Hattiesburg Zoo
A vibrant zoo in Kamper Park showcasing over 75 global species, featuring playful hyenas, a sloth, and exciting seasonal events like 'Lights of the Wi...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Hattiesburg Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant zoo in Kamper Park showcasing over 75 global species, featuring playful hyenas, a sloth, and exciting seasonal events like 'Lights of the Wild'.
"It’s a small zoo with a GIANT heart. We just did the Twilight Nights event and wow."
💳 Go cashless!
Remember, the zoo is cashless. Bring your debit/credit card for all purchases.
💦 Pack for the splash pad!
Don't forget swim gear if you want to enjoy the splash pad!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hyena Habitat
Hyena Enclosure
Watch Pili and her family splash and play in their pool – a surprisingly clever way they cool off and socialize!
Lights of the Wild
Throughout the Zoo
Experience one of the top zoo light displays in the US, featuring the largest lantern collection in the Southeast.
Mining Area & Gem Dig
Activity Zone
Kids can unearth treasures like shark teeth, arrowheads, and gems, making for an exciting and educational souvenir hunt.
Sloth Encounter
Animal Exhibits
Get a glimpse of the zoo's adorable sloth, a visitor favorite for its unique charm and slow-paced antics.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cashless Payments Only
Beat the Mississippi Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💳 Go cashless!
Remember, the zoo is cashless. Bring your debit/credit card for all purchases.
💦 Pack for the splash pad!
Don't forget swim gear if you want to enjoy the splash pad!
📸 Capture the magic
The zoo offers a photo booth and smashing pennies for fun souvenirs.
🚂 Ride the train
Enjoy a scenic ride around the zoo grounds.
Tips
from all over the internet
💳 Go cashless!
Remember, the zoo is cashless. Bring your debit/credit card for all purchases.
💦 Pack for the splash pad!
Don't forget swim gear if you want to enjoy the splash pad!
📸 Capture the magic
The zoo offers a photo booth and smashing pennies for fun souvenirs.
🚂 Ride the train
Enjoy a scenic ride around the zoo grounds.
⏰ Visit near closing
You might get the place to yourself for a more intimate experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Hattiesburg Zoo for its well-curated events and friendly staff, highlighting it as a 'small zoo with a GIANT heart.' The animal exhibits, particularly the hyenas, and interactive activities like the gem mining are big hits with families. However, some guests note that the zoo is entirely cashless and occasionally the viewing glass can be dirty, impacting the experience.
"Had a great time with my son. Park was clean and the employees were very nice. My only qualm is the the park only accepts digital/electronic funds, debit or credit cards. Cash is not accepted!"
Chad Johnson
"The Hattiesburg Zoo is AMAZING! Every single event and holiday is curated and made for both kids and adults to have fun. All of the zoo keepers are knowledgeable and kind. The animals are well taken care of and whoever does the events needs a raise! It’s a small zoo with a GIANT heart. We just did the Twilight Nights event and wow. Jeremy and Kate absolutely crushed it. Between getting to pet the ambassador animals to going on the special tour, it was such a memorable night for our family! Such a gem."
Katie Szabo Williams
"My daughter loved her suprise visit to the zoo! She was very suprised at the about of awesome treasures she got from her bag at the mining area. Giant amethyst, shart teeth, fools gold, an arrow head, and bunches of gems and fossils. Even the tiny rocks were cool! We took fun pictures in the photo booth and smashed pennies. We were not prepared for the splash pad but she would have loved that too. I like the aluminum cups they have at concession areas, so they can be taken home or recycled. She also loved the train ride.
Over all, very fun afternoon!"
Lacy Shelley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hattiesburg Zoo is located at 1701 Short St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. It's situated within Kamper Park.
The zoo is easily accessible by car. Parking is available on-site. It's a popular destination for day trips from surrounding areas.
Information on public transportation options is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended way to reach the zoo.
Yes, using GPS with the address '1701 Short St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401' or 'Hattiesburg Zoo' will guide you directly to the entrance.
Yes, the Hattiesburg Zoo is a key attraction within Kamper Park, offering a combined park and zoo experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Hattiesburg Zoo is typically open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any seasonal changes or special event hours.
Admission prices can vary, especially for special events. It's recommended to check the official Hattiesburg Zoo website for the most current admission prices and any potential discounts.
No, the Hattiesburg Zoo is a cashless facility. They only accept debit and credit cards for all transactions, including admission and concessions.
While not always explicitly stated, it's often possible to purchase tickets online for major attractions. Checking the zoo's official website or ticketing partners is advised for convenience.
Yes, the Hattiesburg Zoo hosts various events throughout the year, including 'Lights of the Wild' during the holidays and 'Zoo Boo' for Halloween. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The zoo showcases over 75 global animal species, including hyenas, sloths, porcupines, tortoises, and anteaters. +4
Yes, the Hattiesburg Zoo features a splash pad, which is a popular attraction for kids, especially during warmer weather.
Yes, visitors can enjoy a train ride around the zoo grounds, adding another fun element to the visit.
Absolutely! Beyond the animals, kids can enjoy the mining area for gem digging, a photo booth, and smashing pennies.
Yes, it's a highly recommended destination for a day trip, offering a variety of attractions and activities for all ages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The zoo offers concessions, and they use reusable aluminum cups which can be taken home or recycled.
Information on bringing outside food is not readily available. It's best to check the zoo's policy or plan to purchase food from their concessions.
Hattiesburg has a variety of dining options. You can find numerous restaurants in the city, some of which are mentioned as good spots for a meal after visiting the zoo.
The zoo offers drinks, and they use aluminum cups for concessions, which are a more sustainable option.
While specific prices aren't listed, one reviewer mentioned spending over $200 in a few hours, which could include food and activities.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the playful hyenas in their pool, the vibrant 'Lights of the Wild' displays, and the unique animals like sloths and porcupines. The photo booth is also a fun spot! +4
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, some visitors have noted that glass enclosures can be dirty, making clear photos difficult.
Standard zoo policies usually apply, such as not using flash photography directly at animals. It's always best to be respectful of the animals and other visitors.
'Lights of the Wild' offers a magical setting for photos, with the largest collection of lanterns in the Southeast creating a festive atmosphere.
The zoo has a dedicated photo booth, and many of the animal enclosures and event areas provide scenic backdrops for memorable family pictures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Animal Collection
Despite these minor points, the zoo's commitment to animal welfare is evident, with keepers often described as knowledgeable and kind. The exhibits are designed to be engaging, providing insights into the animals' natural behaviors and habitats. For instance, the hyenas' use of water for cooling, socializing, and food storage is a fascinating adaptation.
Special Events and Activities
For Halloween, 'Zoo Boo' offers seven nights of spooky fun, typically running from late October.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities
While the zoo is generally well-maintained and employees are noted as being very nice, some visitors have pointed out that the glass enclosures can sometimes be dirty, which can impact the viewing experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit