Zoo Buddy: Malaysian Blue Scorpion!

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Meet the Malaysian Blue scorpion at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo in Monroe!

Zookeeper Al Hodges says there’s at least one scorpion species for every continent, except Antarctica.

She says they inject their prey with venom on the tail to subdue them and will use their mouth pinchers to eat their food. They will also use their venom to ward off predators.

Hodges says all scorpions have a special feature: they light up under a black light! She says there are a lot of theories as to why, but nothing definitive.

They have feeler hairs all over their body to help them maneuver the ground. Hodges says they don’t have too many eyes, and in some cases, they don’t have eyes at all.

This one is on display in their reptile building.

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.