12/18/2023

City of Monroe Official Statement on Zoo Emu Incident

(Monroe, LA) - On Saturday, December 16, at approximately 1:00 PM, two stray dogs entered the Emu Exhibit at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo and began attacking a male (Poppy) and female (Juniper) emu. Immediately upon notification, the zoo staff responded according to protocol, cleared the area,  and stopped both train and boat services. Upon safely clearing the areas, a zoo staffer fatally shot both stray dogs. Juniper suffered fatal injuries while Poppy is currently being treated. He is currently stable and responding well to antibiotics.

Emily Stogner

MEDIA RELATIONS DIRECTOR

Executive Department

cell:  318-372-7640

email:  emily.stogner@ci.monroe.la.us

www.monroela.us