Ochsner Park Zoo

08/30/2026

Prairie dogs are burrowing animals that create their homes by digging complex tunnel systems. Each burrow is home to a single family unit and is located near the burrows of related family members. These small, close-knit groups of burrows are called coteries. A coterie is typically made up of one male, three to four females, and their young. Together, these family groups form a larger community known as a prairie dog town.

08/28/2026

Get up close to some of your favorite animals on a behind the scenes tour! We offer full zoo tours, as well as shorter tours to see select animals. Check out our website for details!
https://baraboowi.gov/ochsnerzoo

08/26/2026

With hunting season around the corner, we wanted to remind everyone that we accept non-seasoned and non-freezer burned meat donations! If you’re cleaning out your freezer for this year’s hunt, keep us in mind! You can email us to set up a drop off at [email protected]

08/21/2026

08/20/2026

Our intern, Jaqui, finished her enrichment project this week! She created a splash pad device. When an animal depresses the inner platform, water will flow up from the bottom. Thanks for giving the animals a creative way to cool off! 🧊

08/19/2026

We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment! More information to come!

Please join us in celebrating our newest accredited facility: Ochsner Park Zoo ! 🎉🐻

Located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, Ochsner Park Zoo has been connecting the community with wildlife for nearly 100 years. Since opening in 1926, the zoo has grown from its beginnings with two bear cubs and two deer fawns to a diverse collection of more than 30 species.

Ochsner Park Zoo is committed to providing a safe and engaging home for animals, with many of its residents being rehabilitated wildlife or animals rescued from the exotic pet trade. Through educational talks, keeper chats, enrichment programs, and meaningful animal experiences, the zoo creates opportunities for visitors of all ages to learn about and appreciate wildlife.

We’re proud to celebrate Ochsner Park Zoo for its dedication to providing exceptional animal care, inspiring learning, and creating opportunities for its community to connect with wildlife.

Please join us in welcoming Ochsner Park Zoo to the ZAA-accredited community! 🎉

Learn more at: https://baraboowi.gov/ochsnerzoo

08/18/2026

On a hot day, you can find Aspen and Taglu in the pool! Did you know Bears are good swimmers? Equipped with buoyant body fat and water repellent fur, they can swim up to a mile and a half in freshwater. Bears will swim primarily to reach new territory in search of food and to cool down in hot weather. 🐻

08/13/2026

Can you spot Tino the Beaver? The beavers receive fresh browse each week as part of their diet and to help keep their continuously growing teeth in check. Beavers will munch on the leaves, strip and eat the bark, and then use the leftover wood core to build dams and lodges.

08/11/2026

We greatly appreciate your support and thank you for participating in our centennial celebration!