1. Give us a brief history of your company.
ZOOSIANA (Zoo of Acadiana) has been caring for and loving animals since 1992! At nearly 30 years old, Zoosiana is home to more than 1,000 animals representing over 125 species – some of which are endangered.
Zoosiana is an accredited facility and is the only one of its kind to be privately owned in Louisiana. The zoo has been owned by the Oldenburg family since 2002, with George, father, and Matt, son, managing the operation.
Over the years, the zoo has brought countless, memorable experiences to the children and families of Acadiana. We work hard to connect our guests with our animals and, due in part to the life-long commitment we provide to our animals, our guests have been able watch our animals grow – both as individuals and as families. So many wonderful, beautiful animals have been born here, including giraffes, clouded leopards, macaws, monkeys, lemurs, tortoises, oryx, and many more!
We also offer experiences for the entire family. Fun attractions include our Safari Train Ride, Jungle Lodge Playground, Feed-the-Parakeets Aviary, Petting Zoo, ZooLive Animal Show, and our all-new Jungle George’s Good Timing Gem Mining – where guests can mine for their own treasures, such as emeralds, fossils, gems, and more – and keep their findings! Families with children of all ages can visit Zoosiana to learn, play, see, and explore!
2. What would you tell the rest of Acadiana makes you special?
Our animals make us special! Zoosiana provides daily care and service to all of our wonderful, beautiful animals. Tall and small, from our family of giraffes to our troop of tamarins, and all in between, have very specific dietary needs and preferences. Zoosiana’s Zoo Keepers give specialized treatments and care to make sure each and every animal is healthy, comfortable, and, of course, loved!
Zoosiana, additionally, is the only accredited facility in Louisiana that is privately owned.
3. What are we most proud of?
Zoosiana is most proud of the healthy, animal family units that have been established, and are growing in number, at the zoo. Most notably, our giraffe couple has successfully raised a beautiful female giraffe calf, who is now 4 years old and named Josie. One of Josie’s spots is in the shape of a perfect heart – try to see it during your next visit! Our troop of active and playful squirrel monkeys has grown to be one of the largest of its kind in the United States and, for the first time in our zoo’s history, our family of Red-ruffed Lemurs gave birth to three beautiful babies who are quickly growing!
We are just as proud of the strong connections and relationships that have been built and fostered between our animal family and the families in and throughout Acadiana. The familiar faces that light up when they see the animals is most special – the care and affection that they have for the animals are truly genuine.
4. Where do you see your business in 10 years? What are your plans for the future?
Zoosiana’s 10 year plan includes non-stop additions and upgrades to infrastructure throughout the facility. On any given visit, you’ll find a resurfaced pathway, an enhanced exhibit, or even something brand new to the zoo! Jungle George’s Good Timing Gem Mining debuted in spring 2020, and more additions are coming! From behind the scenes to front and center, we are always improving the zoo for both our animals and our guests.
5.1A is making an impact as we take an active role in improving the community we live in. Our members are making an impact, too! – What does impact mean to you? How is your company making an impact?
Zoosiana is proud to make a positive impact on the quality of life in Acadiana and southwest Louisiana. Families and children of all ages can visit the zoo and build a true appreciation and respect for our planet’s wildlife. The zoo offers the chance to be present with animals, but to also be in the outdoors with fresh air, natural plants, and wild sounds.