CAJUN CRITTER PARDONING

Join us at Rougarou Fest for the annual Cajun Critter Pardon—a hilarious and heartwarming celebration where one lucky wetland animal is officially pardoned and named this year’s honorary Cajun Critter.

Each year, we choose one lucky Louisiana animal—like a crawfish, alligator, or nutria—to be officially pardoned and crowned our honorary Cajun Critter. With an official “blessing” from the Rougarou Fest, this critter gets to skip the stew pot and live the good life bayou-style!

This year’s lucky Cajun Critter is Lil’ Tee the Alligator! Lil’ Tee will be pardoned on the Tailing Community Stage on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 3PM.

This tradition is not just for laughs—it shines a light on the critters of our wetlands. Native animals, like alligators, play a big role in keeping Louisiana’s ecosystems healthy, from helping control pests to balancing food webs.