Join us

Registration for zoo camp is now open.

A week at camp costs $150 for zoological society members and $200 for non-members.
Register online at https://lpgzbooking.as.me 

A world of animals to see

Come spend a week or more exploring the world and its wildlife at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo.

The adventure begins each day with a light breakfast. We’ll feature daily animal encounters and walks through the zoo. Express yourself with animal-related arts and crafts. Hop on a train and board a boat for a ride among exotic creatures. We’ll have lunch provided by our concessions stand, and we’ll cool off in the ZOOasis splash pad at least twice during the week.

We will be offering age-specific camps from June 3 to Aug. 2 for kiddos 5-13. Each camp will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Early drop-off (after 8 a.m.) and late pickup (until 5 p.m.) are available at an additional cost. T-shirts are included.

Who’s who at the zoo

June 3-7 for ages 5-7

What makes a mammal a mammal and not a reptile or a bird? What makes a turtle a reptile, but not a snake? This session will help campers learn how animals are placed into the different classes of Mammal, Reptile, Birds, Amphibians and Fish. 

Where the wild things are

June 10-14 for ages 8-10

From arctic terns and polar bears of the Arctic, the penguins of the Antarctic, the colorful, mysterious animals of the rainforests, the world’s various climate zones provide wonders and challenges. We’ll explore the geography of Mother Earth and how creatures have developed special adaptations to live where they live.

Biodiversity, and our role

June 17-21 for ages 11-13

Over the centuries, the world has kept a delicate balance. Changes are happening now fast and furiously – longer droughts, disappearing shoreline, severe storms. The world’s population is ever increasing, putting strain on food development and urban living, eating away at habitats. A look at the effects on wildlife as nature’s balance shifts.

Love the boot

June 24-28 for ages 5-7

From the bayous and swamps of South Louisiana to the Mississippi River flood plain of northeastern Louisiana to the gently rolling hills in the northwest, Louisiana offers a remarkably rare collection of habitats and wildlife. From alligators to white-tail deer, from beaver to the state’s variety of snakes, Louisiana is Sportsman’s Paradise and a world of wildlife you just have to love.

Mythbusters

July 8-12 for ages 8-10

Are snakes slimy? Separate fact from fiction as we explore the myths and realities of our misunderstood creature friends. Mythological creatures play an important role in our modern entertainment. But do dragons really exist? Where did the legend of the unicorn come from? Campers will explore a variety of animals, real and imaginary.

The hard work of fun

July 15-19 for ages 11­-13

Ever wonder how much a hippo eats in a day, or how much hay a zoo needs for a week? What do lions at the zoo eat? Campers will learn all about caring for animals. They’ll learn about the work needed to keep the grounds neat and buildings repaired. You’ll explore what it takes to create an exhibit and explore what it takes to care for sick animals. Find out about many career options that the zoo world has to offer.

Survival secrets

July 22-26 for ages 5-7

Danger lurks ahead, participate if you dare! We uncover some of the adaptations of world’s most dangerous creatures and how the Zoo helps conservationists keep animals safe from extinction.

Medieval Madness

July 29-Aug. 2 for ages 8-10

 

In ye olde days, people had no idea how to describe animals from far-flung places they had never seen before. They had no pictures, and relied only on crude drawings to show their friends. Step back to those days as we go on merrie adventures. Try your hand at deciphering animals described in the bestiary and spotting them at the zoo.