Zoo Buddy: American Bison!

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Meet the American bison at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo in Monroe. They are in the Louisiana Purchase Exhibit and on the boat ride.

Bison are known for their large stature. General Curator Lisa Taylor calls them nature’s bulldozer. If you encounter one in the wild, she says you should keep your distance because they can weigh a ton.

They are found in much of North America.

Their fur is thick during the winter, but it will start to shed during hotter temperatures.

They enjoy eating plants and will graze throughout the day.

While construction continues on the new Louisiana Purchase Exhibit, the Reptile Building is closed. Until then, you can request some reptiles at educational programs or birthday parties, or you might just see one at the zoo when staff are taking them on a stroll. Call 318-329-2400 for more information.

Due to weather delays, construction crews believe the new exhibit will be open sometime in the spring of 2026.

You can also volunteer with the zoo. Contact the Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society through their Facebook page.

The zoo is open every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can get tickets to feed the budgies, feed the tortoises, ride the boat, or ride the train at the front office.

Click here for a breakdown of their prices.