New Orleans,
04
May
2018
|
13:39 PM
America/Chicago

Audubon Nature Institute Wins Top Spots in USA Today’s 10Best List for Best Aquarium and Best Zoo in the Country

As a Thanks to Voters, Audubon Attractions Offer Half-Price Admission for Louisiana Residents on Sunday, May 6

The votes are in and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Audubon Zoo are winners of the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice travel award contest.

The Aquarium ranked 5th and the Zoo secured the 8th place among 20 nominees, all accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), that were "hand-picked by a panel of zoo and family travel experts."

In gratitude to the thousands who cast ballots for the Aquarium and Zoo over the past several weeks, Louisiana residents can visit the Zoo, Aquarium or Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium for half the regular ticket price (adult or child) on Sunday, May 6.

"This is our way of sending a special thanks to everyone who voted to bestow this honor recognizing our aquarium and zoo," said Audubon President and CEO Ron Forman. "We are grateful to our local community and visitors who voted to include us as one of top 10 zoos and aquariums to visit."

The discount is valid on full price admission tickets only.

Louisiana residents must bring a photo ID showing a Louisiana zip code. The offer is not valid in combination with any other discount and does not apply to special admission events at any Audubon attraction.

What makes a Zoo and Aquarium “America’s Favorite?” USA Today says:

“The nation’s best zoological facilities ensure animal care, welfare and enrichment come first, while still facilitating meaningful animal encounters with the public to help support wildlife and the wild places of the world.”

You can see the full list of winners at http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-aquarium/ and http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-zoo/

The 10Best Readers’ Choice Award contest launches new categories every other Monday at noon, revealing each category's 20 nominees. After 4 weeks of voting, the contest closes on the 28th day at noon. On the Friday after voting ends, winners are revealed. Rules allow the public the right to vote online for one nominee per category, per day.

Nominees for all categories are chosen by a panel of relevant experts which include a combination of editors from USA TODAY; editors from 10Best.com; relevant expert contributors; and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties. The nomination panel for each award category is displayed on its associated contest page. All voting is digital and the 10Best Readers’ Choice Award contest is accessible on the 10Best.com website.

Download PDF of Press Release

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.