New Orleans,
03
December
2018
|
11:35 AM
America/Chicago

Audubon Nature Institute Welcomes New Animals and Expands Community Outreach Programming in the New Year

Audubon Nature Institute is preparing to introduce new animals and programming to the New Orleans community in 2019.

Two elephants from the Buffalo Zoo arrived at Audubon Zoo last month and are settling in with Audubon’s longtime elephant residents, Panya and Jean in their Asian Domain habitat. Visitors can expect to see the herd together in the large elephant yard in the coming months.

Jambi, a 22-year-old Sumatran orangutan from Hannover Zoo in Germany, also joined the Audubon orangutan group. This is part of a strategy to maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population of orangutans under human care, serving as a safeguard for endangered species facing extinction.

A short walk from Jambi is the sea lion habitat where Audubon is caring for a pair of two-year-old female sea lions who were rescued and rehabilitated at the Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles (MMCCLA) in San Pedro.

“Supporting populations of endangered and threatened animals is at the core of Audubon’s mission,” says Rebecca Dietz, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and General Counsel. “Along with saving species, Audubon offers visitors the opportunity to learn about wildlife and inspires the community to participate in conservation efforts.”

Audubon is also expanding its commitment to educating visitors about the wonders of nature in 2019 by launching Audubon Community Connect this January. The new initiative aims to grow accessibility to Audubon Zoo, Aquarium, Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, and Louisiana Nature Center for New Orleanians.

“Audubon believes we can always do more through outreach, access and education. The new Community Connect program, together with programs already in place, demonstrates Audubon’s commitment to increased and equitable access for all residents,” says Rebecca Dietz, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and General Counsel.

The Audubon Community Connect program will involve three components:

  • Orleans Parish Appreciation Days:
    • Every Wednesday, Orleans Parish residents with one valid government-issued photo ID will receive free admission with up to four guests to Audubon attractions, rotating each week from the Aquarium, Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Zoo, and Planetarium at the Louisiana Nature Center. Click here for schedule.
  • Audubon SNAP Program:
    • Orleans Parish SNAP benefit recipients will receive complimentary admission to Audubon facilities year-round, special events restrictions apply. SNAP participant with valid ID that matches the SNAP card and up to four guests will have free admission to Audubon facilities.
  • Audubon Museum Partner Pass
    • Audubon will partner with New Orleans Public Library to offer a partner pass available for check out by library cardholders. Three passes will be provided to each library in Orleans Parish and each pass provides entry for up to two adults and seven children for a two-week period.

“We are thrilled that the Audubon Nature Institute has partnered with us to join our Museum Pass program, said Charles Brown, City Librarian and Executive Director of the New Orleans Public Library System. "We are continually working to expand the amount of educational, informational, and entertaining programs, products, and services that we offer and I know that this strategic partnership will greatly benefit our community.

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

Audubon Nature Institute

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.