The Hattiesburg Zoo will soon celebrate a major milestone — 75 years of operation in the Mississippi Pine Belt.
To highlight the zoo’s longstanding operations in the local community, officials will kick off a 75th anniversary year-long celebration called EXPLORE THE WILD, EMBRACE THE WONDER! Beginning Saturday, April 26, a full slate of commemorative activities will be on the docket to entertain visitors of all ages.
Back Story
The Kamper Park Zoo was opened Easter Sunday in 1950. Throughout the past 75 years, the zoo has experienced a vast array of milestones and transformations during that time including its name, which changed from Kamper Park Zoo to Hattiesburg Zoo at Kamper Park and now, Hattiesburg Zoo.
What began as a small collection of native animals collected over the years by neighborhood children has now become a well-respected and accredited facility of the Zoological Association of America. Having experienced an extensive evolution during its 75 years of operation, the Hattiesburg Zoo remains committed to promoting conservation, education, and wildlife.
“The arrival of this 75-year milestone is truly special for the Hattiesburg Zoo,” Hattiesburg Convention Commission Executive Director Rick Taylor said. “We are very proud of what the Hattiesburg Zoo has become and how we have been able to grow it into one of the Southeast’s premier family attractions. The Hattiesburg Zoo provides guests opportunities to explore the wild and embrace the wonder in this extraordinary place.”
Events kicking off Hattiesburg Zoo’s 75th anniversary
9:45 a.m.
- Unveiling of the timeline highlighting moments in the Zoo’s 75 years of operation.
- Unveiling of the 75th Anniversary Zoo stories and photos webpage
- Viewing of the Hattiesburg Zoo’s EXPLORE THE WILD, EMBRACE THE WONDER! 75th anniversary commercial
- Presentation of a very special guest
- Cutting of the ribbon for the new Flamingo Habitat
10:30 a.m.
- Birthday Cake Enrichment for Colobus Monkey, Mojo (Africa)
11:00 a.m.
- Giraffe Feeding (tickets for purchase, available on a first-come, first-serve basis at Zawadi Market under the Giraffe Pavilion)
12:00 p.m.
- Birthday Cake Enrichment for Hyena, Pili (Africa)
1:00 p.m.
- Mini Birthday Cupcakes at the front of the Asbury Discovery Center (500 available)
1:30 p.m.
- Singing of the Happy Birthday song, Ribbon Cutting at Tiger Training and Tiger Training Demonstration
2:00 p.m.
- Birthday Cake Enrichment for Giraffe, Alberta (Bertie)
All Day
- Face Painters – Lakeview Pavilion
- Splash Pad Party with the addition of large animal printed beach balls
- Roaming Animal Experiences (throughout the zoo)
- Create your own Birthday Hat at Flamingo Pavilion
- Birthday cake-flavored Snow Cones (available for purchase)
- 75th Anniversary photo props at the new Hattiesburg Zoo photo-op sign (In front of the Splash Pad)
- Jump Houses
- Ropes Course Adventure
- Mining Exhibit
- Bug Hub Playground
The Hattiesburg Zoo will keep the anniversary party going all year long with its “Second Saturday” events, which will include scavenger hunts, Christmas in July, and a costume parade, among other unique activities.
“Some people like to extend their birthday celebrations from a single day to a week or a month, but we are taking it one step further,” Hattiesburg Zoo Director of Guest Services and Retail Demetric Kelly said. “We will celebrate the zoo’s 75th Anniversary all year long!”
Admission prices and hours of operation at the zoo can be found here.
