The Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo is owned and operated by the City of Monroe! 

Thank you to Mayor Friday Ellis for your continuous support of the zoo!

A special thank you to the Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society for our brand new zoo maps!!

 Wild things are happening at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo!🦌🦦

The Reptiles and Louisiana Purchase areas are closed while progress is being made on the new exhibit! Stay tuned for updates and, in the meantime, the other animals will love the extra attention! 🦛🐢🐦

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 ZooOasis 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.

Zoo Rules

• Have a great time!
• Be kind to the animals. – If you harass the animals or do something to intentionally harm any animal, you will be escorted out of the zoo.
• Do not chase the birds!
• Don't litter- trash cans are provided throughout the zoo.
• Stay on the sidewalks and in designated areas.
• DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS! They are on special diets.
• Do not throw objects into the animal habitats or water.
• Please obey all safety rules when riding the boat or train.
• Pets are not allowed
• Speak nicely! – Vulgar, profane or disrespectful language is not allowed.
• Radios, bicycles, and skateboards are not allowed.
• Balloons and straws are not allowed in the zoo. They present a hazard to the animals.
• Alcoholic beverages, weapons and illicit drugs are not allowed to be brought into the zoo.
• No smoking on zoo grounds.
• Please do not bring food and beverages into the zoo.
• Observe all safety and courtesy rules at ZooOasis.

If you have questions, please ask any of our friendly staff. We will be happy to assist you!

Dos and Don'ts

• Have lots of fun seeing some of the world’s wonders!
• Enjoy the picturesque and relaxing setting The Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo has to offer with hundreds of animal and plant species!
• Look and Listen! The naturalistic habitats where our animals live provide a place for the animals to feel safe and comfortable.
• If you do not see your favorite animal, be patient and wait for the animal to emerge. You may want to check back later!
• Be Careful! Remember that animals are wild even in captivity.
• Make sure you watch your step.
• Parents should keep an eye on their children and do not allow them to venture off the walking paths, cross barriers or fence lines, nor touch the animals.
• Don’t Feed the Animals! Most of the animals housed at The Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo are on special diets. Please do not feed them unless signs or our zookeepers tell you otherwise. We do have the opportunity to feed animals at our Children’s Zoo, Budgie Exhibit, Tortoise Exhibit, and our “Duck Dock.” Please only use the food in the machines.
• Have A Party! Reunions, company picnics, concerts, cookouts and more are ideal occasions for renting the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo Pavilion.

For more information about this outstanding venue, contact Mimi Collins, Zoo Office Manager at 318-329-2400