Audubon Memberships On Sale Now
Audubon Nature Institute will reopen sales of its memberships on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, keeping prices unchanged from earlier 2025 pricing through February of next year, officials announced.
Audubon CEO Michael J. Sawaya said the decision follows extensive community engagement and input.
“We listened to feedback from community members in the New Orleans area and held a focus group that allowed for in-depth discussion about our prices,” said Sawaya. “We understand the important role Audubon plays in New Orleans, and our leadership team will continue to listen and respond to our community.”
“We want everyone to experience our attractions, learn about conservation, and appreciate the incredible animals in our care,” Sawaya said. “We are evaluating our membership pricing to meet member’s needs while operating financially responsible parks and attractions in an environment of reduced tourism and rising inflation.”
New membership pricing for 2026 will be announced in mid-January and will take effect March 1, 2026. The updated rates will reflect community feedback that will continue to focus on our mission but still allow families to enjoy the affordability Audubon has always provided. The updated rates will take into consideration rising operational costs, including food, veterinary care, utilities, insurance, and staffing, while remaining reasonably priced for families.
“Every program at Audubon must balance care for our animals and team members, ensure affordable community access, and protect long-term sustainability for future generations,” said Sawaya.
Audubon offers a variety of access programs, including memberships, discounted group admissions, reduced pricing for SNAP recipients, participation in the City of New Orleans Culture Pass program, Make-A-Wish® wish fulfillment visits, and rotating free admission days for Orleans Parish residents at Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium.
Membership revenue also supports Audubon’s extensive conservation work worldwide, with more than two dozen active projects benefiting species such as African lions, orangutans, Asian elephants, and Panamanian golden frogs.
In Louisiana, Audubon is actively involved in protecting species including Louisiana pine snakes, and dusky gopher frogs. With federal and state partners, Audubon is also helping restore a permanent whooping crane population in the state releasing chicks hatched and raised at the Audubon Species Survival Center.
Audubon Aquarium Rescue serves as Louisiana’s primary responder for distressed sea turtles and marine mammals and is currently caring for 35 cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles recovering from frigid water exposure. Membership funds also support Audubon’s Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries program, which promotes sustainable fishing practices through partnerships with local chefs and fishers.
Audubon Nature Institute memberships will be available beginning December 17, 2025, online at https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/audubon-membership and in person at Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium.