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ProgramsPrograms Learn at the Zoo with spring and summer camps, or bring the Zoo to you in your home or classroom!
- Field Trips Come explore wildlife in nature's own classroom
- Zoo Camps Year-round camps for spring, summer, fall and winter breaks
- Zoo Krewe Volunteer program for teens, with hands-on training
- Safari Night Learn about the Zoo's animals on an overnight adventure
- Zoo & Me Morning Animal encounters and art projects for 3 to 5 year-olds
- Zoo Mobile Bring the Zoo to your classroom with educational visits
- Project Ark STEM education programs for EBR school grades 1-5
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- Educator's Guide
- Silent Auction Requests For qualifying non-profit organizations
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Support Get involved with the Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation by supporting the Zoo's major events, wildlife conservation efforts, volunteering, and more.- Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation 501(c)3 non-profit supporting the Zoo's major events
- Donate Make an immediate impact on the Zoo with a tax-deductible gift
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- Volunteering Fun, challenging, and rewarding opportunities
- Conservation Efforts Learn about the Zoo's conservation efforts and how you can help
- Sponsorship Current sponsor opportunities for the Zoo's programs & events
- Adopt an Animal Support BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo by "adopting an animal" at the zoo!
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Today's Hours 9:30am–5:00pm (Last Entry 4:00pm)
Sep 03, 2021
Baton Rouge Zoo Announces Birth of Female Reticulated Giraffe
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo is happy to announce the birth of a female reticulated giraffe on August 31, 2021. The calf was born to an 8-year-old, second-time mother, Rosie, and a 15-year-old father, Rowan. To this point, the calf appears to be progressing as expected. This is the 21st giraffe born at the Baton Rouge Zoo. The last calf born at the Baton Rouge Zoo was Burreaux on December 26, 2019.
A giraffe’s gestation period is typically between 14 to 17 months in duration & it is typical for a newborn giraffe to weigh 100lbs – 150lbs and stand between 5ft and 6ft tall at birth. Average life expectancy for a giraffe in human care is around 20 years.
Giraffes live in eastern, central and southern portions of Africa. They range across savannah, grasslands, and open woods in search of trees to feed upon. As a species, the reticulated giraffe is considered “Endangered” in the wild. This is primarily due to human poaching and encroachment on natural habitats.
The number of giraffes in the wild has plummeted by 40% in the past 30 years. Many conservationists refer to this as “silent extinction” because it’s been such a slow decline that it’s almost gone unnoticed. Today, there are only 68,000 giraffes left in the wild. The Baton Rouge Zoo participates in conservation giving to help protect this species in the wild and the community can help too. Go HERE to learn more making a difference in safeguarding this species in the future.
Sadly, the mortality rate for giraffes ages 6 months and under is nearly 50%. “Our keeper, curator & veterinary staff are incredibly skilled and are monitoring the mother and calf closely. This expert care and supervision will hopefully lead to good outcomes. The progress of the calf over the coming few days & weeks will be crucial, said Phil Frost, Zoo Director.
About BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo is a place where people connect with animals, including tigers, giraffes, rhinos and alligators. The world-class Realm of the Tiger, Flamingo Cove, Giants of the Islands, Safari Playground, L'aquarium de Louisiane, and KidsZoo exhibits offer fun and education for all ages.