Audubon Nature Institute 2022 Operating Hours and Community Connect Program

The new year is almost here, and with it comes a new operating schedule for Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas along with the return of Audubon's popular Community Connect Program. 

Beginning in 2022, both the Zoo and Aquarium will be open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both facilities will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week. Previously, Audubon Zoo was open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit audubonnatureinstitute.org for holidays and special openings hours. 

“Our hope in 2022 is to engage and educate guests about the wonders of nature,” said Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO Ron Forman. “We believe that each person has the power to impact the natural world for the better.” 

Audubon Nature Institute is continuing its commitment to engaging and educating the community about the natural world by renewing the Audubon Community Connect program in 2022. This initiative consists of three components to make Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas more accessible for New Orleanians:  

1. Orleans Parish Appreciation Days: Orleans Parish residents receive free admission to Audubon facilities for themselves and up to four guests when they present a valid government-issued photo ID. Days rotate between the Aquarium and Zoo. On the first Thursday of the month, Orleans Parish residents receive free admission to the Aquarium, and on the third Thursday of the month residents receive free admission to the Zoo. Visit this link to see the entire 2022 Orleans Parish Appreciation Day Calendar. Orleans Parish residents can make ticket reservations in advance online.   

2. Audubon SNAP Program: Orleans Parish SNAP benefit recipients receive free admission to the Zoo and Aquarium year-round (special events restrictions apply). SNAP participants and up to four guests receive free admission to the Zoo and Aquarium when they present a valid ID that matches their SNAP card. SNAP recipients can make ticket reservations in advance online.    

3. Audubon Museum Culture Pass: Audubon has partnered with the New Orleans Public Library to offer Culture Passes for checkout by Orleans Parish Library cardholders. Audubon has provided 15 passes per day to both the Aquarium and the Zoo. These passes can be used any day that Audubon is open. Each pass provides entry for two adults and seven children. To reserve a pass, visit culturepass.nolalibrary.org, call the Library at 504-529-7323, or by visit any New Orleans Public Library location.

   NOTE: Due to limitations, guests cannot reserve a timed ticketing slot online with these passes. Guests will need to redeem at a customer service window at the gate based on availability.

For more information about Audubon Nature Institute’s current community outreach programming, please visit https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/audubon-community-connect.