For nearly 125 years, Kamper Park has been a cherished place for nature, play and family in Hattiesburg. Originally donated by John Kamper in 1908, this 40-acre park was once on the edge of town, but as Hattiesburg grew, it became an oasis in the heart of the city. Generations of children spent their summers here fishing, wading and playing. As more families visited, the park added swings, slides and even a train engine to go along with the picnic tables and benches, making it a true family destination.
Kamper Park was also the natural spot for children to bring injured or stray animals they had found — turtles, birds even the occasional squirrel. The park’s kind-hearted caretakers would take them in, and over time, a collection of native animals grew. So much so, that the Lions Club donated an actual lion for the official opening of the Hattiesburg Zoo on Easter Sunday in 1950. Soon, the lion had company: bears, monkeys, zebras, alligators, snakes and more. In 1958, an Indian elephant named Hattie became the zoo’s star, delighting children who fed her peanuts and watched her take baths every Sunday, courtesy of a local USM fraternity. And occasionally, she ventured out to participate in the city’s annual Christmas parade!
Like many from Hattiesburg, my childhood memories are full of visits to the zoo — feeding peanuts to Hattie, watching the alligators bask in the sun and even witnessing some rather cheeky behavior (yes, certain people, who shall remain unnamed, would sneak cigarettes to the monkeys). Every visit was an adventure! As the zoo grew, so did societal expectations for zoos worldwide. Higher standards for animal care led many cities to close their zoos as the costs of upgrading habitats, adding medical facilities and enhancing educational programming became overwhelming. The Hattiesburg Zoo faced similar challenges, experiencing ups and downs as attempts to keep up with modern zoo practices occurred.
In 2010, when the Hattiesburg Convention Commission partnered with the city to manage the zoo, we knew it would be no small feat. Keeping this unique attraction alive required stabilizing the zoo financially and strengthening its connection to the people of Mississippi. It has taken the unwavering dedication of the entire Commission staff to move the zoo to financial self-sufficiency in 2017 and make our connection with our guests a never-ending pursuit.
Each day, our zookeepers, curators and veterinary staff provide devoted care for our wildlife while always facing the “circle of life” that is found in the animal kingdom. From births to injuries to cranky or amorous exhibit mates, they are personally involved in the never-ending “soap opera” of animal care. Our zoo educators share their special love of the natural world in our schools from the coast to the capitol. Their enthusiasm lays the foundation for the next generation of zookeepers and educators, and ignites the spark of discovery in our kids.
And it’s not just about the animals — our landscaping, janitorial and maintenance crews are the unsung heroes, ensuring that every corner of the zoo is safe, beautiful and functional. Meanwhile, our guest and food services teams work tirelessly to create magical experiences for visitors, whether through train rides, carousels, special events or simply the best burger in Hattiesburg!
With our recent accreditation by the Zoological Association of America, we are inspired to build on the legacy of those who have nurtured the zoo for generations. The Hattiesburg Zoo is not just a place — it’s a community treasure, a place of wonder, learning and fun. We are excited for the future and what lies ahead!
Rick Taylor,
Executive Director
Hattiesburg Convention Commission
