Audubon's Zoo-to-Do Events to Celebrate Carousel Return
Two of the city’s favorite springtime events are coming up at Audubon Zoo, and this year they celebrate the new Gottesman Family Endangered Species Carousel, which returns to the Zoo later this year. This year marks the 48th annual Hancock Whitney Zoo-to-Do and the 37th celebration of Zoo-to-Do for Kids presented by Manning Family Children’s.
Hancock Whitney Zoo-to-Do is set for Friday, May 1, 2026, and Zoo-to-Do for Kids presented by Manning Family Children’s is Friday, April 24, 2026. These are truly “parties with a purpose.” Since their inception, Zoo-to-Do events have raised more than $40 million dollars benefiting Audubon Zoo and its conservation work.
Hancock Whitney Zoo-to-Do features live entertainment from GOT Groove, Bon Bon Vivant and T-Ray the Violinist. It also features premium cocktails, delicious cuisine from local restaurants, an online silent auction (opens two weeks prior to the event at onecau.se/ZTD), Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Pick-A-Present, and Lexus luxury car raffle. This year, the Chair for this black-tie event is Machelle Payne.
“The annual Zoo-to-Do events bring our community together in support of one of the city’s true treasures. Audubon Zoo is more than a place for family memories and learning – it’s a source of pride for New Orleans, cherished by generations who have connected with the animals in our care. Support from these events allows us to continue our mission of celebrating and protecting the natural world,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Audubon Nature Institute President-CEO and L. Ronald Forman Chair in Conservation Leadership. “Our conservation efforts make an impact both locally and around the world, and this work would not be possible without the dedication of our partners and everyone who joins us for these special evenings.”
“We are proud to partner with Audubon again this year to sponsor Hancock Whitney Zoo-to-Do. It is a sparkling night under the trees at the Zoo, and we are honored that funds raised by this event will help support Audubon’s conservation work locally and worldwide,’ said Liz Hefler, Hancock Whitney Regional President for the Greater New Orleans Market.
The younger set will have a fun-filled celebration of their own on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Zoo-to-Do for Kids presented by Manning Family Children’s. Sugar Shaker is the main stage entertainment, and the young partygoers can party the evening away with games, giant inflatables, live entertainment, arts & crafts, and delicious sips and snacks. This year’s Chair for Zoo-to-Do for Kids Cameron Adams.
“Manning Family Children’s is excited to partner with our friends and neighbors at Audubon Zoo as presenting sponsor of the annual Zoo-To-Do for Kids event. This year, the event celebrates the return of one of the most popular attractions at the zoo – the Gottesman Family Endangered Species Carousel,” said Lou Fragoso, President and CEO of Manning Family Children’s. “We look forward to making memories at Zoo-to-Do for Kids and welcoming back the carousel.”
Audubon Zoo will close at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026 to prepare for Zoo-to-Do for Kids presented by Manning Family Children’s and will be closed all day May 1, 2026 in advance of Hancock Whitney Zoo-to-Do.
Tickets are now on sale for both events and are available for purchase online or by calling the ticket hotline at (504) 861-5107. Early bird pricing for Hancock Whitney Zoo-to-Do tickets ends April 17, 2026, and the advance purchase discount ends at 5:00 p.m. on May 1, 2026.
Hancock Whitney Zoo-to-Do tickets can be purchased online at https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/zoo-to-do. Tickets for the Lexus luxury vehicle raffle are available online as well, each raffle ticket is $100 and only 1,250 tickets will be sold for the chance to win a 2026 Lexus.
Tickets for Zoo-to-Do for Kids presented by Manning Family Children’s are available at https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/kids-zoo-to-do