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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
- Virtual Programs Educational videos and resources for offsite learning
- 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
- Amazon Wish List Purchase toys, treats and other fun items for animals
- 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!
- About
Today's Hours 9:30am–5:00pm (Last Entry 4:00pm)
Feb 15, 2022
New Zoo Director Announced!
BREC is proud to announce that after a five-month national search, Jim Fleshman has been named the fourth Zoo Director in BREC’s history. Fleshman has worked alongside Phil Frost for the past three years, playing an integral role in the development of the Zoo’s master plan, strategic plan and business plan which is guiding the largest construction project in BREC’s history to reimagine the 51-year-old facility.
Fleshman brings more than three decades of zoological experience to the Baton Rouge Zoo, including executive leadership, animal management/training and conservation stewardship. In his role as Deputy Director for the Baton Rouge Zoo since 2019, he played a key role in developing the plans to reimagine the Zoo, overseeing construction of new exhibits and acquiring new animals, while also immersing himself in the unique culture of south Louisiana.
“This is a pivotal time in the Zoo’s history as its staff will continue to manage the twin challenges of caring for the animals and providing excellent service during construction and the global pandemic,” said BREC Superintendent Corey K. Wilson. “Jim has played an integral role in the Baton Rouge Zoo setting attendance records despite those challenges and I am confident that he will continue to work every day to take our Zoo to the next level and provide the Baton Rouge community with a world-class facility.”
Fleshman has been a member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) since 1995 having served on its Ethics Board, Board of Directors, Accreditation Commission, Advising the Wildlife Management Committee, Conference Site-Selection Committee and Governmental Affairs Committee. He is also the past-Chair, Vice-Chair and Treasurer of the Board of Directors, Zoo Conversation Outreach Group and Executive Board Member of the Paraguay Conservation Action Plan in addition to numerous other civic and volunteer leadership positions.
Fleshman replaces Phil Frost who has led the Zoo for the past 24 years, retiring earlier this month. Frost was just the third director in the Zoo’s 51-year history.