation to the Greenwood Community Park and the Baton Rouge Zoo is underway. BREC officials along with local leaders broke ground on construction Tuesday. "Together the zoo and park will serve as a vital economic driver for the north end of our parish and community... more »

• BREC searching for new zoo veterinarian

  October 24, 2019 7:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE – As the city-parish park system plans to move forward with a redeveloped zoo, it’s also looking to hire a site-specific veterinarian after the doctor who has worked on contract at the zoo for 40 years retires. Dr. Gordon Pirie already announced he would retire from his... more »

• Baton Rouge Zoo master plan coming together Play Video

  March 28, 2019 11:48 PM

  EAST BATON ROUGE - A proposed master plan for the zoo will be ready for public scrutiny May 2. BREC sought public input on zoo priorities in January and will return with proposals in May. Among the changes being considered is a direct entrance from Highway 19 through Greenwood... more »

• Baton Rouge Zoo welcomes adorable baby bongo 'Beignet'

  March 28, 2019 5:05 PM

  BATON ROUGE- BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo has announced the birth of an adorably big-eared baby bongo. The newborn African antelope named Beignet was born on February 24 but is only now making her debut. She is her 5-year-old mother's second bongo. The Baton Rouge Zoo says the bongo's pregnancy... more »

• After lengthy discussion, BREC unanimously agrees to keep Baton Rouge Zoo in current location Play Video

  March 22, 2018 7:01 PM

  BATON ROUGE – After almost 3 hours of public discussion for and against the proposal to relocate the Baton Rouge Zoo, the BREC board voted unanimously to keep it in its current location. As consultants spoke about their findings supporting a move for the zoo, those against held signs... more »

• Councilwoman calls for BREC leader's resignation after secretly-recorded conversation leaked ahead of zoo vote Play Video

  March 22, 2018 12:21 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Hours ahead of a vote by public park commissioners on moving the zoo, Metro Councilwoman Chauna Banks called for the resignation of the system's leader Carolyn McKnight. “I think it's time for her to resign,” Banks told WBRZ Thursday morning. “She's not operating in reality.” ... more »

• Area mayors set to denounce plans for zoo move Play Video

  March 19, 2018 4:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The mayor-president is expected to add her voice to the controversial conversation about moving the zoo from its home in Greenwood Park in North Baton Rouge to a large plot of land in southern East Baton Rouge. The mayor's office said it will hold a news... more »

• Report shows Baton Rouge Zoo needs to stay put Play Video

  March 1, 2018 11:54 PM

  BATON ROUGE - An economic impact study released Thursday gives ammunition to those fighting to keep the Baton Rouge Zoo in its current location. The Baton Rouge North Economic Development District, a group which advocates for economic revitalization in that area, released the report at its regular meeting. "We... more »

• Zoo welcomes new endangered African penguin chick Play Video

  December 4, 2017 11:15 AM

  APPLE VALLEY, Minn- The Minnesota Zoo recently announced the birth of a new endangered African penguin chick. The chick hatched Nov. 21 and weighed 50.5 grams. The new baby is being cared for behind the scenes by its parents Burner and Snickers. According to the zoo, African penguins... more »

• BREC to search for new zoo location Play Video

  August 24, 2017 7:26 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Commissioners on the public parks board voted Thursday to identify "alternative" locations for the Baton Rouge Zoo. The decision waters down the original search proposal because it now directs BREC Superintendent Carolyn McKnight to give more consideration to keeping the zoo in Baker. Relocating the zoo... more »

• Group against moving Baton Rouge zoo will take issue to court

  August 4, 2017 5:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Opponents of moving the zoo from its North Baton Rouge location said at a news conference late Friday, they are taking the matter to court to collect documents tied to meetings and correspondence. An anti-move group spearheaded by Metro Councilwoman Chauna Banks-Daniel has fought BREC over... more »

• Endangered bongo and twin monkeys born at Baton Rouge Zoo

  April 21, 2017 2:01 PM

  BATON ROUGE – BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo announced the birth of three animals, a female bongo and Golden Lion Tamarin twins. The female bongo was born to a 3-year-old mother in the zoo's Africa loop. According to zoo officials, eastern bongos are classified as endangered African Antelopes. The... more »

• WATCH: Grandma gets a face full of feces at the zoo

  April 3, 2017 3:46 PM

  GRAND RAPIDS – A Michigan woman got more than she bargained for after a visit to a Grand Rapids Zoo Sunday. Erin Vargo, who works at John Ball Zoo, said she was just hoping to have an average day when she captured the funniest thing she’s ever seen in... more »

• Audubon Zoo responds after gorilla throws wood block at pregnant guest

  March 7, 2017 9:21 AM

  NEW ORLEANS – The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans is investigating after a gorilla reportedly threw an object into a crowd of visitors over the weekend, local media reports. According to a WWLTV report, Praline, one of the zoo’s three gorillas, tossed a block of wood into a crowd... more »

• Audubon Zoo's 'King Zulu' the white tiger has died

  March 6, 2017 10:32 AM

  NEW ORLEANS – The Audubon Nature Institute’s aging white tiger “King Zulu” died over the weekend. The organization said the 20-year-old male white tiger had experienced a steep decline in health and staff made the decision to euthanize Sunday morning. The tiger had been receiving hospice style care to... more »

• Boy or Girl? It's a sloth, so we don't know yet

  February 17, 2017 8:55 PM

  HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Zookeepers are waiting for a DNA test to learn whether Hattiesburg Zoo's baby sloth is a boy or a girl. That's because sloths' sex organs are internal. Mammal curator Stephen Taylor says they'll have to send a bit of fur to a lab to learn the gender... more »

• Lemurs make a run for it at BREC Zoo

  June 13, 2016 3:59 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Two animals at the BREC Baton Rouge Zoo tried to make a run for it this morning, escaping from an open gate. Two black and white lemurs, a male and female, passed through a gate left open this morning by a zoo keeper. Their freedom lasted... more »

• Petition wants parents charged after gorilla's death

  May 31, 2016 10:04 AM

  CINCINNATI - Hundreds of thousands of signatures have already been applied to an online petition that has been created in response to the death of Harambe the gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo. The ape was shot dead on Saturday after a young boy fell into its enclosure. The... more »

• Cincinnati Zoo gorilla killed after 4-year-old falls into exhibit

  May 30, 2016 1:01 PM

  CINCINNATI- A 4-year-old boy was hospitalized and a gorilla was shot and killed after the child fell into the animal’s exhibit at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Cincinnati emergency crews and police responded to a report of a child falling in the gorilla exhibit around 4 p.m. Saturday.... more »

• Final necropsy results for BREC zoo's Malayan tiger released Play Video

  May 5, 2016 10:29 AM

  BATON ROUGE - BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo has released the final necropsy results for the facility’s juvenile Malayan tiger that died last month. “Gastric dilatation is what we initially suspected as the cause of death based on the video footage we had from her den, but we couldn’t say... more »

• Consulting firm supporting moving zoo makes pitch to BREC Thursday

  March 22, 2016 7:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Zoo officials will once again hear from a consulting firm Thursday, hired to determine how to improve the experience of the public attraction. The firm has recommended moving the zoo from Thomas Road and will pitch plans to BREC, the recreation arm of the city-parish that... more »

• No timetable to replace giraffes at Baton Rouge Zoo

  March 22, 2016 12:16 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge Zoo hopes to replace two giraffes that died over the weekend eventually but says there's not currently a timetable to make that happen. "I miss the one with the light beige tan," Margaret Selver says. Zookeepers had to put two female giraffes down this... more »

• Two giraffes died at Baton Rouge Zoo Saturday

  March 19, 2016 8:08 PM

  The story below is from 2016. In November 2019, the post became a trending item in the Baton Rouge area. It is not a current report on the zoo. BATON ROUGE – The Baton Rouge Zoo says two female giraffes died Saturday morning. BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo... more »

• NAACP warns BREC about fight over any plans to move zoo Play Video

  February 16, 2016 5:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The city's NAACP is gearing up to fight any plans to move the zoo from its current location in North Baton Rouge. BREC has not officially said it wants to move the Baton Rouge Zoo from Thomas Road, but some have suggested a new location as... more »