Zoo Buddy: Western Crowned Pigeon!

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Meet Lucifer! He’s a western crowned pigeon hanging out at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo in Monroe.

This species is one of the largest in the pigeon family.

“These guys have a beautiful blue crown of feathers above their head and it almost kind of looks like blue lace, then they have this beautiful blue body, kind of chubby like a pigeon-like body with these way gorgeous red eyes,” says General Curator Lisa Taylor. “I think the red eyes catch you right off the bat they’re pretty elusive in the wild and they live in the forests and they love fruit.”

They are monogamous and have about one egg a year.

“The mom and dad both raise the baby until it’s between 6 and 9 weeks old,” says Taylor.

But they don’t fly like normal pigeons, Taylor says they fly in short spurts to roost in trees or get away from predators.

His exhibit is right inside off the emu exhibit near the budgies.

More Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo News

While construction continues on the new Louisiana Purchase Exhibit, the Reptile Building is closed. Until then, you can request some reptiles at educational programs or birthday parties or you might just see one at the zoo when staff are taking them on a stroll. Call 318-329-2400 for more information.

Due to weather delays, construction crews believe the new exhibit will be open between December 2024 and January 2025.

You can also volunteer with the zoo. Contact the Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society through their Facebook page.

The zoo is open every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can get tickets to feed the budgies, feed the tortoises, ride the boat, or ride the train at the front office.

Click here for a breakdown of their prices.

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