Ochsner Park Zoo

10/14/2026

If you guessed Alpacas on our last post, you were correct! We welcomed 2 male alpacas to our deer yard. Alpacas are native to the Andes Mountains of South America and grow a thick fleece coat to help insulate them in cold weather. Alpaca fleece is naturally soft, lightweight, and warm, making it a popular fiber for cozy sweaters! We’re still looking for names for these two, any suggestions? 🦙

10/09/2026

Jerry and Linda are here to tell you that someone new is coming to the zoo! Can you guess whoooo? 🦉
Let us give you a clue:
I’ve got a sweet face that can’t be beat!
I love to munch on greens and treats.
I’m from high places, where the air is cool.
I’ve got quite the fluff and a fabulous hairdo!

Any guesses? 🤔

10/08/2026

We are still accepting game donations! Contact [email protected]

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]

10/07/2026

Check out these chompers! 🦷 Canada Lynx have 28 sharp teeth with 4 exceptionally long canine teeth. Behind the long canine teeth are Carnassial teeth which are a specialized, knife-edged cheek tooth that act like scissors to slice and shred meat.

10/05/2026

New enrichment just came in thanks to Rollie Pig’s sponsor! 🐷 Thanks to Hammond Power Solutions, we were able to pick out multiple new enrichment items that will keep Rollie mentally and physically engaged! Animal Sponsorships not only help cover new enrichment items, but they also help with food, vet care, and the time staff takes to care for the animals for a whole year! If you’re interested in learning more about how to sponsor your favorite animal at the zoo, email [email protected] today! Unable to sponsor but still looking for a way to make a positive impact on an animal’s daily life? Check out our Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1KF2RBBC494A5?ref_=wl_share

10/02/2026

Come to the zoo for a spook-tacular night of trick or treating! We will have MORE tables than in years past throughout the entire zoo! Some will be hosted by local community organizations. Touch a Truck is also back featuring the city of Baraboo police and fire departments! See you there! 🎃👻🍬

09/30/2026

Get reeeeeaaal close to some of your favorite animals on a behind the scenes tour! Book yours now through our website or call the parks and rec office at 608-355-2760 with any questions!
https://baraboowi.gov/ochsnerzoo

09/28/2026

Zoo manager, Katie Gries, recently attended the American Association of Zookeepers conference in Washington where she presented on the methods used to successfully introduce our newest bear into a mixed species exhibit. The conference was a fantastic professional development opportunity, providing Katie with the chance to connect with other zoo professionals, share knowledge, and learn about new techniques and approaches to animal care. She’s bringing those valuable insights back to Ochsner Park Zoo to help continue providing the best possible care for our animals!

09/18/2026

Enrichment is an important part of an animal’s welfare while in human care. The goal is to bring out natural behaviors that keep them mentally and physically stimulated. The Lynx had mulch added to their exhibit recently and they enjoyed digging in it and taking in the new smells it provided! The mulch has also been soaking up moisture, allowing them a cool place to lay on these hot summer days!

09/16/2026

When Taglu and Aspen aren’t running around the exhibit playing, swimming, or foraging for their diets, you may find them lounging around the exhibit taking a much needed break. For now they may take a couple naps a day, but in a few months when bears enter torpor they may sleep 20-22 hours in a day! 🐻