Alexandria Zoological Park
4.5(2.3K)google
4.3(40)yelp
FamilyOutdoor
Overview
The Alexandria Zoological Park is a 33-acre (13 ha) zoo located in Alexandria, Louisiana, United States. First opened to the public in 1926, it is owned by the City of Alexandria and operated by the Division of Public Works. It is home to about 500 animals.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeThe best time to visit is during spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November), specifically in the early morning or morning. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C for comfortable walking. Animals are most active during early morning feeding times, allowing you to avoid the afternoon heat when animals rest, and providing great natural lighting for photography.
Getting ThereDriving is the most convenient option. From downtown Alexandria, drive south on Business 165/Masonic Drive for about 5-10 minutes into Bringhurst Park to find the zoo entrance. Free parking is available. For public transit, take the ATR (Alexandria Transit Readily) Route 3 bus to the Masonic Drive stop, then walk along the park pathway for about 8 minutes to the main gate.
Travel Tips
- Parking spaces are highly limited and often fill up before 11:00 AM on weekends; use the overflow spaces along Masonic Drive to avoid being towed.
- The Louisiana Habitat exhibit is completely exposed with zero shade; visit before 10:00 AM or after 3:00 PM during summer to avoid extreme heat exhaustion.
- Drones, scooters, and external pets are strictly prohibited inside the zoo, and no storage lockers are provided at the main gate.
Reviews
Positive
- Although the zoo is small, the wooden boardwalk paths winding through the lush forest provide great shade, making it pleasant even in hot summer.
- It is perfect for families; the interactive kids' area and the fun river otter slide kept the children thrilled, and they loved seeing tigers and jaguars up close.
- The admission fee is very affordable, offering incredible value compared to big-city zoos, and the free parking makes it a budget-friendly family day out.
- The grounds are clean and well-maintained. Despite its limited size, the animal habitats are well kept, the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is non-commercial and peaceful.
Heads up
- Disappointingly, many animal enclosures were empty during our visit, and some of the older chain-link fences were rusty and blocked the view for photos.
- The food options inside the park are very limited, overpriced, and taste mediocre; I highly recommend bringing your own water and snacks.
- The directional signage and multi-language guides are unclear in some areas, making it easy for first-time visitors to get turned around at intersections.
- There are too few public restrooms, especially toward the back of the zoo, leading to long lines during busy weekends.