Attraction Spotlight: Audubon Zoo

Discovering one of the most exciting attractions for all ages in New Orleans will leave you wanting more. The Audubon Zoo is a Zoo, a Museum and a Landmark.

The living museum is filled with some of the most unique, most beautiful and rarest creatures found in nature. The site has been home to animals since the 1884 World Exposition in Audubon Park and the zoo ranks as one of the best in the entire country.

Visitors get to enjoy plenty of unique wildlife, along with 100-year-old oak trees and so much more. The Audubon Zoo covers about 58 acres of space with animals living in their natural habitat.

About the Audubon Zoo

Starting from the early 20th century, much of what is found at the Audubon Zoo was built in the 1900s. The Sea Lion Pool was created in 1928 with the beautiful columns. It’s still known as one of the most romantic spots in the zoo.

Monkey Hill was created by Works Progress Administration and it’s 28 feet high. It was added to show children of New Orleans what a hill looks like. Today, it has a rope bridge, safari trail and wading pools.

Visitors can enjoy an actual swamp in the middle of New Orleans at the zoo, as well. It’s also home to a Cajun houseboat with 14-foot alligators. Visitors can also enjoy the baby animal nursery and the world-famous white alligator float.

The Animals

There are several great animals to enjoy at the Audubon Zoo. Some of the choices include:

•          Elephants
•          Komodo Dragons
•          White Tigers
•          Bears
•          Monkeys
•          Orangutans
•          Elk
•          Snakes
•          And More!

Some of the animals found here are very rare and exotic, while others are pretty common.

The Exhibits

Throughout the Audubon Zoo, visitors will discover a number of great exhibits. The African Savana includes many animals from Africa, while the Audubon Aviary is the place for bird lovers.

In addition, visitors can enjoy Jaguar Jungle, Monkey Hill, the Flamingo Exhibit, Asia, Bamboo Village, Louisiana Swamp, the Pelicans’ Nest, the World of Primates, Whooping Cranes and so much more. There are several great exhibits found throughout the zoo to enjoy.

Other Zoo Attractions

Along with the animals and the exhibits, those visiting the Audubon Zoo can enjoy plenty of other attractions. Cool Zoo provides a splash park for children to enjoy and there’s a Carousel for the little ones, too. Hop on the Swamp Train for a ride around the zoo and some of the most scenic views.

You can also enjoy plenty of great history, architecture and even some historic buildings throughout the Audubon Zoo. The Zoofari Cafe, Cypress Knee Cafe and the Flamingo Cafe offer places to grab a bite to eat and relax. In addition, there are carousel concessions, the Roman Candy wagon, Gator Bites and multiple snack shacks throughout the zoo.

Education Programs

Visiting the zoo provides plenty of fun, but you can also enjoy plenty of education programs at the zoo. The Audubon Zoo, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas all offer plenty of great programs.

Both summer camps and holiday camps are offered for children during school breaks. In addition, home school children can come out to the facility each week for a unique look at something a bit different. Programs for scouts, school field trips and other educational programs area also offered.

Some of the educational events held throughout the year include:

•          Seasonal Scavenger Huts
•          Family Fridays
•          Flashlight Tours
•          New Year’s Eve Sleepover
•          Aqua School
•          Safari After Dark
•          Mardi Gras Camp
•          And More!
•          Location, Hours & Admission

The Audubon Zoo is located in the Uptown/Garden District neighborhood of New Orleans. It’s found at 6500 Magazine Street. Free off-street parking is available and it’s handicapped accessible.

The zoo is open from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday through Friday and from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays during the fall and winter seasons. During the spring and summer, the Audubon Zoo is open from 10am to 5pm, Monday through Friday and from 10am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Admission is $19.95 for adults and $14.95 for seniors and children ages 2 to 12. It’s also possible to get an Audubon Experience package to enjoy the Aquarium, Zoo, Theater and Insectarium.

Whether you want to visit the zoo or you want to get involved in one of the many programs, it’s a great experience for the entire family. There’s so much to see, do and discover at the Audubon Zoo and other Audubon Nature attractions.