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Go wild this week with BREC summer adventures

If this week’s sub-tropical weather is driving your family wild, BREC offers three affordable, animal-friendly excursions to let off some steam.

A Walk with the Birds
On July 5 at 7 a.m., the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center offers a summer birding expedition. Led by a member of the Baton Rouge Audubon Society, this early morning hike through the forest and swamp focuses on identifying bird species. Beginning birders and experienced enthusiasts will benefit from the bird-watching tips and techniques. The group will also discuss the Bluebonnet Swamp Bird Monitoring Project. Field guides and binoculars are optional but recommended. The cost is $3. For more information, contact Shannon Guidry at 757-8905 or
 [email protected].

Red, White and Zoo
On July 5, the Baton Rouge Zoo celebrates its red, white and blue animals. And, who knew there was so much natural feathery, finny—and maybe even furry—blue? Events include a patriotic-themed amphitheatre program; a self-directed scavenger hunt for red, white and blue animals (such as the brightly colored macaw pictured); and, possibly, a special bald eagle chat. Admission is $5.25 for children ages 2-12 and $8.25 for adults and teens. Call 775-3877 or visit brzoo.org for more information.

Twilight Tours
Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, Twilight Tours give visitors a chance to experience exhibits in the relative cool of the evening. After the zoo closes to the public, the adventure begins at 6 p.m. with a guided tram ride, an animal encounter at the Wildlife Safari Theatre and an evening snack. Highlights will include the Otter Cabin, L’Aquarium de Louisiane, giraffes, zebras and flamingos. The cost is $16 for adults and teens, $13 for children ages 2-12. Limited space is available, so pre-registration is required. Call 775-3877, option 2 or click here to register.

If you’re ready for a new adventure in your own backyard, consider taking home one of Northside Humane’s adorable adoptable animals.


Little Miss Tupelo is pretty as a peach. She hitched a ride on a fifth wheel from Tupelo, Mississippi, to Baton Rouge and arrived without a scratch. Fate must have brought her here to meet her special person. For more information on this cute calico, call her foster directly at 772-7488.


Big bouncy Monty couldn’t look more pure bred if he tried. A little white fur on his neck is the perfect accent to his onyx coat. This gorgeous boy will be very large as an adult, so his family will want to invest time in training to make sure he will be a joy forever.


Poden is a large adult silver Maine Coon mix with a beautiful fine pinstriped coat.


Dani is a super sweet playful little girl. She was dumped on a country road with her mom and siblings. This shepherd mix is very smart and catches on quick to any kind of training and is eager to please.


Sherman was rescued from an apartment complex parking lot at only six weeks old. For more information on this tuxedo Russian blue, call his foster directly at 772-7488.


Trey is a six-year-old Maltese mix. This affectionate boy is a favorite at his foster home and sleeps in the bed with his family. He is good with cats and other dogs.

These pets have all been microchipped, vaccinated, spayed/neutered and FeLeuk/FIV tested. Many other adoptable cats, kittens, puppies and dogs are available at the Northside Humane Society, northsidehumane.org or call 964-6992.