The Baton Rouge Zoo is located 15 minutes north of downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The zoo is owned and operated by the Recreation and Park Commission of East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana (BREC), and is home to over 1,800 animals from around the world. The Baton Rouge Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1977—the first zoo in Louisiana to be accredited. The zoo is open daily except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.