Zoosiana
4.3(2.1K)google
4.5(4)yelp
FamilyOutdoor
Overview
Affectionately known as 'The Zoo of Acadiana,' Zoosiana is located in Broussard, right next to Lafayette, Louisiana. Spanning over 45 acres of shaded, century-old live oak trees, this classic wildlife park is home to more than 750 exotic animals from around the globe, including majestic African lions, cheeky giraffes, and rare white alligators. Families can enjoy riding the Safari Express Train, playing at the giant playground, and watching live animal feeding demonstrations, making it a stellar destination for child-friendly tourism.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2.5-4 hours
Best TimeRecommended from October to March in the morning (9:00 AM - 11:30 AM). Lafayette's summers are intensely hot, while autumn and winter mornings present perfect temperatures around 10:00 AM for the African lions, giraffes, and rare white kangaroos to roam their pastures. This is also the ideal lighting window for the Safari Train ride.
Getting ThereLocated right off US-90 in Broussard, a southern suburb of Lafayette. Driving is the primary option: from downtown, merge onto US-90 E (Evangeline Thruway) and drive south for roughly 6 miles; turn right immediately after spotting the massive giraffe statue landmark on the highway into the zoo's free gravel lot. No public transit serves this area.
Travel Tips
- The main parking lot has zero canopy shade; interior vehicle temperatures skyrocket in summer, and leaving pets inside will trigger immediate police intervention.
- The Safari Express Train requires a premium ticket and fills up instantly on weekends; secure your train boarding pass immediately upon park entry.
- External animal feed is strictly illegal; use only park-sanctioned pellet dispensers, and note that boardwalks clear out instantly during lightning alarms.
Reviews
Positive
- This zoo is perfect for younger toddlers; it is moderately sized so walking isn't exhausting, and feeding giraffes, alpacas, and longhorns offers great interaction.
- The Safari Express mini train and the massive inflatable jump patch are total hits with kids; a bundle ticket allows children to burn off energy all day.
- Giant historic live oaks are scattered everywhere, providing excellent shade; walking under the canopy keeps summer cool, and clean picnic benches are plentiful.
- Parking is ample and completely free; the front gate staff are friendly and efficient, and the park exudes a warm, rustic country zoo charm.
Heads up
- Some animal enclosures and cages look quite dated, and the active habitats for gorillas and lions feel a bit small; modern eco-designs need upgrading.
- Admission is slightly overpriced for a private zoo of this size, and many individual activities like animal feed and train rides require extra fees, bloating costs.
- Concession stands and fast food huts inside have inconsistent hours; visiting midweek means many are shut, leaving only vending machines with sodas and chips.
- Public restrooms are a bit sparse, clustered mainly near the front entrance and playgrounds; if you are deep in the back near the primates, it's a long walk.