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    Global Wildlife Center

    4.6 (151 reviews)
    Closed 8:15 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Services - Global Wildlife Center

    Venue rental

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    Giraffe being hand fed in the jeep!

    Wow we did the private tour with Kacie today! We had an amazing time! Kacie was very informative and entertaining! The private tour can go where the train or wagon can't go so you see more animals. Highly recommended Global Wildlife Center!

    Giraffes
    Beth M.

    Who knew there was a Serengeti in the middle of Louisiana?! This was a highlight of our weekend trip for my 7 and 8 year-old girls. Pro-tip: book a time early in the day for optimal animal engagement! We weren't sure how many stops there would be for appropriately rationing our feed...there are 3!

    African Giraffe
    Jeannine A.

    Fantastic wildlife experience. The tour was great with lots of animals to see. You can feed the animals right from the tram. All of the animals looked happy and healthy. The place was very well maintained. The staff was very knowledgeable and kind. I definitely recommend a trip to Global Wildlife

    Bucket
    Jesy T.

    I really enjoyed going to the Global wildlife center and would love to go back when in Louisiana! The safari experience was definitely more than I imagined. I loved how close and interactive you got to be with some of the animals. I wish I would've gotten to see the giraffes up closer, but they were off wandering farther on the lot! Winston was the star of the show no doubt though. Would recommend getting a tub or sac of food to feed the animals if you plan on feeding multiple, the handheld bucket alone is too small and you'll either spill it or have a single animal try to snatch it and have you drop everything. Definitely tons of animals on the lot from camel, to kangaroos, to cows, and more!

    Sydney C.

    If you're ever in New Orleans, I recommend making the hour drive to do this! The drive into the center is exciting - you get a little glimpse of the hundreds of animals you'll be seeing on the safari! There is plenty of parking available. It was $19/pp (12-61 yo) for a 1 hour and 15-minute tour with the animals. At first, I was bummed out that we weren't going to be able to do a private tour because it required a minimum of four people, but, luckily, when we arrived, there were only about 10-15 people on the 11:30 tour (we arrived an hour before check-in time to purchase tickets). There was SO much room to move around (there were three wagons available) that it was basically a private tour itself. It is recommended you arrive earlier than the scheduled check-in times online because tickets cannot be bought online and are on a first come first serve basis. We purchased five 32oz souvenir cups at $2/cup and that's all we really needed to feed the animals during the whole trip between the two of us. You can choose to get a bucket if you want to spend more time feeding the animals! Tons of cows, zebras, deer, llama, donkey, etc... for me, the best part was feeding the giraffes! It's crazy how many animals swarm the safari the whole entire way! This was truly an unforgettable experience. There are safari tours where I'm from, but they're overpriced at $90+ and don't even have anything as up close and personal as your experience at GWC! Just wow.

    Amy T.

    If you go splurge on a private tour. The tour guide takes you places the big bus can't go. You get all the attention from the animals. Love this place. It's so obvious they love and care for these animals. Plenty of roaming room.

    Mallory E.

    We used to come here a lot when I was little but I've been twice as an adult. Once was the covered wagon your with everyone and then again with the private tour. The private tour fits 4-8 people but we only had three and it was perfect. I bought one sack thinking it was enough food - it was not! Between all the animals wanting food and everything you drop on the floor get the biggest size of food they offer.

    Feed bag. We had 2 adults and 2 kids feeding the animals, and the entire bag was used before the tour was over.
    Katie H.

    GWC is an amazing place for an outdoor family adventure. We spent extra for the private Pinz tour and it was WORTH IT! Up close and personal with all the animals and our very own tour guide. Very large parking lot and a gift shop if you feel inclined to buy some pricey memorabilia. Will definitely be back next time we have family in town!

    Mike T.

    It's a good way to spend an hour or two with small children. There are 30 species here, including zebras, giraffes, bison, several kinds of deer, kangaroos, emus, burros, etc. You have to buy food to feed the animals, and a $30.00 bucket lasted almost the whole tour (an hour and 15 mins) for two kids and one adult. There is a guide to explain about the animals... However, to get up close to the larger animals, like giraffes and bison, I think you have to take a more costly VIP tour. Two adults and 2 children with a bucket of feed was a little over $90. Fun!

    Kangaroos asleep and not responsive to customers. Could not get close
    Debra O.

    We purchased the train tickets for the 915a tour thinking that we'd get to feed lots of animals early, they'd be hungry early. Mostly we fed the "deer" herds but the giraffes had been fed earlier by staff and had to "digest" their food so were not even let out near the train. A bit disappointing. We were not allowed to feed the zebra bc they get aggressive. A bit disappointing. We also choose the last train bc we had a special needs adult and hoped to have lesser number of children on the last train. Most of the animals migrate toward the front of the train and when the train moves forward it didn't stop for the last train to get an opportunity to feed the animals but just for a minute. Nothing like the wait time for the front. Would recommend but choose a train near the front.

    Jordan V.

    TL;DR - Awesome family friendly activity that's fun for all ages where you get to interact with wildlife up close via a guided wagon tour. There are giraffes, zebras, llamas and more. You can even feed a few animals from the palm of your hand! Highly recommend if you love animals or are just looking for a cool, new activity. There are zoos and there are petting zoos, and then there's Global Wildlife. A little over an hour outside of the city, this wildlife preserve features thousands of free-roaming animals that you can see and feed up close via their wagon tours. I have a pretty large family and we like to get together to do a fun family activity every so often, this time we chose Global Wildlife and it was such a good time! It can be tough wrangle 15-20 folks, but this was the perfect activity to keep everyone engaged and having a good time. The age range of our group went from mid 70s to under 10 and everyone had a blast--even the too cool for school teenagers we *dragged* along, haha. The online booking was super easy and even for those of us who didn't get tickets before hand, the staff was incredibly helpful and got us situated quickly and easily so that we could all be on the same tour. There ended up being 18 of us in total that came on the trip and everyone was able to sit together as their wagons are quite large. There are several wagons hitched together so the tours can accommodate upwards of 40 people per time slot. Once you arrive and check-in you have the option to buy feed to give to the animals and you can get it by the cup, bucket, or sack. If you have a large party, or just a few eager kids in your group I recommend getting a bucket or two. We ended up getting a sack worth of feed and barely had any left for the last leg of the tour, lol. Also there is a certain animal that I can't remember the name of that they call professional cup stealers so you may want a little extra just for those interactions alone, lol. There's a driver and a tour guide that take you around the grounds to see and feed the animals. The tour guides not only inform you on which animals you're seeing, but also provide lots of fun facts and commentary on the species, the particular animals themselves, and the space in general. It kind of gives Jungle Cruise vibes and is very fun, but also super educational. As you ride you're able to feed the animals as you go and there are about four stops where the wagon will park for a moment and allow riders to interact more closely. There are certain animals that you aren't allowed to feed or touch, like zebras, and some that you are able to feed from the palm of your hand, like the llamas, and some that they prefer you feed from a distance by throwing the feed to them. Your guide will instruct you along the way as to which method you should be using and when. The animals are so cool and beautiful to see, from peafowl to deer to giraffes--getting to see them up close and in a habitat that allows them to be free is nice. Since we were about an hour away from home we packed our lunch and we were able to bring it in and setup under one of the gazebos with their tables and chairs. Bonus: it also, surprisingly doesn't smell too bad like one might think a place like this would. So don't let that be a barrier to checking this awesome place out. They also do not have any predators in their family of animals so you can also rest assured on that front. I know that some are iffy about traditional zoos, but you can tell that they take good care of their animals and have the space and means to do so. Highly recommend for a fun day out.

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    5 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    3 months ago

    Always a great time. Staff is super knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. I can't wait to do the private tour.

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    2 years ago

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    5 months ago

    The giraffes were the best. Great experience for kids at least 3 and up! We took our grandkids 14 and 11 and they enjoyed it

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    11 months ago

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    7 months ago

    Awesome place! Highly recommend! Great for kids and adults!! Buy extra feed! Bought a season pass!

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    It's interesting to get up close with exotic animals that you would normally just see behind bars in the zoo.

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    2 years ago

    Awesomee! Unforgettable! Impressive! Worth a trip. Get a few buckets of chow for animals and DO NOT feed zebras.

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    4 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Inspite of the construction and not many animals, it is still a very relaxing place to visit

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    3 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Amazing tour, love the animals. Josh was an amazing tour guide and Kelly and amazing driver!

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    3 years ago

    This is awesome!! Great for the family. And VIP seems to be the way to go!!! Thank you Josh

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    Global Wildlife Center Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Global Wildlife Center

    I want to to the private tour with my fiance. Would it be possible to pay the minimum amount of a 4 person private tour- and just have the two of us on the ride?

    I think so. But I'm sure if you call them they could give you a definite answer. Y'all are gonna love it!!!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Global Wildlife Center

    I wish I would've gotten to see the giraffes up closer, but they were off wandering farther on the lot!

    Mentioned in 54 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Splendor Farms - Baby Louie shortly after coming home from the farm

    Splendor Farms

    (31 reviews)

    We visited Splendor farms as a last second get away for a Saturday evening. I called Saturday…read moremorning to see about a vacancy that evening. Kelly, the owner, answered and was polite and prompt about getting back to me about an opening that evening. We heading out, and arrived around 4:15. The farm was easy to find, about 30 minutes from the Covington exit off of I-12. It was quickly evident that the farm was a working farm and that friendly dogs were present. However, although the farm was not super manicured and landscaped, it was laid out very well and clean. There was a kennel close to the house which housed alot of eager to let you know they were there puppies. Kelly quickly showed us around, and let us know to review the welcome packet, as it had important information. She showed us the dining room, with its games, coffee and beautiful table. We were next shown our room, the Ponderosa room, which had a microwave, and mini fridge on its screened in porch. The room was beautiful, exuded warmth and the decor was on theme. After reviewing the rules we explored. There is a saltwater pool (closed for the season), a hot tub (that we unfortunately didn't enjoy, no bathing suits) and a fire pit (which we later heavily enjoyed) all close to the house and the rooms. The farm has a gorgeous white pony, 2 burros (one was pregnant), a few goats, chicken,and 2 super fluffy bunnies. We followed the rules as we explored, ie if you open a gate close it. We were escorted by 2 super old and friendly farm dogs, and encountered multiple super sweet farm cats. The fields were a bit muddy, but it had obviously rained a few days before. We only explored one field with horses, but they were super sweet and the fields were well cared for. We went to the local Hog Heaven for BBQ (highly recommend, 15 minutes away, huge portions, delicious). After dinner we headed back and enjoyed the fire pit. We turned in early, because the bed was soooo comfortable. Unfortunately, the temperature dropped super quickly overnight, but it was on the forecast. Breakfast in the dining room the next morning was delicious, the french toast was perfect and the huervos rancheros was authentic. We decided to opt out of the trail ride the following morning because we hadn't packed for the rain (silly us). Kelly however offered coats and gloves, which was a kind gesture and really appreciated. We will definitely be back in the summer and better prepared. A few things to remember about this place, there is a kennel on site as Kelly is a dog breeder, so there is barking and some smell. However, Kelly provided ear plugs in the rooms for the barking and its outside, so the smell isn't terrible. Another thing to note is as this is a small business. check or cash is preferred, since credit card companies charge that nasty transaction fee to businesses, but Kelly will take credit cards if necessary. Additionally, Kelly teaches lessons, does camp, and trails rides, so she knows her horses. Just like any horse person I've encountered over the years, Kelly has a no nonsense attitude about her place. However, she manages to be clear about her farm and the rules while being warm and friendly. This is obviously what she is born to do and she is amazing at it. We will be visiting again, multiple times and with family!

    These are not miniature dachshunds. My dogs grew to be large. They look massive next to other…read moredoxies. ALSO - she lied about my 2nd puppy having blue eyes. She sent a SIDE profile pic, of his ONE blue eye and said he had blue EYES. PLURAL. Never got a picture of him face on. Upon arrival we were shocked to see he only had ONE blue eye and the other BROWN. We drove all the way from Texas!!! After looking back at the pictures she sent us, it's clear it was intentional the way she placed him in the photos. Love my boy dogs but will never buy from her again. Kelly, They are BEAUTIFUL dogs, I'll give you that. But beyond that...a little shady and never sat right with me after all these years.

    Audubon Zoo - A pair of young black bears.

    Audubon Zoo

    (464 reviews)

    Audubon

    The Audubon Zoo is one of those institutions that everyone needs to visit when in New Orleans. It's…read morelocated in a beautiful park, just off Magazine Street, and one can ride the St. Charles Street Car to get there. It's an old institution, and is often working to improve their historic exhibits to better serve their animals as well as their visitors. When I recently visited, the sea lion exhibit was being improved. They still had a sea lion show, and I was there at just the right time to see one of their sea lions enjoying an enrichment event. The exhibits are designed to provide a spacious and natural environment for the animals, while allowing the visitors to observe them. In some cases, this allows several species to inhabit the same exhibit, which is a more natural setting. This is definitely a well planned and managed collection, and helps the visitors understand to need to conserve our natural environment. The zoo has a great Louisiana swamp exhibit, which also helps the visitors learn about the cultural history of Louisiana. There are native animals that few might see in nature, but which the visitors can learn about in this setting. These include Alligator Snapping Turtles, and Louisiana Black Bears. There's plenty of places for the visitors to eat, drink, and buy gifts. These are found in convenient locations throughout the park. It's a great experience and especially good for families.

    We visited the zoo on a Monday afternoon on April 20, 2026. We had a really nice time walking…read morearound and we have always wanted to visit the NOLA zoo. It was a relaxing evening for us. We didn't really encounter anyone that worked there that smiled to say hello or goodbye. It was so nice how the zoo is thoughtfully set up for families. Lots of places to sit down and view the animals. The day that we went, because it was now closer to closing (we were there for about three hours) the animals must have been brought inside before 5pm. It made it difficult to see some of the wildcats because they were inside. The park staff does end up doing some pop up discussions. We attended one with the gorillas and it was interesting to hear about them. The giraffe feeding station has been closed due to construction. *** unsure when it will reopen but would like to share this as it was disappointing to arrive and discover this. The Asian elephants were interesting to see and learn the difference between the African and Asian elephants. I felt like the animals at this zoo and the habitats looked like they could use a little more upkeep. With it being spring and all, the leaves were in all their water habitats. We enjoyed some salt water taffy while we were walking and this was a nice treat.

    Baton Rouge Zoo

    Baton Rouge Zoo

    (65 reviews)

    The Baton Rouge zoo is currently undergoing an extensive reconstruction right now, so keep that in…read moremind when planning your expectations. I have always been appreciative of the care the BR Zoo has shown for its animals, and it is nice to some investment happening to improve the area. Before I start - Yes, I went as an adult by myself, and YES, it was the perfect trip. I saw a couple of camps, some grandparents with littles, and several families there. It's a great way to spend the day no matter if you are with others or by yourself, so no, to respond to a friend, it's not weird going solo. I arrived and was greeted by a nice staff member who gave my my entry ticket as well as a bonus ticket for a future visit - because the zoo is undergoing improvements, you get a free return ticket to use before 12/31/2024. That's pretty great. There are maps you can take photos of showing you the suspended areas as well as where open exhibits are. Several of the enclosures are long over due for an update - the tigers need a lot more space, so that will be a nice once started. There are many different species in various areas, and on the hot day that I was there, many were very active. There is a brand new pigmy hippo exhibit with two of the species who are very active - that is certainly worth a trip. There are many seating areas, a children's playground and zoo area, an otter exhibit, and many many other things. The zoo's train is currently not operating due to the construction, but as I recall, that is a great way to see another part of the landscape. The staff were all out and about feeding, cleaning, and checking out the zoo residents. I very much enjoyed my visit, and I look forward to visiting again.

    No lions . Pretty empty zoo major disappointment, I needs to be moved to somewhere else so it…read morewould probably be supported with more wildlife

    Cool Zoo

    Cool Zoo

    (24 reviews)

    Audubon

    What a great addition to the Audubon Zoo! This was my first time to see the venue after hearing…read moreabout it for a while. The lazy river is artfully done, giving a nod to Louisiana wildlife and nature areas. There are a lot of skillful and friendly lifeguards around the area. There are several different food pavilions, restrooms, locker areas, and areas to sit. There is also a fun water slide, giving homage to the infamous alligators with albinism who have taken residence at the Zoo and Aquarium over the years. This would be a fun place to relax with your kids during one of the summer sessions. My friends and I attending the adults-only Sip and Dip event held on Fridays during the summer. It was very affordable for a private cabana for six with early access. Be sure to reserve your tickets for the event early online as it does sell out. It got a bit crowded toward the end, and they did run out of regular floats, though some preferred the thick floating noodles offered. Every Friday night has a different theme, so there is something for everyone. They bring in Dickie Brennans for the bar, and they were wonderful with decently priced drinks and quality alcohol. They were also creating with the mocktails. I certainly will return for another Sip and Dip either later this summer, if able, or next year. Absolutely worth it!

    Four stars for Cool Zoo's beautiful grounds and water features that are artfully rendered. Two and…read morea half stars for Sip & Dip. Five stars for the incredibly friendly staff. My first time at Cool Zoo was for the adults-only Friday night party, Sip & Dip. This event is 2X a month during the heart of the summer and features theme nights with DJs and of course since this is NOLA, people get creative and might dress in theme. I went on 80s night and the music was so fun and I loved people wearing neon, 80s tshirts and even hair and make-up. Refreshments stands are spread out among the park and they do a themed cocktail and sell beer, hard seltzer and soft drinks, along with typical concession food and popcorn. I had the cocktail of the evening, the Purple Rain and while it was eye-catching, it was so sweet and possibly strong, too, that I couldn't drink more than 1/4 of it (and it's a huge cup, fairly priced at only $13). The grounds are beautiful with fountains and an area with slides and water features that you'd normally see children dominating (with perfectly good reason) but it was actually fun to see adults having at it on the slides and at the water sprayers. Then there's the lazy river, which is a decent size, warm and full of jets to move you along. We ended up not using flotation devices and swam/walked through it. My main issue and why this event isn't personally my cup of tea: it's too crowded. It sells out but I think they sell far too many tickets. We arrived 15 min after it started and there wasn't a lounge chair nor seat at a table to be found. Cabanas are so cheap here but they sell out immediately ahead of the event, likely the day that tickets go on sale. The only way I'd return was if I could get a cabana. The lazy river is completely packed 45 minutes into the event. We were lucky enough to get a locker (which also sell out so imagine being there without a space to put your things??? how is that fun?). People are in general nice enough to hand over the inner tubes but good luck ever getting a place to sit if you didn't line up in advance of start time. I keep going back between 3 and 4 stars for the main reason that everyone who works here is SO nice. The staff really made everything bearable for me, as they were so welcoming and helpful to point out where the lockers were (there's another set behind the set you initially encounter). I just think this isn't the event for anyone who avoids crowds of people. And the crowd that was there that night were totally fine (at least early in the evening). They just sell too many tickets for me to enjoy it.

    Global Wildlife Center - zoos - Updated June 2026

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