Contact Us & FAQ

It's better to begin with the path leading through the Mayan Temple entrance of the Land of the Jaguar near the train track. Upon exiting the Land of the Jaguar, cross the Festival Plaza and enter the Louisiana Habitat at the lighthouse entrance. Best rule of thumb: take right turns as you travel.

Our exhibits are designed to be as naturalistic as possible, which means our animals are not always easily visible. If you take a closer look, you may be able to spot some animals that have camouflaged themselves so well that you wouldn't see them at first glance. Different animals also are more active at various times of the day.

Public Restrooms: are located at the (1) Zoo Entrance, (2) in the building behind the Festival Plaza stage (family style restrooms), and (3) near the playground.

Train Depot: is near the entrance, on the South American deck.

Education Pavilion: is between the Gift Shop/Zoo Office and the train depot.

Education Buildings A & B: are located on two sides of the Education Pavilion.

Palm Cafe: is in the Festival Plaza in the center of the Zoo. Seasonal concessions are contracted, operating during the spring, summer, and fall months, and also during special events or high visitor weekends. Scheduling is subject to change.

Guests should find and notify the nearest Zoo personnel of any situations requiring first aid attention or separated members of a party. The Zoo has an intercom system for locating or calling for individuals.

Lost articles are taken to the zoo office and held until claimed. Articles left for extended periods are disposed of.

For the health and safety of the animals in our care, non-service animals such as emotional support animals, therapy animals, and pets are not permitted in the zoo. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, only Service Dogs are permitted.

Outside food and beverages are permitted. Guests cannot bring glass containers, plastic straws or lids, grills of any kind, or any alcohol into the zoo.

Picnic tables are available in serval zoo areas. There are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Water fountains are located by the Entrance Restrooms, Playground Restrooms, and Dogtrot building in Louisiana Habitat.

Baby changing stations are available in all restrooms.

Only the fish and waterfowl can be fed food provided in the machines on the decks. All other animals require special diets provided by the zoo and should not be fed other items. Improper food items can cause illness or death.

Other items (coins, plastic items, etc.) thrown into the animal enclosures can cause injury, illness or death if eaten by the animals.

The bald eagles housed in the Louisiana Habitat Exhibit (next to the dogtrot house) came to the Alexandria Zoo on loan from the U.S. Department of the Interior and the LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. They were shot or injured in the wild, and their wings have been partially amputated. They will always be flightless or grounded due to these injuries.

Big Al is still here and now has companions in the African Experience. There is also an indoor enclosure for them, since they cannot endure cold temperatures. Big Al's estimated age is over 70, but he could live to be over 100 years old.

The black-necked swan pool (originally a fish pool) made of small rocks located near the chilean flamingo exhibit is the only remaining animal exhibit. The fountain is not original.

The Louisiana Habitat Exhibit is built in an area where City Park Blvd. and the infamous "Rock Garden" were. The Zoo salvaged rocks from the garden and have used them in different areas throughout the Zoo.

The "star pond" next to the snake exhibit in Louisiana Habitat were built during the WPA era in the 1930's.

The Zoo is accredited, first in 1986, then 1991, 1996, 2001, 2008 and again in 2013. Accreditation means that the facility, personnel, and administration meet or exceed the standards for a professional zoological institution as set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Alexandria Zoo is one of only approximately 200 zoos in North America accredited by the AZA.

Visit our volunteer pages to see our adult and youth volunteer opportunities.