Location: Monroe, Louisiana Years Active: 1929 – Active Forget fancy, modern zoos – the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo is all about that classic animal-watching experience. Sure, some exhibits could use a refresh, but that’s part of its charm. It’s been a Monroe staple since 1929! You’ll find over 500 animals, from the big crowd-pleasers…
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana Years Active: 1914 – Active The Audubon Zoo isn’t just another animal park. It’s a slice of New Orleans, born in 1914, and still growing strong. This place sprawls over 58 acres with thousands of animals – think big cats, elephants, you name it! They don’t live in cages here. The…
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Years Active: 1970 – Active Love animals? The Baton Rouge Zoo is a must-see. It’s been open since 1970, and they’ve got everything from lions to flamingos. It’s not the biggest zoo around, but that’s actually kind of nice – makes it easy to see everything in a day. They care…
Location: Horse Cave, Kentucky Years Active: 1990 – Active Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo… it’s a weird concept, right? Australia in Kentucky? But it kind of works. Since 1990, it’s been a quirky stop for families and animal lovers. Expect kangaroos, sure, but also Kentucky critters you might know better. Want to pet a kangaroo?…
Location: Louisville, Kentucky Years Active: 1969 – Active The Louisville Zoo isn’t your standard animal park. Sure, this place has lions, tigers, and elephants, but it boasts something extra: a real Kentucky attitude. Since 1969, they’ve been all about showcasing amazing creatures with a healthy dose of down-home charm. Get ready to explore! Gorilla Forest…
Location: Garden City, Kansas Years Active: 1927 – Active Forget the usual zoo experience. Lee Richardson Zoo in Kansas offers a wild side with a touch of Great Plains charm. It’s a small but mighty place – think fewer crowds, closer animal encounters, and surprisingly affordable prices. Here’s the inside scoop: stroll through the zoo…
Location: Lafayette, Indiana Years Active: 1908 – Active Columbian Park Zoo isn’t just another zoo. It’s been around since 1908 – they know their stuff! You won’t find massive crowds, making it perfect for those who want a more intimate animal experience. Find it tucked inside the bigger Columbian Park – perfect for a picnic…
Location: Evansville, Indiana Years Active: 1928 – Active Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden isn’t your standard zoo. It’s been around since 1928, so it has a really old-timey feel that some folks love. Others find it a bit outdated. But hey, that means smaller crowds if you go on a weekday! The real star…
Location: South Bend, Indiana Years Active: 1921 – Active The Potawatomi Zoo…it’s the place locals have mixed feelings about. Been around forever, and it’s definitely not some massive, fancy place. But that’s kind of the fun of it, right? It’s like a blast from the past, those old school exhibits, a little worn but full…
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Years Active: 1965 – Active Forget those picture-perfect zoo brochures. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a wild ride from start to finish. It’s been around forever – since 1965! – but this place never gets boring. Get ready for animals from every corner of the globe. Lions roar on the…
