On November 7 & 8, 2026 and on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2026, active duty and military veterans can enjoy complimentary admission to Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium.

“We are honored to recognize and show our appreciation for the brave men and women who have served our country. With veterans proudly represented among our own team members, we understand the importance of honoring their service and sacrifice. By providing this free admission, we hope to give active-duty military members and veterans the opportunity to spend meaningful time with their families, creating lasting memories, and enjoying special experiences at the Zoo and Aquarium. It is a small way for us to express our heartfelt gratitude and say thank you to those who have given so much in service to our nation.” said Michael J. Sawaya, Audubon Nature Institute CEO and L. Ronald Forman Chair in Conservation Leadership.

Active-duty military and veterans can visit the ticket booth at Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium to receive their complimentary admission.

Before heading the Aquarium, guests just scan the parking code located at the Canal Place parking garage, enter their vehicle and payment information, and take the short stroll over to visit the Aquarium. After interacting with stingrays, watching penguins, sharks, and marveling at the hundreds of butterflies in the butterfly garden, validating parking is as easy as scanning a daily QR code located in the Aquarium to activate three hours of free parking. Regular parking fees apply to anything over three hours.

This free parking offer is only valid in the Canal Place parking garage and for the months of August and September only. For more information: https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/freeparking

The Aquarium’s new “Care Corner” houses incubators and special holding boxes to give the chick warmth and comfort, and the Aquarium’s animal care team will feed the chick round-the-clock as it grows. Daily feeding times are 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. giving guests plenty of chances to watch as the hungry little one is fed. A large viewing window allows guests to watch the young penguin throughout the day.

The chick is the offspring of Hubig and Ocio, a prolific pair who have several of their past chicks residing in the Aquarium’s colony including Moon, Titan, and Calypso. The pair are sitting on a second egg, and once it hatches will raise that chick for three weeks before the animal care teams take over its care. Early handling by the animal care team helps the birds become accustomed to human interaction and allows them to participate in their health care throughout their lives.

“Separating the two eggs gives both the best chance at survival,” said Higinio Covarubbias, Audubon Aquarium’s Director of Husbandry. “Hubig and Ocio are experienced parents, but raising two chicks in the nest could be difficult. By allowing them to raise one while the other hatched in an incubator gives both chicks a headstart. These are the most endangered species of penguin in the world, and every chick hatched in human care is a safeguard against extension of this species.”   

The birds are found on the coast of South Africa and are threatened by habitat loss, overfishing of their food sources, and are susceptible to oil spills and other environmental conditions.

Audubon Aquarium is partnering with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to collect tiny hatchlings found along Pearl River sandbars and give the small turtles a home over the winter months. This headstart program is the largest effort of its kind for this species and gives the hatchlings a safe place to grow larger before they are returned to the Pearl River.

Nine Ringed Map Turtle hatchlings can be seen in Audubon Aquarium’s ‘Down the Bayou’ exhibit, the only place in Louisiana where they can be observed up close.

In the wild, LDWF protects nests with predator-exclusion boxes placed over sandbars where females lay their eggs. Field teams often find hatchlings that have not yet emerged from their sandy nests or made it to the river. Now they have a safe place for the winter and will be returned to the Pearl River when they are larger.

These turtles are considered a threated species because they often fall victim to predators like raccoons and birds. They also face habitat loss, pollution, and river dredging in their native Pearl and Bogue Falaya Rivers.  

Audubon Aquarium is partnering with Nicholls State University and the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program in this first-ever terrapin head-start program in Louisiana. This multi-year project will allow Audubon Aquarium to monitor the growth of terrapins and learn more about their behavior at this early life stage, which scientists say is not easy to document in the wild.

The hatchlings came from eggs collected by biologists at Nicholls State University’s Coastal Ecology Lab. These eggs were rescued from road-killed females, disturbed nests, and nests with a low chance of success because of coastal erosion. Diamondback terrapins, which get their name from their rings that resemble diamond facets, are native to the coastal marshes of Louisiana and are considered a vulnerable species. “This head-start program will help raise terrapin past their most vulnerable age” said Dr. Tim Clay of the Coastal Ecology Lab. Very few terrapin hatchlings survive to adulthood in the wild, when young they are often eaten by birds, raccoons, and other animals.

“This partnership and head-start project are important for the conservation of this unique species,” said John Fallon, Audubon Nature Institute’s Director of Sustainability and Coastal Conservation Initiatives. “The survival rate of terrapin hatchlings is extremely low and as they grow they face many threats here in Louisiana, like habitat loss and derelict fishing gear. Every one we can raise and release will benefit the future of terrapin in the state.”

The project is funded through a grant from the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, whose mission is to preserve the 4.2 million acres included in the Barataria – Terrebonne estuarine system and its cultural, economic, and natural resources. “Learning more about the growth and survival rates of diamondback terrapins that live in the estuary helps us determine ways to protect this species and its natural habitat for future generations,” said Michael Massimi, BTNEP’s Invasive Species and Marine Programs Coordinator. “This unique partnership with Nicholls State University and Audubon Aquarium gives us a chance to monitor these terrapins from very young hatchlings to adulthood, providing us with key information to shape future plans for managing the estuary.”

On November 8 and November 9, 2025, active duty and military veterans can enjoy complimentary admission to Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium.

“We are deeply grateful for those who have served our country, both here and abroad,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Audubon Nature Institute CEO and L. Ronald Forman Chair in Conservation Leadership. “This is our way of showing appreciation for their dedication and sacrifice. We also take pride in honoring the veterans within our own Audubon team who have served our nation.”

Active-duty military and veterans can visit the ticket booth at Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium to receive their complimentary admission.

In addition to watching the mermaids as they swim amid the colorful fish and rays in the Great Maya Reef exhibit at Audubon Aquarium, there are opportunities to meet the mermaids in person and take photos with them when they are on dry land.

Mermaids will be at the Aquarium Thursday – Sunday on these dates and times:

·       November   6 – 9, 2025        10:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM 

·       November  13 – 16, 2025     10:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM 

·       November  20 – 23, 2025     10:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM 

Each mermaid has her own unique conservation message that is near and dear to her and will engage with guests about the importance of ocean conservation. In water or on dry land, Wands & Wishes Mermaids represent the connection of humans to the sea. They are committed to delivering a realistic, memorable mermaid experience for guests of all ages to enjoy. Ocean conservation, marine animal protection and education are close their hearts and they incorporate educational information into each magical visit.

Watching the mermaids glide beneath the waters of the Great Maya Reef is a memorable and breathtaking experience for all ages and is included with Aquarium admission. Audubon Aquarium is open from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily.

This year, guests can also enjoy “Tea Under the Sea,” a separately ticketed event that includes a photo with a mermaid, crafts, plus tea sandwiches, mini scones, mini pastries, tea, coffee, mimosas for adults and mermaid punch for the kids. “Tea Under the Sea” is scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays while the mermaids are at Audubon Aquarium and requires Audubon Aquarium admission or Membership. Tickets for Audubon Aquarium and for “Tea Under the Sea” are available at https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/mermaids

This year’s event at Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium will provide guests with an immersive after-hours experience at the popular riverfront venues as well as raise money to support Audubon Aquarium Rescue and other conservation and healthy ocean initiatives. In 2025, Audubon Aquarium Rescue has so far rehabilitated and released 28 endangered sea turtles, responded to a dolphin stranding in Grand Isle, and assisted in beach sweeps and educational outreach across the state. Funds raised through Scales & Ales will help with transportation, veterinary care, and critical supplies needed for the rescue team to continue its important work.

"We are extremely proud of the work the Audubon Aquarium Rescue team does to rescue and rehabilitate marine mammals and sea turtles across Louisiana,” said Rich Toth, Senior Vice President and Director of Audubon Aquarium. “We respond to multiple calls for assistance with sea turtles, dolphins, and even the occasional manatee sighting, and cover the entire Louisiana coastline. Support for this vital program is crucial to ensuring its continued success.”

As they enjoy the best regional cuisine and beverages, guests will enjoy live music from headliner Few Blue, strolling encounters with the Sirens of New Orleans, along with stunning views of the Mississippi River, and access to tour both the Aquarium and Insectarium.

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.ScalesAndAles.org. Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium will close at 2:00 p.m. on November 7, 2025, to prepare for the event. 

Please note: This is an adult-only (21+) event; babies and children will not be admitted. The event will occur rain or shine. Dress code is dressy casual attire. 

In partnership with the non-profit Heart of Passion (HoP), Audubon is hosting group of young cancer patients from Louisiana, Georgia and Tennessee who are taking part in the group’s annual retreat in New Orleans. The retreat is designed to give the teenagers time to relax, have fun, and make connections with others facing similar health challenges.

The group will arrive at Audubon Aquarium at 8:00 a.m. and will be greeted by the full red-carpet treatment and escorted into the Aquarium for their special morning.

The breakfast at Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium is a highlight of their week, according to organizers. They will enjoy a private, before-hours breakfast in front of the Aquarium’s Gulf exhibit while animal care team members talk with them about sea creatures, introduce the teens to a penguin, and assist as the teens help butterflies take the “first flight” into Audubon Insectarium’s Butterfly Garden.  

“Providing young people with unique connections with the animals in our care is what this red-carpet breakfast is all about,” said Rich Toth, Audubon Aquarium’s Managing Director and Senior Vice President. “Knowing we are helping these teenagers have typical social time with others their age is so important. We want them to relax, enjoy our animals and just be teenagers for a little while.”

Heart of Passion’s Red-Carpet Retreat takes a “for teens from teens” approach that serves the special guests while providing practical training for local high school leaders through the organization’s Leadership Development Program (LDP). This unique, intensive year-long program offers high school students an opportunity to experience life in the business world while learning about compassion at the same time. The local teens plan and execute Red Carpet Day. This year, local students from the Academy of the Sacred Heart, Metairie Park Country Day, Louise McGehee School, and Isidor Newman School are participating.

Heart of Passion’s dual mission strives to instill a love of community engagement in the next generation of community leaders while tearing down the walls that cancer builds socially and emotionally for teens. 

Since its founding in 2002, Heart of Passion has hosted Red Carpet Day Retreats for teens with cancer in Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte, and New Orleans, serving hundreds of patients.

For more information on Heart of Passion and its programs visit heartofpassion.org or facebook.com/HeartofPassion

The young Kemp’s ridleys, nicknamed Libra and Dorado, were found cold stunned in New England last winter and brought to New Orleans for extended treatment. These two Kemp’s are the final cold stunned turtles Audubon Aquarium Rescue was rehabbing. When turtles are exposed to cold temperatures, they can become weak and unable to swim. After recovering with Audubon, they became the 26^th and 27^th critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles Audubon Aquarium Rescue has released back into the Gulf this year.

Joining them was Francois, a male loggerhead turtle originally found floating upside down at Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge in Grand Chenier, Louisiana in 2023. He was underweight and extremely dehydrated when he was found. Fortunately, Audubon Aquarium Rescue stepped in to help. After many months of treatment team members said farewell to the massive turtle on the beach in Galveston. He weighed 227 pounds and had gained 45 pounds while he was in rehabilitation.

Texas was chosen in consultation with federal partners after documenting high vessel activity along the Louisiana coast. Kemp’s and loggerheads also call Texas waters home, making it an ideal secondary location for this release. Audubon partnered with the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research at Texas A&M Galveston to facilitate the release of these turtles.

“Protecting sea turtles and marine mammals takes tremendous cooperation along the coast. Our partners at the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research were instrumental in the release of these turtles helping us find the best time and location to send them back to the Gulf,” said Gabriella Harlamert, Audubon Aquarium Rescue Stranding and Rehabilitation Coordinator. “Watching these turtles swim into the Gulf waters is rewarding for everyone who helped get them to this point. Francois was with us for nearly two years and overcame tremendous health issues. Our entire team shared the excitement of watching him maneuver along the beach and into the Gulf for the first time in years.”

Coordinated by Audubon Nature Institute, Audubon Aquarium Rescue is NOAA Fisheries’ primary stranding network response partner for marine mammals and sea turtles in Louisiana. Committed to the humane care and treatment of injured, ill, or displaced marine animals in Louisiana, Audubon Aquarium Rescue is the only entity in the state responsible for the rehabilitation of live marine mammals and sea turtles. The information collected from stranded animals provides a snapshot into the health of the marine environment and provides a better understanding of threats to marine mammals and sea turtles in the wild.

If you spot stranded or out-of-habitat marine mammals and sea turtles (live or dead) call Audubon Aquarium Rescue at 877-942-5343.

The newly unveiled area offers expanded shaded areas, lush landscaping, and improved connectivity to ongoing beautification efforts along Canal Street and the broader riverfront. It is part of a larger vision to make New Orleans’ riverfront one of the most dynamic and accessible in the nation.

“This beautiful new section of Woldenberg Park is more than just a green space—it’s a symbol of our commitment to creating accessible, welcoming environments for both residents and visitors,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Audubon Nature Institute President & CEO and L. Ronald Forman Chair in Conservation Leadership. “It strengthens the connection between our community and the river that defines us.”

The project was funded through $5.39 million from City of New Orleans Capital Outlay and Audubon funds. Phase Three of the Woldenberg Park improvement plans is still in the planning stages.  Supported by a HUD Community Project Funding award and Audubon funds, Phase Three is designed to increase accessibility to the riverfront park.

Taking care of an injured or sick sea turtle from the wild is a challenging task. Audubon Aquarium Rescue often spends months providing medical care and rehabilitating sea turtles with the goal of returning them to the Gulf. The smallest turtles currently in the care of Audubon Aquarium Rescue are the most critically endangered sea turtles in the world.

Earlier today, two young Kemps ridley sea turtles had physical exams to determine if they are healthy enough to return to the wild. These small turtles were part of a major “cold stunning” event in New England last fall. When turtles are exposed to frigid air and water temperatures, they become weak and unable to swim. After months of extensive treatment, 26 other turtles were successfully rehabilitated and released by the Audubon Rescue team; these are the last two Kemps ridley sea turtles that remain in Audubon’s care.

All the turtles from the most recent stunning event were named for constellations. These two are: Dorado (who came to New Orleans in December) and Libra (who arrived in January). In addition to their physical exams, each was given a “pit tag,” similar to a microchip in dogs, which will provide information in case they are found in the future.

Audubon Aquarium Rescue team members gave the turtles complete physical exams this morning, including bloodwork and x-rays. They are still young turtles, based on their size they are likely between three and five years old.

Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are the smallest and most endangered of all sea turtle species. Audubon Aquarium Rescue is authorized to rehabilitate sea turtles by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and marine mammals by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Audubon Aquarium Rescue is the only entity in the state of Louisiana responsible for the rehabilitation of live marine mammals and sea turtles.

If you see a stranded marine mammal or sea turtle (live or dead), report it to Audubon Aquarium Rescue at 877-942-5343.

Unlike the preparations you may make at home, the teams at these downtown attractions have multiple systems to check to ensure the health and safety of the animals at the Aquarium and Insectarium. They will test four levels of backup electrical generators and will monitor and analyze all water, air, and life support systems to make sure they are fully operational in case of an emergency.

Team members will also review food needs and supplies for the animals in their care for hurricane season.

The Aquarium and Insectarium will reopen at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Audubon’s new “Sweetheart Deal” is a one-price discount ticket offer, just good for February. The deal is a one-price ticket that gives guests access to Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium, and Audubon Zoo – three great attractions and perfect ways to spend time with your Valentine/Galentine/friends or family. The “Sweetheart Deal” tickets are just $39.95 and don’t have to be used the same day.  

Grab your honey and check out the bees at Audubon Insectarium and then watch penguins cuddle their lifetime mate at Audubon Aquarium. You’ll have five days from the first day you use the ticket to enjoy attractions both downtown and uptown. After you visit the butterflies and the sharks, you can visit Audubon Zoo to check out the orangutan family, see the young giraffes, or just spend the day strolling and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

This “Sweetheart Deal” runs throughout February only and can be purchased online at https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/tickets

Audubon Aquarium’s penguins may be dressed like referees, but Sassy clearly has a favorite team in this game. He’s staying with his bird brethren, Sassy the penguin says the winner will be the Eagles.

At Audubon Zoo, aardvark Leia went with that guy on the Chiefs and his team.   No doubt about it, this lady is a Chiefs fan, and no doubt about her favorite team. Leia says it will be a Chief's win. Maybe she’s got a crush on Travis Kelce?

The big game cannot end in a tie, and neither can Audubon's animal voting. Audubon Zoo’s official tie-breaker was giraffe Maverick. He was named for the Top Gun pilot with the “need for speed” and obviously he thinks the speed of Saquon Barkley and the Eagles offense will lead the birds to victory Sunday night. 

Audubon animals say “Fly Eagles Fly” in the big game! 

All Audubon attractions are OPEN and ready to welcome you. 

UPDATE January 22, 2025

All Audubon attractions will be closed Thursday, January 23, 2025 due to the effects of the winter storm. We plan to resume our normal schedules on Friday, January 24, 2025.

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UPDATE January 21, 2025

All Audubon attractions will be closed Wednesday, January 22, 2025 due to the impacts of the winter storm. We plan to reopen at noon on Thursday, January 23, 2025.

The Audubon Park Golf Course and Audubon Park Clubhouse Restaurant will remain closed Wednesday, January 22, 2025. 

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January 20, 2025

All Audubon Nature Institute attractions will be open Monday, January 20, 2025. 

However, due to the upcoming winter storm, all Audubon attractions will be closed Tuesday, January 21, 2025. At this time, pending weather conditions, Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium will reopen at noon Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Audubon Zoo will reopen Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. on its regular schedule.

The Audubon Park Golf Course will also be closed through noon on Wednesday to preserve the greens. Audubon Park Clubhouse Restaurant will close Monday at 3:00 p.m. and at this time plans to reopen Wednesday depending on weather.   

These 16 Kemp’s ridley sea turtles were airlifted to warmer climates to recover from a large cold-stunning event off the coast of Massachusetts. When turtles are cold-stunned, their heart and breathing rates slow and they become lethargic, unable to find food, and are at risk of being hit by boats as they float along the ocean surface. Fortunately, these turtles were rescued and received initial treatment at the National Marine Life Center and New England Aquarium before being flown to rehabilitation facilities along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico, including New Orleans’ Audubon Aquarium Rescue.

When they arrived at Audubon’s Aquatic Center at the Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center on the Westbank, they underwent complete intake exams, which included radiographs, physical exams, blood test, treatments, and a swim test, in order for the Audubon team to assess their health and determine if they were strong enough to swim successfully on their own. Each turtle has a specialized treatment plan to ensure they are receiving the individualized care they need.

Audubon Aquarium Rescue team members will name the newcomers after constellations in order to tell them apart. Right now, the turtles each have numbers painted on their shells for identification purposes.

“Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are the most endangered sea turtle. These were fortunate to have survived the initial cold-stunning event. Cold weather that drops water temperatures and shifting wind patterns can lead to hundreds of turtles facing cold-stunning every year. We are thankful to have a network of groups working together to get them to safety,” said Audubon Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding and Rehab Coordinator Gabriella Harlamert. “Our goal is always to help them recover and returned to the Gulf of Mexico as soon as water temperatures are warmer.”

The Kemp’s ridley turtles arrived in New Orleans from New England as part of a multi-stop transport by Turtles Fly Too, Inc., which recruits “Turtle Fliers,” who donate their expertise, aircraft, fuel, and labor in order to help rescue efforts of endangered species around the country. In spite of the long transport journey, the turtles are in good condition and are already on the road to recovery.

The turtles will be monitored intensively during their recovery at Audubon. Each will have its own specific treatment plan for any remaining health concerns. While the ultimate goal is to release the turtles back into the Gulf of Mexico, there is currently no estimated timeframe for that to happen.

Coordinated by Audubon Nature Institute, Audubon Aquarium Rescue serves as NOAA Fisheries' primary marine mammal and sea turtle stranding network partner in Louisiana. AAR is committed to the humane care and treatment of injured, ill, or displaced marine animals in Louisiana and is the only entity in the state responsible for the rehabilitation of live marine mammals and sea turtles. The information AAR collects from stranded animals provides a snapshot into the health of the marine environment and provides a better understanding of threats to marine mammals and sea turtles in the wild.

If you see a stranded marine mammal or sea turtle (live or dead), report it to Audubon Aquarium Rescue at 877-942-5343.

When reporting strandings, Audubon Aquarium Rescue will need:

• Exact location and/or GPS coordinates
• Photographs of the animal if you have them
• Nature of the report (type of animal/live or dead/size, etc.)

Please keep these things in mind when reporting a live stranded animal:

• Put human safety above animal safety. If conditions are dangerous, do not attempt to approach the animal.
• Keep crowds away and noise levels down to avoid causing stress to the animal.
• Don't push an animal on shore back into the water.
• If the animal returns to the water on its own, don't attempt to interact with it.
• Leave anything the animal is entangled in on the animal.

To donate to Audubon Aquarium Rescue’s efforts to help these endangered animals, follow this link: https://audubontransactions.org/donations/donate-cwn.html

There are plenty of ways to catch a glimpse of the jolly old elf starting in the Holiday Cheer Room located on the Aquarium’s second floor. He will be taking photos December 19-21, 2024 at this festive meet-and-greet with Aquarium guests. This holiday happening is included with Aquarium admission or Audubon membership. There’s no charge to take a photo, just grab your phone and smile! Professional photo packages are available with a special themed holiday frame, too.  

Santa Photo Schedule at Audubon Aquarium

December 19-21, 2024 
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 
12:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. 
2:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
 

Scuba Claus

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Even Santa enjoys spending time with the fish and rays at the Aquarium and of course, that means he is taking a swim! On Saturday, December 21, 2024, he will don his scuba gear and make a splash in the Great Maya Reef Tunnel from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Be quick to grab this fun holiday photo!

Saint Nick and the Penguins

December 19-21, 2024

Santa made his list and is checking it twice – and he is visiting the Aquarium’s African penguin colony to find out which birds have been Naughty and which have been Nice. The Aquarium has quite a few penguins, so he will visit more than once to review his list and go over the Christmas wish lists from the penguins themselves. He will visit the penguins daily December 20-22, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.

All the festive Santa sightings are free with Aquarium admission or Audubon membership. All Audubon attractions will close early on Christmas Eve, be closed on Christmas, and will reopen on December 26, 2024. 

Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium are OPEN during construction in the park.

The Splash Pad in front of the Aquarium is currently closed while construction in going on in that area.

This phase of construction will largely focus on the plaza in front of the Aquarium, and large construction fencing has been put in place while work is underway. The project will involve additional lighting, new plantings, larger and more accessible green space and refurbishment of the brick pavement.

The best entrance for guests to use to access the Aquarium and Insectarium is through Bienville Street. Guests who enter through Canal Street will be directed along the front of the building under the portico.

The $5.4 million project was funded through the City of New Orleans. The updates are expected to be finalized by early 2025.

Clara was rescued on August 12, 2014 in Moss Landing, Monterey County, California. Due to her propensity to interact with dogs in the area, state and federal sea otter biologists agreed it was in the otter's best interest to remain in human care. Clara has been at Audubon Aquarium since November 2015 and shares her home with longtime resident, Emma.

Clara and Emma share a 25,000-gallon otter habitat, where the duo receive daily training, toys for enrichment and plenty of treats. Each otter eats about 7-9 pounds of seafood per day, all of it restaurant-quality and prepared at the Aquarium by animal care professionals.

To mark the occasion, Aquarium staffers recently attached a GoPro camera onto King Mydas, the facility's popular giant green turtle, providing amazing footage of a typical day inside the vast, 400,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico Exhibit.

Faced with a host of man-made and natural challenges, almost all species of sea turtle are classified as endangered.Audubon Nature Institute, like other accredited facilities, partners with state and federal agencies to rescue and rehabilitate injured turtles and promote public education programs, particularly the importance of decreasing the use of plastics and recycling.

Audubon's Coastal Wildlife Network (CWN) is the only rehabilitation facility for sea turtles in the state of Louisiana. Since 2010, 215 sea turtles have been rescued and rehabilitated by CWN. The public can report injured or sick marine mammals or sea turtles by calling 504-235-3005. 

• Besides their beauty, sea turtles are ultimate survivors, having nested on the world's beaches since the age of dinosaurs millions of years ago. While the species has evolved little over eons, turtles continue to perform important tasks that contribute to the well-being of both the ocean and the Earth's environment.
• Leatherback and hawkbill sea turtles help keep populations of jellyfish and sponges in check while Green sea turtles like Mydas eat sea grass. Without sea turtles, grass beds would grow into tall blades that would hamper breeding and development of many kinds of marine life.