Baton Rouge Zoo, Wildlife park in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Baton Rouge Zoo covers 125 acres in Greenwood Park north of downtown and holds over 800 animals. Otter Pond has a replica fishing cabin for viewing North American river otters underwater, and La Aquarium de Louisiana displays native fish, amphibians, reptiles and arachnids in an air-conditioned building. Realm of the Tiger, opened in 2010, has four enclosures for Malayan and Sumatran tigers, with siamangs and a walkthrough aviary nearby.
The zoo opened in 1970 and received official accreditation from the national zoo association in 1977, marking an important milestone in its recognition. This official status helped establish its credibility among visitors and supporters.
The zoo's first two elephants, Penny and Penny Two, were bought with over 600,000 pennies collected by local children after WAFB television host "Buckskin" Bill closed his children's show with the line "Baton Rouge needs a zoo." The zoo also runs reading programs, day camps and teacher workshops that reach more than 45,000 children a year.
The zoo sits in Greenwood Park in north Baton Rouge, about 15 minutes by car from downtown. Paths connect the exhibits on foot, and the air-conditioned La Aquarium de Louisiana at the back of the grounds offers a cool stop. Much of the route is outdoors, so plan for heat and humidity.
The zoo's first two elephants, Penny and Penny Two, were bought with over 600,000 pennies collected by local children after WAFB TV host "Buckskin" Bill ended his show with the line "Baton Rouge needs a zoo." The original elephant exhibit closed in 2013.
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