Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium Nominated for USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
Audubon Nature Institute has been nominated in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice award contest for the fourth year in row! Their expert panel selected Audubon Zoo as a contender for Best Zoo and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas for Best Aquarium in the competition. The contest, which USA TODAY launched June 15, gives voters three weeks to vote for the candidate of their choice at http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/. A person can vote once a day in each category for the duration of the contest.
VOTE HERE FOR AUDUBON AQUARIUM OF THE AMERICAS
Voting ends Monday, July 6, 2020 at 11:59 a.m. Eastern Time, and the winners will be announced on the 10Best website on Friday, July 17, 2020, then later on the USA TODAY website. For official rules, click here.
“We truly appreciate the outpouring of support that we have received through the Audubon Recovery Fund during this time,” said Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO Ron Forman. “Voting in the USA TODAY 10Best poll for the Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is another great way that the community can show their support and help us receive national attention.”
Last year, Audubon Aquarium ranked third and the Zoo ranked ninth among 20 nominees "hand-picked by a panel of zoo and family travel experts" and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Audubon Zoo reopened to the public on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 following a nearly three-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following State and City public health directives, Audubon is reopening its family of parks and museums following a phased approach that strictly limits attendance and programming. Advance tickets to the Zoo are required and can be reserved here. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas remains temporarily closed, but you can support the Aquarium by voting.
Note from USA TODAY 10Best:
“Someday, we'll all be ready to pack our suitcases again and head out on our next adventures. In the meantime, we'll keep supporting the places that inspire us.”
"Aquariums put us face to fin with aquatic life from the world's oceans, lakes and waterways in a fun and educational setting. The best aquariums also play a vital role in animal conservation by taking part in rescue efforts and advocating for the environmental health of our oceans. These 20 aquariums, nearly all accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and nominated by a panel of 10Best experts, represent the best in North America for their high quality exhibits and visitor interactions."
"North America is home to hundreds of zoological parks, including more than 200 facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Short of heading out into the world's wild places, nothing beats a visit to the zoo to foster an appreciation for the striking animal diversity of our planet. We asked a panel of travel experts to nominate their favorite North American AZA-accredited zoos – facilities that excel in the fields of animal care and enrichment, while also facilitating meaningful interactions between animals and human visitors."
Download Press Release
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.