Mississippi‘s zoos and aquariums face several challenges, including weather extremes such as hurricanes and tornadoes.
In addition, facilities in the Magnolia State typically do not receive state or local funding.
As a result, Mississippi has only two licensed zoos: the Hattiesburg Zoo and the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo.
However, the Magnolia State also has three significant aquariums, including:
- The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
- Mississippi Aquarium
- The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies: Ocean Adventures Marine Park
All five facilities provide educational programs, conservation efforts, and ongoing research.
Contents
- How Does Mississippi Regulate Zoos and Aquariums?
- Five Excellent Zoos and Aquariums in Mississippi
- Mississippi Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How many licensed zoos does Mississippi have?
- How many licensed aquariums will you find in Mississippi?
- What difficulties do zoos and aquariums in Mississippi face?
- How large is the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo?
- Does the IMMS Ocean Adventures Marine Park receive subsidies from any government entities?
- How many fish and animal species does the Mississippi Aquarium exhibit?
- Which agencies cooperated in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act and closing the Collins Zoo?
- When and why was American Humane formed?
- Besides the Hattiesburg Zoo, which facility lies near a splash pad?
- What monthly contest does TBPZ hold?
- What is 7 USC 2131?
- What does the snorkeling program at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies: Ocean Adventures Marine Park entail?
- Which Mississippi zoological institution or aquarium offers a job shadowing program?
- Besides the animal exhibits, what features distinguish the Hattiesburg zoo from other zoos?
- Which facility costs the most, even off-season?
- Does the Hattiesburg Zoo have accreditation?
- Which zoo charges the lowest admission?
- Is the MDWFP Mississippi Museum of Natural Science a zoo?
- Which aquarium charges the cheapest admission?
How Does Mississippi Regulate Zoos and Aquariums?
Mississippi provided an excellent example of successfully enforcing the Animal Welfare Act of 1966 when it shut down the former Collins Zoo in Jackson.
Through complaints from the public and the Humane Society of the United States, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service — APHIS — investigated a rash of animal deaths between 2010 and 2012.
As a result, the USDA revoked the Collins Zoo’s license to exhibit.
The USDA then ordered the zoo to close in 2013.
Officials from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and the Humane Society of the US removed multiple animals — including a macaque monkey and three tigers — from the park.
The tigers went to the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Murchison, Texas, for rehabilitation.
Animal Welfare Act of 1966
This Act, which includes amendments that further define what constitutes an animal under its protection, outlines minimum standards for veterinary care, housing, feeding, and displaying animals in the United States.
In addition, the Act protects exotic and domestic animals from exploitation by the pet trade.
The Act also establishes standards that protect animals in the wild from being captured, smuggled, or removed from the wild unless they have become gravely ill or seriously injured.
The Act further demands that animals taken from the wild be rehabilitated and returned to their natural environment.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service — APHIS
APHIS is the enforcement arm of the Animal Welfare Act.
Inspectors visit every research facility, zoo, aquarium, and breeding facility licensed by the USDA to ensure that they adhere to the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act.
In addition, APHIS investigates complaints against unlicensed facilities, shutting them down and transferring the animals they contain to licensed ones.
7 USC 2131
The regulatory authority for the Animal Welfare Act of 1966 and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
American Humane
Formed in 1877 from a forum of 27 humane societies in 10 US states, American Humane protects children and animals from deliberate abuse and neglect.
Its original purpose, however, was to protect farm animals from cruelty.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Currently, none of Mississippi’s Aquariums or zoos meet AZA accreditation criteria.
One of two associations that help define the standards of care required by the Animal Welfare Act of 1966.
As of September 2022, the AZA has accredited 238 licensed institutions and certified 15 associated facilities.
Five Excellent Zoos and Aquariums in Mississippi
Hattiesburg Zoo
Children and teens will love the Hattiesburg zoo with its high rope course, mining expedition center, electric train rides, splash pad, bug hub playground, and 1941 Arrow Carousel.
Within its 12 acres, the zoo provides themed entertainment and serves 91 categories of animals.
You will see an African spurred tortoise, American alligators, axolotls, lemurs and howler monkeys, peccaries, and capybara.
Also, watch flamingoes, tamarins, fennec foxes, geckos, servals, and hyenas.
Also, see tigers and hornbills, among other furred, feathered, and fearsome creatures.
The zoo is licensed but not currently accredited as of January 2023.
- Located at 107 S 17th Ave., Hattiesburg
- Open January through February: Friday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Open March through December: Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Children’s Admission (Ages 2-12) $6.00,
- (under two years old) FREE
- Adults (Ages 13-64) $8.00
- Seniors (Ages 65+) $7.00
MDWFP Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
The museum contains a 100,000-gallon aquarium network and 73,000 square feet of exhibits.
The wall of fossil specimens is imposing, including a prehistoric aquatic reptile known as Mosasaurus, a giant sloth, and Zygorizha kochii, a prehistoric whale species.
- Located in Jackson, 1505 Eastover Drive,
- Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums
- Open Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
- Adult Admission $8.00, Youth (Ages 3-18): $6.00, Senior Citizens 60 and Over: $7.00
- Children Under 3: FREE
- School teachers with their students: $3.00 per student
Mississippi Aquarium
The MSAQ operates without government subsidies.
Instead, admissions, memberships, business partnerships, and donations provide the bedrock of MSAQ’s budget.
The aquarium houses 200 animal species and over 300 fish species.
In addition, the facility includes a contact pool filled with stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and baby sharks; a swirl habitat; the crocodilian plaza; saltwater habitat; freshwater river fish; an aviary; a river otter habitat; and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.
- Located at 2100 E. Beach Boulevard in Gulfport
- Pricing is seasonal.
- Adult Admission (13 to 64) $19.95 to $29.95
- Senior (65+) $19.95 to $26.95
- Child: (ages 3 through 12) $17.95 to $24.95
- Ages Under 3 Free
- Open Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Institute for Marine Mammal Studies: Ocean Adventures Marine Park
The park features a summer camp, a dolphin meet and greet, dolphin and stingray swimming sessions, snorkeling, sea lion encounters, field trips, mini camps, and an overnight “Dozing with the Dolphins” adventure.
This overnight adventure includes a fossil dig and a rescue relay.
The snorkeling adventure is available year-round.
It costs $65 and includes general admission.
In addition, you can purchase an optional 10-photo USB souvenir file for $35.
- Located at 10801 Dolphin Lane in Gulfport
- American Humane certified
- Open daily from 9:00 AM to 1:00
- Adult Admission, $16.50
- Seniors ages 55 and up and Active Duty Military, $15.50
- Children, ages 3 through 12, $14.50
- Under age 3: FREE
- Job Shadowing: $95 for a two-hour, immersive experience in sea animal care and training careers.
Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo
The park contains a petting zoo with miniature cattle and horses, pygmy goats, and pot-bellied pigs.
The park also features an aviary, a giraffe barn, Alison the American alligator, a reptile house, and a primate exhibit.
Play online games and register monthly to win a Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo T-shirt.
- Located at 2272 North Coley Road in Tupelo
- Its 210 acres hold over 260 animals.
- Open April 1 through October 31, Monday through Thursday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Friday and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Open November 1 through March 31, Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Sunday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Admission is $10 per person, drive-through only, and ages two and under are FREE.
- Call (662) 844-8709 or Email: info@tupelobuffalopark.com to arrange birthday parties and school field trips.
5 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Mississippi – Summary Table
| Zoos & Aquariums | Address |
|---|---|
| Hattiesburg Zoo | 107 S 17th Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA |
| MDWFP Mississippi Museum of Natural Science | 2148 Riverside Dr, Jackson, MS 39202, USA |
| Mississippi Aquarium | 2100 E Beach Blvd, Gulfport, MS 39501, USA |
| Institute for Marine Mammal Studies: Ocean Adventures Marine Park | 10801 Dolphin Ln, Gulfport, MS 39503, USA |
| Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo | 2272 Coley Rd, Tupelo, MS 38801, USA |
Mississippi Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Mississippi Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
How many licensed zoos does Mississippi have?
Mississippi has only two licensed zoos: the Hattiesburg Zoo and the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo.
How many licensed aquariums will you find in Mississippi?
The Magnolia State has three significant aquariums: The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, the Mississippi Aquarium, and the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies: Ocean Adventures Marine Park.
What difficulties do zoos and aquariums in Mississippi face?
First, despite an otherwise mild climate, Mississippi’s weather extremes include hurricanes and tornadoes.
Second, the state does not provide funding for these facilities.
How large is the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo?
The zoo’s 210 acres hold over 260 animals.
Does the IMMS Ocean Adventures Marine Park receive subsidies from any government entities?
Proudly, no.
Instead, admissions, memberships, business partnerships, and donations provide the bedrock of MSAQ’s budget.
How many fish and animal species does the Mississippi Aquarium exhibit?
The aquarium houses 200 animal species and over 300 fish species in its various sections.
Which agencies cooperated in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act and closing the Collins Zoo?
Officials from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and the Humane Society of the United States worked together to remove the animals and permanently close the zoo.
When and why was American Humane formed?
Formed in 1877 from a forum of 27 humane societies in 10 US states, American Humane protects children and animals from deliberate abuse and neglect.
Its original purpose, however, was to protect farm animals from cruelty.
Besides the Hattiesburg Zoo, which facility lies near a splash pad?
The Mississippi Aquarium lies across Interstate 90 from Jones Park in Gulfport, which includes a splash pad and playground.
What monthly contest does TBPZ hold?
Win a TBPZ T-shirt.
What is 7 USC 2131?
This Act provides the regulatory authority for the Animal Welfare Act of 1966 and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
What does the snorkeling program at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies: Ocean Adventures Marine Park entail?
The snorkeling adventure is available year-round.
It costs $65 and includes general admission.
In addition, you can purchase an optional 10-photo USB souvenir file for an additional charge of $35.
Which Mississippi zoological institution or aquarium offers a job shadowing program?
The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies: Ocean Adventures Marine Park offers a two-hour, immersive experience in sea animal care and training careers.
The program costs $95.
Besides the animal exhibits, what features distinguish the Hattiesburg zoo from other zoos?
The Hattiesburg Zoo has a high rope course, mining expedition center, electric train rides, splash pad, bug hub playground, and a 1941 Arrow Carousel.
Which facility costs the most, even off-season?
The Mississippi Aquarium charges adults $19.95 to $29.95.
Senior citizens pay up to $26.95, and children three through 12 pay $17.95 to $24.95.
Does the Hattiesburg Zoo have accreditation?
The zoo is licensed but not currently accredited as of January 2023.
Which zoo charges the lowest admission?
The Hattiesburg zoo charges adults $8.00, senior citizens $7.00, and children $6.00.
Is the MDWFP Mississippi Museum of Natural Science a zoo?
No, but it contains a 100,000-gallon aquarium network and 73,000 square feet of exhibits.
The exhibits include a wall of fossil specimens, a prehistoric aquatic reptile known as Mosasaurus, a giant sloth, and Zygorizha kochii, a prehistoric whale species.
Which aquarium charges the cheapest admission?
The MDWFP Mississippi Museum of Natural Science charges the lowest aquarium admission: $8.00, $7.00, and $6.00.
