ALEXANDRIA, La. (WNTZ) – From lions to spider monkeys, every animal at the Alexandria Zoo follows a carefully prepared menu – and it all begins in the commissary, one of the most vital but least-seen parts of the facility.

Zoo officials say feeding hundreds of animals daily is more science than routine. Each diet is tailored to the species, age, weight and health needs of the animal, with veterinarians, technicians and keepers collaborating to ensure meals are nutritionally balanced. Some animals require prescription diets, while others get vitamins and supplements blended into their meals.

The commissary is stocked like a grocery store for the animal kingdom. Alongside fresh produce, hay and specially formulated pellets are frozen rodents for birds of prey, live crickets and mealworms for reptiles, and meat and fish for the zoo’s carnivores.

Every detail matters, often down to the gram. A macaw might receive a vitamin-rich blend to support growth, while an aging bear could be served a carefully modified prescription diet.

“The commissary provides the fuel that keeps our animals healthy, happy and thriving,” zoo staff said in a newsletter update.

Zoo leaders say the behind-the-scenes work ensures that when visitors see a tortoise munching on melon or a monkey enjoying a snack, they’re seeing the result of hours of preparation and teamwork.