March comes in like a lion

As spring approaches, the city’s animal activities come out of hibernation. Besides weekly adoption days at local Petsmart and Petco, Baton Rougeans on the prowl for animal encounters can look forward to a variety of opportunities.

Every Wednesday and Thursday in March: Bluebonnet Swamp* Trail Time for Toddlers

Designed for toddlers and their parents, this class encourages 1-year-olds to 5-year-olds to engage and enjoy the sights and sounds of the swamp. Each two-hour session features a different nature theme, trail walks, hands-on activities and healthy snacks.

Every Friday and Saturday in March: Zoo** Safari Nights

During Safari Nights, kids and their adult chaperones experience the city’s exciting nightlife with some real party animals. Safari guides lead the overnight adventurers on walking tours throughout the zoo, hands-on activities and animal encounters.

March 7: What’s for Dinner at the Zoo?

This family night program explores the myths and mysteries surrounding what, when, where and how the creatures of the night feast. Families will search for clues by dissecting of owl pellets, nighttime zoo hikes and bug observation and animal encounters. In the morning, overnight guests share breakfast with a special zoo animal.

March 7 & 21: Zoo Krewe

Zoo Krewe is a year-round program that trains 14- to 17-year-olds to assist with Wildlife Safari Theatre presentations, Discovery Carts, informal education stations and KidsZoo animals. An application and interview process is required to become part of the Zoo Krewe. Details at brzoo.org.

March 8: Spring Forward at the Zoo

Baton Rouge joins zoos and aquariums across the country hosting a fun-filled frog fete. The “hop”-pening includes keeper talks and safari amphitheater programs to inform and entertain visitors with information about these honored amphibians.

March 10: Zoo & Me Morning

Three- to 6-year-olds and their guardians experience the zoo with Flora the Explorer-themed activities including a train ride, animal encounters, art projects and “zooper” snacks.

March 13: Bluebonnet Swamp Night Hike

Swamp stompers ages 7 and older are invited to investigate what really happens after the sun goes down the swamp.

March 13-15: Louisiana Equine Council’s third-annual Horse Expo

Previously held at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, this year’s equine extravaganza is hosted by the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe. The event features a parade of breeds, Greenwell Springs youth riders, bit selection and saddle-fitting workshops, colt starting, working dog and reining demonstrations, ranch and gaited horse shows among others. For more information, visit http://www.laequinecouncil.com/.

March 21: Bluebonnet Swamp Dog Day

Pups and their people can enjoy the flora, fauna and critters of the Bluebonnet Swamp together.

March 21: LSU/Hill’s 16th annual Great Rover Road Run

The makers of Science Diet promote community of awareness of proper pet nutrition and animal obesity at this annual event, which benefits the student chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The Great Rover Road Run consists of a 5K (humans only) road run and a one-mile fun run/walk with Rover. Water and refreshments will be provided for all participants. Awards will be given to the first-, second- and third-place winners in the different age categories for both the 5K run and the fun run. A low cost dog wash is available after the races. For pre-registration or fee information, call 578-9900 or visit vetmed.lsu.edu to download a registration form.

March 21: Farr Park Spring Fling Stick Horse Rodeo*

Children ages two to 10 can bring their stick horses and compete in speed and agility contests like barrel racing and pole bending. The event also includes a petting zoo, pony rides, hayrides, face painting, games and a Costume Grand Entry of a parade of horses and patrons come dressed in costume.

March 28-April 26: LSU’s 22nd annual International Animals in Art exhibition

Of the nearly 600 entries submitted by 273 artists from 41 states, Canada, Spain, Finland and the Netherlands, 75 pieces appear in this juried exhibition. Several prizes including a $1,000 best of show award will be presented, and one entry will be chosen to appear on the cover of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. For more information on the exhibition, call 578-9565 or visit vetmed.lsu.edu.

* For more information, visit BREC or call 769-7805.

**For pre-registration, fees and additional information on all zoo events, visit the Baton Rouge Zoo or call 775-3877 and press option 2.

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