Audubon Nature Institute, New Orleans Museum of Art Celebrate Taylor Family Free Day
Sunday, August 5, 2018
Louisiana’s best students and their families can celebrate their good grades on Taylor Family Free Day at Audubon Nature Institute on Sunday, August 5.
Taylor/Audubon Students and Scholars are invited to bring up to four guests to enjoy a complimentary visit to Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium on Taylor Family Free Day.
This year, there will be a full day of special Taylor Day programming at Audubon Zoo.
Taylor Scholars also will enjoy free admission to the New Orleans Museum of Art on Sunday, August 5. Guests should check in at the membership window at NOMA and Audubon attractions with their Taylor Card before entering and be sure to bring a photo ID.
Audubon Nature Institute and NOMA partner with the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation to reward students’ exceptional work.
"We are pleased to continue our longstanding partnership with the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation,’’ said Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO Ron Forman. “The Taylor/Audubon Students and Scholars program is a perfect way to recognize young people for working hard in the classroom.’’
Phyllis M. Taylor, chairman and president of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation, said, “Motivating young people to excel in their studies has always been a priority for the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation.’’
“We created the Taylor Scholars Awards Program to provide incentives to achieve that goal. Student participation continues to exceed our expectations and we look forward to continued growth in the years ahead.’’
During the 2017/2018 academic year, a record 215,505 students were rewarded with complimentary memberships as a result of the association that Audubon Nature Institute and New Orleans Museum of Art forged with the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation more than 20 years ago.
Participation in the program has grown steadily over the past two decades and the latest numbers represent an increase of about 5,000 student recipients over the prior year.
Taylor Day programming at Audubon Zoo on August 5 will include live entertainment at Capital One Field by the Community Works Drummers from 10:30 a.m. until noon, a Selfie Mirror Photo Booth in the Louisiana Swamp from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and a Zoo-wide scavenger hunt which will offer a chance to win a Cool Zoo Pizza Party for 10 people.
In addition, Taylor Day guests can enjoy giraffe feeds, animal encounters, chats hosted by the Zoo’s animal care staff and a gator training session.
With their Taylor Card, Taylor Students and Scholars also receive discounts on purchases at Audubon gift shops and concessions, the Cool Zoo splash park, the Gottesman Endangered Species Carousel and the Swamp Train.
Audubon will celebrate the day with a snapchat filter and the official hashtag: #TaylorDay. Taylor Students and Scholars can receive Audubon news and updates by submitting an email address here (Remember to check the Taylor Audubon Students and Scholars box).
Students who have lost their Taylor Card must bring their 3rd quarter report card with a photo ID to any Zoo or Aquarium membership window to request a new Taylor Award Certificate.
Eligible students earn a one-year membership to the Aquarium and the Insectarium for achieving a 2.5 grade point average or higher. Students who earn a grade point average of 3.0 or above also qualify for a one-year membership to Audubon Zoo.
The program is open to all Louisiana students in grades 7 through 12, whether attending public, private, or parochial schools. Parents or guardians may accompany students free of charge.
The Patrick F. Taylor Foundation has dedicated more than $900,000 to the Taylor/Audubon Students and Scholars Program. That endowment has established programs with the Audubon Aquarium, Zoo and Insectarium and allowed them to continue in perpetuity.
Audubon Nature Institute operates a family of museums, parks and research facilities dedicated to celebrating the wonders of nature. Through innovative live animal exhibits, education programs, and scientific discovery, Audubon makes a meaningful contribution to preserving wildlife for the future. Audubon Nature Institute flagships include Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy Giant Screen Theater, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and Audubon Wilderness Park. Ron Forman is President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute.