Audubon Zoo and Louisiana SPCA Team Up to Save Cats

Audubon Zoo and Louisiana SPCA are organizations of animal lovers. Now, they’re teaming up to protect even more animals.

Audubon Zoo is caring for four new lions: Arnold, Nia, Kali, and Zuri. This new pride of lions is part of a worldwide conservation effort to protect endangered species all over the world. Louisiana SPCA participates in animal conservation, too — in a slightly different way — right here in New Orleans.

In honor of animal conservation and New Orleans’ newest big cat residents, Audubon Zoo and Louisiana SPCA want to encourage community members to adopt cats of their own. When an individual adopts a cat from Louisiana SPCA during the month of May, not only will they take home a lifelong friend, they’ll take home a complimentary ticket to Audubon Zoo.

“May is one of the busiest months for homeless and neglected cats at the Louisiana SPCA,” said Communications Director Alicia Vial. “We anticipate more than 220 cats will be surrendered and rescued from areas of our community. Working together with community partners like Audubon is paramount to saving more lives.”

Find the perfect cat at LA-SPCA.org/adoptables and learn more about the new lions at AudubonZoo.com/Lions.

The new lion habitat in Audubon Zoo’s African Savanna exhibit opens on May 18. Audubon Members will have early access to Audubon Zoo on May 18 to welcome the lions. After an opening presentation, Ashé Cultural Arts Center will lead a second “lion” to the panoramic views of the expansive new habitat.

Opening activities (9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.) include:

• Enjoy early access for Members
• Come give your best roar for our Roar Reel video
• Visit the Cub Craft Tent with a fun lion cub craft for kids

All day activities include:

• Say hello to the new pride of lions: Arnold, Nia, Kali, and Zuri.
• Wear cat ears or come in full feline costume to show love for the pride of New Orleans.
• Commemorate the day by purchasing a plush lion or safari hat from the gift shop.
• Individuals can round their purchase amount up at the register at any Audubon retail location to donate to "Lagniappe for Lions," in support of conservation efforts for Ruaha Carnivore Project.

Not an Audubon Member? Join today for a full year of fun and adventure, along with the knowledge that you are supporting a cornerstone of the community, advancing Audubon’s conservation efforts, and supporting the animals in Audubon’s care.

Purchase a Family Plus membership or higher on May 18 or 19 and receive a free lion plush (while supplies last)!