Meet the Zoo Crew!

Dennis Bacque
President & Owner
  1. How would you describe your job title? The Brains
  2. How long have you been with us? Forever; I started to develope the property in 1992.
  3. What is your favorite animal and why? My favorite animal ever was the Louisiana Black Bear, Teddy, that Marilyn and I raised from a cub. She inspired the décor in Cabin #1 (Bear’s Den).
  4. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would be a Bull Elk because they’re the biggest and the baddest.
  5. What is your favorite thing about working here? Seeing the growth over the years and watching all of our hard work come to fruition.
  6. If you could live in one of the Cabins, which would it be and why? Cabin #5 (Elk Lodge) because of the spectacular view it offers from the second floor.
  7. What’s your favorite time of year? Spring; it’s warm and all the animals and visitors are so happy.
Marilyn Bacque
Owner
  1. How would you describe your job title? Momma to all; Animals and Employees!
  2. How long have you been with us? Since the beginning. My husband and I developed the property and started collecting animals in the 90’s.
  3. What is your favorite animal and why? This is a hard one. It used to be the Elk, because of my beloved Dottie. But, now it is the Red Kangaroo because they have a very loving and bonding nature. 
  4. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would be a Red Kangaroo because it would be so convenient to have a pouch to keep my things. I would not constantly misplace stuff!
  5. What is your favorite thing about working here? My animals always come first. But I love watching our visitors enjoy my babies. I have met some wonderful people during my time in this business. 
  6. If you could live in one of our cabins, which one would you pick and why? Cabin #5 (Elk Lodge) because of the view. My husband worked really hard to build a two-story cabin and I think his plans were executed perfectly.
  7. What is your favorite time of year? Spring time because so many babies are being born!
Tammy Norris
Tour Guide
  1. How would you describe your job title? Awesome! I get to take care of animals from all over the world and get to meet wonderful people.
  2. How long have you been with us? Since right after opening. I consider this business my family… 20+ years later!
  3. What is your favorite animal and why? The Greater Kudu are my favorite. They are odd looking but beautiful and they are also our logo. 
  4. If you could be any animal, what would you be? I would be the Ring-Tailed Lemur. They are pretty and no matter how old you get, you still play and have fun, and they are always embracing the sun. 
  5. What is your favorite thing about working here? The owners; they are my family and I love them just like my own. We have been there for each other for so many years and they are SO good to their animals. Also, no matter how bad of a day you are having, to be around these beautiful animals and knowing they don’t care what you look like; they just love you and depend on you. It has such a way of calming you. 
  6. If you could live in one of our cabins, which one would you pick and why? I would pick Cabin #8 (The Outback Shack) because the kitchen is beautiful and bright. I also love the 2 bedrooms and bathrooms right across from each other.
  7. What is your favorite time of year? Late Spring (April) and early Fall (September) is my favorite.