Cool Animal Activities for Hot Summer Nights - At BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo, the heat of the day can sometimes look like the still of the night.

June 17, 2013

At BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo, the heat of the day can sometimes look like the still of the night. During the summer, many animals conserve their energy by sleeping when the temperatures soar. So, the staff has two programs designed to let the public get a peek at what happens when the sun goes down.

Visitors might even catch a glimpse of the newest animals: a baby Baird’s tapir was born in the zoo less than a month ago. And, today, the zoo announced the arrival two new Red River Hogs. With their distinctive large, wedge-shaped heads and pointed ears with prominent tufts of hair, these African pigs are native to the rainforest or damp savannah woodlands of Senegal and the Congo.

Every Tuesday and Thursday evening this June and July, Twilight Tours give visitors a chance to experience exhibits in the cool of the evening. After the zoo closes, 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 2 to 12. Limited space is available, so pre-registration is required.

Every Friday and Saturday night, the zoo offers camp, scout and other groups of visitors the opportunity to experience some of the city’s wildest nightlife. Nocturnal naturalists bring sleeping bags and lots of curiosity about the ultimate late-night party animals. A safari guide leads a walking tour through the zoo, as visitors learn all about zoo animals through hands-on activities and animal encounters. The adventure ends the next morning with a continental breakfast for guests, who can serve breakfast to a zoo animal, too. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $30 per person, with a minimum of 15 people or a maximum of 30.

For more information or to make reservations, visit www.brzoo.org or call 775-3877.

**Duke** is a handsome boy. He is an interesting combination of basset hound and Rottweiler, so it’s hard to predict his full-grown size. He will probably have the stature of a basset hound with a heavier build. Duke came to SOS when he was only two days old. Consequently, he is very spoiled and loves to be cuddled. He also loves to play with his siblings including Darla, whose profile is also featured below.

**Junebug** is a sweet kitten rescued from Animal Control. She is a little shy at first, but quickly warms up to her new human friends.

**Scooter** is a handsome, fast learner, who loves being around people. He is content to lie at his owner’s feet in front of the TV or playing outside in the sun. This Basenji/terrier mix would probably do well as an only dog or with a calm, large canine companion.

Believe it or not, **Darla** is Duke’s sister and a real beige beauty. Their litter is an interesting combination of Basset Hound and Rottweiler. Each puppy may show different characteristics of the two breeds. So it’s hard to predict her full-grown size. Like her brother, Darla is very spoiled and loves to be cuddled. She also loves to play with her siblings.

**Robin** is a bold fellow who loves to play and snuggle with his siblings. He and his brother, Batman, are always off looking for new adventures.

**Bacall** is a beautiful girl and full of spunk. This five-month-old Dachshund/Chihuahua mix and her brother, Bogey, were dumped at Animal Control. They were filthy and extremely thin. Now hearty and healthy, Bacall is very outgoing and loves to be held.

**Stargazer** was adopted from SOS in the summer of 2011. Her owner recently returned her due to a family problem. Once she becomes settled, this two-year-old loves to cuddle. She is best suited to a quiet home.

These great pets have all been vaccinated, spayed/neutered, microchipped and heartworm tested. Many other puppies, dogs, cats and kittens are available at sosrescuebr.org or visit SOS Rescue at the Siegen PetSmart each Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cool Animal Activities for Hot Summer Nights – At BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo, the heat of the day can sometimes look like the still of the night.