Zoo Buddy: Butterfly Garden!

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Looking for a tranquil spot in Monroe? Look no further than the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo’s Butterfly Garden.

It’s right by a section of the lagoon in the midst of the camel, baboon, and white-handed gibbon exhibits. Take a seat at a picnic table or bench and watch the pollinators flow. They have a mix of birds, bees, and butterflies, all attracted to the native plants.

They even have a beehive in the back of the garden.

Jackie Batey tends to the gardens and says everything started from seed months ago. She is already working on next year’s garden. She says when this season comes to an end, she’ll let these flowers and plants all go to seed and come back naturally. She’ll also introduce some new species.

Creating a Pollinator Garden in your yard is attainable! Check out the LSU Ag Center’s guide here.

They are also in a revamp of the Louisiana Kitchen Garden. That’s right next to the chicken coop and train ride. They’ll use some of those vegetables as enrichment for zoo animals.

Volunteers are always needed to help with their garden projects!

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 this summer.

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.