The Hidden Oasis in Northeast Louisiana
![The Hidden Oasis in Northeast Louisiana](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f4/Boat_ride_in_pond_at_Louisiana_Purchase_Gardens_and_Zoo.jpg)
The Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo in Monroe is a hidden oasis that I stumbled upon during my voyage. The place is a botanical garden and zoo situated on 400 acres of land with diverse flora and fauna. The garden boasts over 10 different gardens, including a butterfly garden, cactus garden, and rose garden, while the zoo has over 450 animals from 150 different species, including elephants, monkeys, and even alligators. The garden also has several water features, including a lagoon and Japanese garden with a koi pond. As I strolled through the garden and zoo, I was fascinated by the different species of plants and animals and how they interacted with each other. The Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in nature and biodiversity.