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.

Capybara give birth after about 100 days of gestation. The pups could walk right after they were born so they immediately began exploring their world. They nurse from mom but are starting to nibble grass and other foods.  

Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents and are native to South America. They love to swim, but the pups have to get much bigger before they can swim with their parents and siblings in the large lagoon in Jaguar Jungle River’s Edge. For now, they are living and playing in the capybara yard and barn that are mostly behind the scenes. Guests who ride the Audubon Zoo train may be able to catch a glimpse of these pups in their yard as the train follows a path that goes right by it.

Determining the sex of capybara pups is often difficult when they are young, so they will have to wait a while longer to be named.  Each has been given a dab of animal safe paint so their keepers can tell them apart. 

The babies are the offspring of capybara mom “Turkey” and dad “Sequoia”.  Capybara give birth after about 100 days of gestation. The pups were able to walk right after they were born so they are busy exploring their world. They are still nursing from mom, but are beginning to nibble grass and other food.

Capybara are the world’s largest rodents and are native to South America. Capybara love to swim, but these little ones will have plenty of growing to do before they can swim with their parents in the large lagoon in River’s Edge.  For now, they are living and playing in the capybara yard and barn that are mostly behind the scenes. Guests can catch a glimpse of the trio from the Zoo’s Swamp Train that follows a path right by their play yard.

These active pups don’t have names yet, that will happen once their sexes are determined. 

This Saturday is a special “Cell Phone Saturday” at Audubon Zoo where guests can bring in old phones and other tech to recycle. One of the important parts of electronic devices like phones is a mineral called coltan that is mined in areas where gorillas live in the wild. The more we can recycle old devices, the less of this mineral is mined.

The gorillas at Audubon Zoo have been working on their painting skills, and guests who bring in old phones and other tech will receive a little piece of gorilla art as a “thank you” for recycling and learning more about gorillas.

There are four gorillas in Audubon’s gorilla troop, each has a special trading card that will be given away during keeper chats on “Cell Phone Saturday.” Guests can also learn more about gorillas and gorilla conservation by exploring our biofact table and gorilla-themed activities.

Cell Phone Saturdays are:

May 31, June 28, and July 26

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

There is a tech recycling box near the gorilla exhibit at Audubon Zoo. Electronics can also be recycled at the Zoo’s front gate, at Audubon Aquarium, and at Audubon Louisiana Nature Center.

Snack time is daily at 2:00 p.m. for these two growing giraffes. Guests who want to take part in the feeding can do so by visiting the giraffe exhibit and purchasing tokens for snacks to offer these youngsters. Our two giraffes love getting lettuce snacks and come close to the front of the exhibit while using their long purple tongues to grab the snack from guests. The feeding takes place at Twiga Terrace presented by Manning Family Children’s. As the giraffes become more comfortable with the interaction, more morning feeding times may be added.  

“Providing a way for our guests to interact with our young giraffes helps strengthen the connection with the animals in our care and highlights the importance of protecting animals in the wild,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Audubon Nature Institute President-CEO and L. Ronald Forman Chair in Conservation Leadership.

So far, the giraffe most interested in greeting guests and enjoying snacks so far is Maverick, who was born at the Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center (FMASSC) located on the Westbank. Named for the main character in the popular Top Gun movies, Maverick is 12½ feet tall but will reach down to get close to guests for his lettuce snacks.

The tallest of the giraffes is Fennessy who is 14 feet tall. He came to New Orleans from the Abilene Zoo and is named after the founder and director of the Giraffe Conservation Fund, Julian Fennessy. Even though he is tallest, Fennessy is more shy with new experiences than Maverick. He is usually seen peering over fences from the giraffe barn, as he gets used to his new home and may not approach guests for a snack…which means more for Maverick for now!

The giraffe feeding experience costs just $5 and happens daily at 2:00 p.m. at the giraffe enclosure’s feeding platform at Twiga Terrace presented by Manning Family Children’s.

“As a longstanding partner of Audubon Nature Institute, Manning Family Children’s is proud to support the Zoo’s mission, as a pillar in our community,” said Lucio A. Fragoso, President and CEO of Manning Family Children’s. “In honor of our 70-year commitment to serving the kids and families of our community, we are proud to support mission-aligned community organizations and form meaningful partnerships across our community that amplify the lives of those we serve. The new giraffe feeding exhibit will help kids and families experience the wonder of nature, and we are excited to help make these moments possible for many years to come.”

Male giraffes can grow up to 18 feet and weigh up to 4,600 pounds. Native to parts of Africa, they are the tallest land animals with necks up to six feet long. Giraffes don’t reach their full height until they are four years old, so both Fennessy and Maverick will get much taller.

Audubon Zoo is hosting four special “Cell Phone Saturdays” to encourage people to learn about gorillas and make it easy to recycle your old tech. Guests can also talk with gorilla keepers to learn more about the four gorillas that live in Audubon Zoo’s troop, as well as learn more about gorillas and gorilla conservation by exploring our biofact table and gorilla-themed activities.  Our gorillas will have a special artistic keepsake for you as a “thank you” for donating your old devices in a special “Gorillas on the Line” recycling box near the Zoo’s gorilla habitat.

Cell Phone Saturdays at Audubon Zoo

April 26, May 31, June 28, and July 26

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Each gorilla in the Zoo’s troop has their own trading card and guests who attend special gorilla keeper chats during Cell Phone Saturdays will receive a card while supplies last. A different member of the troop is featured each month.

Electronics can also be recycled at the Zoo’s front gate, at Audubon Aquarium, and at Audubon Louisiana Nature Center.

Cool Zoo Waterpark is open on weekend-only starting May 3, 2025, and will expand to daily openings starting May 24 through Labor Day. This year, guests with a Cool Zoo admission can visit the waterpark anytime during the day, providing more flexible visits and a great way to escape the summer heat. 

Cool Zoo includes plenty of visitor favorites: the lazy river, offering guests a way to cool down while floating in an inner tube along a 750-foot-long course that is three-feet deep and 10-feet wide, the alligator water slide, the spider monkey soaker, water-spitting snakes, and shady spots to relax. Cool Zoo also features two sandy beaches and water cannons that can be used to shower visitors as they float by on the lazy river.  Rafts for the lazy river are included in the admission price.

“Guests can now spend a full day enjoying visiting their favorite Zoo animals and also enjoying the Cool Zoo when they want to cool off,” said Audubon’s Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Uptown Facilities Daine Appleberry. “We’ve already had some very warm days, and we are excited to welcome guests back to the Cool Zoo Waterpark for the summer season.” 

Cool Zoo tickets can be purchased online and at the Zoo front gate. Audubon Zoo plus Cool Zoo Waterpark tickets are $38 and include all-day admission to the Zoo and Cool Zoo. Audubon members can add Cool Zoo tickets to their visit for just $10.  For more details about the 2025 Cool Zoo season, purchasing tickets, reserving a cabana for your session or having a Cool Zoo birthday party, click here. https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/tickets

Anyone under 48 inches will need a life jacket supplied by Audubon Zoo. Cool Zoo also includes amenities to make your day of fun even easier - including showers, restrooms, lockers, outdoor seating, a private area for nursing mothers, and the "Gator Bites'' concession stand, serving a menu of pizza and other food and beverage items.

Glass containers and disposable straws and lids are not permitted for the safety of our animals. 

Hancock Whitney Zoo-to-Do is set for Friday, May 2, 2025, and Zoo-to-Do for Kids presented by Manning Family Children’s is Friday, April 25, 2025. 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 The Life Atlantic as well as other popular bands to keep toes tapping throughout the evening. 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 Susu Stall, who is the first person to Chair both the Zoo-to-Do for Kids presented by Manning Family Children’s and Hancock Whitney Zoo-to-Do, she first chaired the Zoo-to-Do for Kids event in 2000.

“Audubon Zoo plays an important role in our community and is something we are immensely proud of. Not only is it a time for families to gather to enjoy nature and the animals in our care, it also showcases how vital our conservation efforts are to protecting animals worldwide,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Audubon Nature Institute President-CEO and L. Ronald Forman Chair in Conservation Leadership. “In my new role with Audubon, I am encouraged to see the vast support for these events and the work we are doing to save wildlife.”  

“At Hancock Whitney, we are honored to play a role in supporting the conservation work Audubon Nature Institute does here at home and around the world. We are proud to partner with Audubon again this year to sponsor Hancock Whitney Zoo-to-Do,” 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 25, 2025, 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 is Lauren Flower.

“Manning Family Children’s is delighted to support our friends and neighbors at Audubon Zoo as presenting sponsor of the Zoo-To-Do for Kids event again this year, which offers a fun-filled evening for the children of our community,” said Lou Fragoso, President and CEO of Manning Family Children’s. “This year’s event will help celebrate the return of zebras to Audubon Zoo, and we are excited to connect with families from our animal clinic, where kids will get to adopt and take home their very own zebra stuffed animals, while learning what it means to care for a little one’s health needs.”

Audubon Zoo will close at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025 to prepare for Zoo-to-Do for Kids presented by Manning Family Children’s and will be closed all day May 2, 2025 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, 2025, and the advance purchase discount ends at 5 p.m. on May 2, 2025.

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 2025 Lexus.

Tickets for Zoo-to-Do for Kids presented by Manning Family Children’s are available at https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/kids-zoo-to-do

Located in historic Uptown New Orleans’ Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo is consistently one of the country’s top-ranked zoos. The Zoo offers more than 50 acres with pathways and boardwalks in a beautifully landscaped gardenlike setting, including innovative natural habitat exhibits and a wide variety of more than 1,700 animals representing more than 350 species. Twenty-five percent of the animals at Audubon Zoo are endangered or threatened with potential extinction.

The newest expansion at Audubon Zoo is Jaguar Jungle River’s Edge which showcases the animals and life in Mesoamerica. The exhibit features a first-of-its-kind rope skyway for spider monkeys to scamper overhead while guests stroll the boardwalk to get close up views of other popular animals in this new experience including capybara, guanaco, cavies, and Baird’s tapirs.

Audubon’s popular membership program was also recognized as one of the best in the country in the USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards. This is the first year that Audubon’s membership program was nominated for this honor and placed #10 in the voting competition. Audubon Nature Institute membership supports Audubon’s conservation programs and gives members unlimited visitation to Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, and Audubon Insectarium.

All nominees are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

More than two years in the making, this beautiful new space at Audubon Zoo features a lagoon and boardwalk that will take guests right down to the water’s edge to visit an interactive fishing boat where they will learn more about the connection between people, nature, and animals in Mesoamerica.

“Jaguar Jungle River’s Edge is the continuation of a narrative we started years ago when this part of the zoo was developed. Understanding community-based conservation initiatives’ importance to the people of Mesoamerica helps us understand the roles we play in preserving our own environment,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Audubon Nature Institute President, CEO and L. Ronald Forman Chair in Conservation Leadership. “Guests will see the similarities between Mayan people living in harmony with their surroundings and those of south Louisiana communities dependent on local waterways for their own way of life.”

The Jaguar Jungle exhibit in Audubon Zoo originally opened in 1998. It expanded in 2018 to include the popular nocturnal house and its collection of bats and other creatures of the night. This new phase of Jaguar Jungle continues the original focus of the exhibits – to immerse guests in the history and way of life of the ancient Maya culture, including the highly advanced civilization’s contributions to art and agriculture.

Their agricultural methods were sustainable, productive, and conducive to promoting biodiversity. They lived in harmony with their natural surroundings, harvesting what they needed with a sense of reverence and respect. They were skilled farmers and developed the science of astronomy, calendar systems and had elaborate ceremonial architecture including pyramids, temples and palaces – all built with using metal tools.

As guests venture through Jaguar Jungle, they seemingly move from ancient to modern times. Beginning March 13, 2025, guests will experience the newest part of this unique journey as they explore Jaguar Jungle River’s Edge. Admission to Audubon Zoo is free for Audubon members, tickets can be purchased at the Zoo entrance or online at VisitAudubon.com.

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Voting is easy and is now underway. Anyone can vote once a day through March 10, 2025 to show their support for Audubon Zoo.

To cast your vote: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-zoo-2025/

“Being nominated as one of the country’s top zoos is a tremendous honor,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Audubon Nature Institute President, CEO and L. Ronald Forman Chair in Conservation Leadership. “For the past nine years, Audubon Zoo has been recognized among the best in the U.S. and we are grateful for the continued support.”   

All of the nominees for USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards for Top Zoo are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (“AZA”) and are selected by an expert panel of travel professionals for inclusion in the competition.  Audubon’s family of attractions are consistently considered among the nation’s best in this contest. In last year’s voting, Audubon Aquarium was ranked the nation’s second Most Popular Aquarium, and Woldenberg Riverfront Park came in second in voting for Best Riverwalk attraction.

Winners will be announced on the 10Best website on March 10, 2025, then later on the USA TODAY website. For information about the contest, http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/.

Mardi Gras bead collection boxes are set up at both Audubon Zoo and at Audubon Louisiana Nature Center for the public to drop off beads. The beads will be recycled by Arc of Greater New Orleans and used in future parades to continue the fun of carnival another year.

Last year, revelers recycled more than two tons of beads at Audubon, and we hope to recycle even more this year. Even with that amount recycled at Audubon, it is barely a dent in the number of beads thrown each year during the parades. It’s estimated that about 25 million pounds of beads are thrown during the city’s parades each year, but only a small portion of those are recycled. Audubon is committed to changing that statistic by making it easy to recycle and keep beads out of landfills and away from nature.

No admission is needed to drop off your unwanted beads, there are boxes located outside Audubon Zoo and Audubon Louisiana Nature Center.

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! 

Faced with the decision of forecasting a long winter or an early  spring, both of Audubon Zoo’s newest residents made their official announcement this morning.

The prognosticators made their forecasts separately, and both seemed certain of their proclamation. Capybara Turkey and Sequoyah each proclaimed six more weeks of winter is in our future.

This is the first time Audubon Zoo has turned to its capybara for weather forecasts.  Six-year-old Turkey and her mate, five-year-old Sequoyah moved to New Orleans late last year…so perhaps they aren’t too sure about the weather here. This is the first southern spring for this pair, native to South America, they came to Audubon Zoo from Springfield Missouri to be part of the new Jaguar Jungle River’s Edge opening next month at the Zoo. 

The new app provides a way for guests to find their favorite animal exhibits, lunch spots, gift shops, restrooms, and much more. It is designed to be fully customizable – giving guests the flexibility to create their own itinerary of experiences, animal chats and feeds, and unique animal encounters. It also shares information about the Zoo’s animals.

“The app is designed to help our guests stay up to date on the latest Audubon Zoo events, conservation work, and even buy their tickets online,” said Daine Appleberry, Senior Vice President and Director of Audubon Zoo. “It will feature the latest on our guest engagement activities and an upcoming release will also have a digital wallet to allow guests to store their Audubon Membership cards and tickets, too.”

Getting connected with the Audubon Zoo app is free and easy by visiting the app store and downloading. The app will update regularly with the latest Zoo programming. Here are links that make downloading easier:   

Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/audubon-zoo/id6736619507  

Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.audubonnatureinstitute.aioapp 

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.   

The Georgia Bulldogs and Notre Dame Fighting Irish will hit the field New Years Day for the annual Sugar Bowl matchup. The Zoo’s Sumatran orangutans made their pick for the team they think will win.  After carefully examining both teams, 16-year-old Reese made the official decision.  

Audubon Zoo's orangutans say the Georgia Bulldogs will be the winner in this year’s Sugar Bowl. 

Audubon memberships are 10% off starting November 27, 2024, and give the gift of visits to Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium for an entire year.

For those on your holiday list who want to have a bit more adventurous time, Audubon Nature Institute offers special Wild Encounters with animals at Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium that both gift-givers and receivers will enjoy. Among the unique experiences Wild Encounters offer include snorkeling with the fish at the Aquarium’s Maya Reef, helping a butterfly take its First Flight at the Insectarium, and going behind-the-scenes at the Zoo’s jaguar or bear habitats.

Proceeds from purchases of Wild Encounters benefit Audubon's conservation efforts. Here are some of the options for Wild Encounters:

Audubon Aquarium 
Penguin Party – Meet one of our African penguins up close, learn how they can “fly” underwater, what they eat, and why they are endangered. 
Maya Snorkel – Don snorkel gear and slip into the waters of the 132,000-gallon Maya Tunnel where you’ll be surrounded by colorful fish and rays. 

Audubon Insectarium 
Butterfly First Flight – Learn about how Audubon raises butterflies, release a butterfly into the Insectarium’s Butterfly Garden and watch as it glides through the lush foliage in its new home. 

Audubon Zoo 
Jammin with Jaguar – Go behind the scenes and help feed one of Audubon’s jaguars and learn about this beautiful animal. For this Wild Encounter, you’ll wear a face mask to help keep the jaguars healthy.  
Black Bear Bonanza – Accompany keepers in the Louisiana Swamp as they work with and feed Audubon’s three young female black bears. 

Other Audubon Nature Institute gift giving ideas include certificates for Audubon Tennis and Audubon Golf courses, unique items for the entire family at Audubon gift shops, or special tribute gifts to honor the animal lover in your life. Visit http://www.auduboninstitute.org/discounts to buy your gifts and support Audubon this holiday season!

All Audubon attractions are open daily 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and will close at 3:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas. For more details on Audubon Wild Counters and to buy your Audubon Nature Institute Wild Encounters ticket voucher, visit http://www.AudubonWildEncounters.com.

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Taylor Swift-themed decorations will highlight the Eras Tour’s stop in New Orleans with special friendship bracelet garlands, which can be spotted throughout the attractions. Use our special Taylor-themed Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, and Audubon Insectarium map to make sure you visit each garland.

Swifties at Audubon Zoo can make a friendship bracelet craft, take the moment and taste it, with their very own themed artwork to keep or trade with others on Capital One Field.

The masterminds at Audubon have created exclusive Taylor-themed apparel, mugs, and stickers, available only in Audubon gift shops. You'll remember this feeling, and these items will never go out of style.

Whether you are in your Midnights Era, 1989 Era or Reputation Era, shake it off at Audubon’s gift shops, where Taylor Swift music will be playing all weekend!

Keep your eyes open, Audubon animals are getting in the spirit with Taylor Swift-themed enrichment too.

Here’s a list of some of the fun:

Audubon Aquarium

·       Ice and felt treats for penguins

·       Penguins wearing friendship bracelets

·       Divers in the Maya Tunnel showing their love for Taylor

·       Step and repeat photo opportunity in the VR lounge

Audubon Zoo

·       Sea lions enjoying special Taylor ice treats

·       Orangutans given (and maybe wearing) their own Eras T-shirts

·       Decorated activity boxes in some exhibits, other animals receiving carved pumpkins

·       Elephant statues in Cooper Plaza wearing their own friendship bracelets

·       Swiftie-inspired handprint craft on Capital One Field

Audubon Insectarium

·       Taylor’s chai cookie recipe, but Audubon Insectarium’s version. Guests can sample these yummy treats in Bug Appetit!

·       Taylor Swift-themed butterfly garden

·       Taylor Swift-themed backdrops in insect exhibits

We are enchanted to meet you! All the Taylor Swift Takeover activities are included with admission and Audubon Membership. For more information or to buy tickets in advance:  

Taylor Swift - New Orleans, LA - Audubon Zoo (audubonnatureinstitute.org)

The spooktacular fun at Boo at the Zoo is three days full of fun. Kids under age 12 can trick or treat throughout the Zoo, and all guests are invited to wear their favorite costumes to enjoy the festivities. The Zoo animals will get special pumpkin treats throughout the weekend, so be on the lookout for signs showing when and where the animals will get their pumpkins!

This daytime event will be held Friday, October 18, through Sunday, October 20, 2024, during regular Audubon Zoo hours (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). The last entry ticket is sold at 4:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online for the specific date they plan to attend.

Children and families can enjoy visiting trick or treat stations located throughout the zoo to collect candy that is do not harm orangutans in the wild. Boo at the Zoo only distributes candy made with sustainable palm oil to protect the zoo animals and their habitats. Habitat destruction due to unsustainable cutting of forests for palm oil is threatening the health and survival of wildlife, and Audubon Nature Institute is committed to making a positive impact on the natural world.

“Visiting Audubon Zoo for Boo at the Zoo is fun for the entire family. Not only do the little ones enjoy trick or treating, but our animals get to have some unique Halloween activities as well,” said Ron Forman, President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute. “We are thankful for our partners at Valero and Children’s Hospital of New Orleans are important parts of making this event happen for the young people of our community.”

The shared vision for Audubon Zoo and Children’s Hospital New Orleans is to build a happier, healthier, and more sustainable future for the kids and families of Louisiana. The long-standing relationship will continue thanks to a new agreement between Audubon Nature Institute and Children’s Hospital New Orleans that will extend Children’s Hospital New Orleans involvement with Boo at the Zoo, sponsorship of Zoo-to-Do for Kids as well sponsoring part of an upcoming giraffe exhibit at Audubon Zoo.

Money raised by the event benefits both Audubon Zoo and Children’s Hospital of New Orleans.

“For 70 years, Children’s Hospital New Orleans has supported the health and wellbeing of our community as the only freestanding, comprehensive Children’s Hospital serving the children of Louisiana and the Gulf South,” said Children’s Hospital New Orleans President and CEO Lucio A. Fragoso. “Boo at the Zoo is a New Orleans tradition that gives families the opportunity to get out and nature and time together, while supporting two important community causes – the missions of Children’s Hospital and Audubon Nature Institute. We encourage everyone to come out and join in the fun this year.”

Audubon Zoo admission includes access to all Halloween activities. Tickets are required for both Audubon Members and non-members. Audubon Member tickets are $12 for children and adults; non-member tickets are $38 each which includes Zoo admission. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.Audubonzoo.org/boo 

 Celebración Latina presented by Pan-American Life Insurance Group will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024, during regular Zoo hours (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) There will be music throughout the day and guests can grab delicious Latin American food from various vendors as well.  

Audubon Zoo is home to many animals from Central America. While enjoying the Celebración Latina festivities, visitors can stroll through the Zoo and explore Jaguar Jungle to see many fascinating animals including jaguars, anteaters, spider monkeys, macaws, alpacas, prehensile-tailed porcupines, and ocelots. More creatures from South America can also be discovered in Wings of the World and Reptile Encounters. 

Celebración Latina spotlights local music all day on the Capital One Stage featuring a variety of Latin bands and dance groups. In addition, Mariachi en Nueva Orleans Los Viajeros, one of only two authentic mariachi bands in Louisiana, will be performing throughout the day at Goldring Plaza. And lots of great food vendors will be on hand too!

Music Lineup  

• DJ Negrito del Swing                                     
• La People Band                                                   
• Nina Le Ray & NOLA Sound Machine   
• Fermin Ceballos                                                   
• Rumba Buena                                                      

 Food Vendors  

• Chilango's Seafood 
• Los Jefes Grill 
• Mima's Peruvian Desserts 
• Pollo Campero 
• Tia Maria's Kitchen 
• Tito's Ceviche & Pisco 

 Celebración Latina is truly a community event, and several partners will be on site to talk with guests and share information about their groups during Celebración Latina including:  

•  Consulado de México en Nueva Orleans 
• Familias Unidas en Accion 
• New Orleans Public Library 
• National Youth Advocate Program 
• New Orleans Public Library 
• Ritmeaux Krewe 
• The New Neighbor Project 
• The Stone Center 

Celebración Latina is included with Zoo admission and Audubon Nature Institute Members always get in free. 

UPDATE: These giant creatures will remain at Audubon Zoo through January 5, 2025! 

Starting September 12, 2024 T-Rex and more than 50 giant dinosaurs will take over part of Audubon Zoo in an immersive exhibit 65 million years in the making. Kids – and kids at heart – can walk among the dinosaurs and discover their favorites.

Dinosaurs at Audubon Zoo will transport guests back to the days when dinosaurs roamed the earth. It features animatronic dinosaur models that are true-to-life in size and appearance. Dinosaurs ranging from baby size to massive creatures up to 35 feet tall and more than 78 feet long. Guests can take their time strolling this unique exhibit and see Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociraptor, Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus and many other dinosaurs in this exciting exhibit.

“People of all ages are fascinated by dinosaurs,” said Ron Forman, Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO. “This new exhibit uses high tech to give everyone a chance to see these animals like never before.”

In addition to the giant dinosaur models, there will be special dinosaur-themed activities, photo opportunity stations, walking and stationary dinosaur rides and kid-sized dinosaur all-terrain vehicles. A “dino dig” site will give little ones a chance to explore and learn how dinosaur bones are discovered. Guests may even see a dinosaur walking through the zoo!

“Dinosaurs at Audubon Zoo will give guests a chance to see and learn about these ancient creatures,” said Daine Appleberry, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Audubon Zoo. “Guests can also see some Audubon Zoo animals that are closely related to dinosaurs including alligators, turtles, and birds.” 

This educational and interactive experience will be at Audubon Zoo for a limited time only. They will roar into Audubon Zoo September 12 through January 5, 2025.  Admission to Dinosaurs at Audubon Zoo  is $8 for Audubon Nature Institute members, $35 for non-members, which also includes Zoo admission. More information is available at AudubonZoo.com/Dinosaurs.

This weekend, there are two sessions each day for guests to enjoy Cool Zoo: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  At 1:00 p.m. each day, Cool Zoo will briefly close to allow Audubon staff time to clean all shared equipment and surfaces. Cool Zoo WILL be open on Labor Day but closes at 5:00 p.m. for the rest of the year.

“Cool Zoo is fun for all ages – little ones enjoy the splash pad and guests of all ages can cool off in the Gator Run lazy river,” said Audubon’s Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Uptown Facilities Daine Appleberry. “Cool Zoo is a fun way to cool down on these hot summer days, and also have fun exploring the Zoo.”   

Cool Zoo tickets can be purchased online and at the Zoo front gate. Tickets for Audubon Nature Institute members are $10. Guests who are not members can purchase their Cool Zoo ticket along with admission to the Zoo for $38. For more details about the last weekend of the 2024 Cool Zoo season,  to purchase tickets or reserve a cabana for your session, visit https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/cool-zoo.

Cool Zoo includes visitor favorites: the Gator Run lazy river, offering visitors the option to cool down while floating atop an inner tube along a 750-foot-long course that is three-feet deep and 10-feet wide, the alligator water slide, the spider monkey soaker, water-spitting snakes, and shady spots to relax.

Cool Zoo also features two sand beaches and water cannons that can be used to shower visitors as they float by on Gator Run rafts. Use of rafts is included in the admission price. Anyone under 48 inches will need a life jacket supplied by Audubon Zoo. Cool Zoo also includes amenities, including showers, restrooms, lockers, outdoor seating, a private area for nursing mothers, and the "Gator Bites'' concession stand, serving a menu of pizza and other food and beverage items. 

Outside food and drinks are welcomed in Cool Zoo and Gator Run, but the size of coolers and ice chests cannot exceed 28 quarts. Glass containers and disposable straws and lids are not permitted for the safety of our animals. Audubon reserves the right to search coolers.

The Audubon veterinary and animal care teams worked around-the-clock to provide care for her and worked closely with additional specialists to assist in her treatment. Audubon veterinarians are awaiting pathology results to determine the exact cause of her illness.

“Feliz was an attentive and nurturing mother and grandmother. She had a keen interest in all babies – orangutan and human. She was a role model and provided mentorship for the other females within the family group when they became first time mothers,” said Christina Daum, Assistant Curator of Primates at Audubon Zoo.

Her care team said Feliz had a love for turning sheets and blankets into stylish clothing, including jackets and dresses that she would often wear in her habitat. Feliz was also known for her impressive dance moves that she often shared for Zoo guests and her care team. Feliz had a unique whistle that she often used to garner extra attention from her caretakers. According to her care team, Feliz loved to paint and would use a paintbrush using her hand or lips to hold the brush.

“Feliz will be fondly remembered for her perfect bangs, fuzzy apricot colored chin, and all-around perfect personality. She will always have a piece of our hearts,” said Liz Wilson, Curator of Primates, Louisiana Swamp, and Jaguar Jungle at Audubon Zoo.

Audubon’s Primate care team is closely monitoring the orangutan family and helping them through the grieving process while actively caring for each during this extremely emotional time.

Sumatran orangutans like Feliz are critically endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and illegal pet trade on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Feliz served as a wonderful ambassador for her species and will be deeply missed.

Forman was appointed to work at the Zoo by then-Mayor Moon Landrieu. Lots has changed since then when the Zoo was considered an “animal ghetto” to the award-winning world class Zoo it is now.

Wondering what life was like back in 1972?

·       First Jazz and Heritage Festival at the Fairgrounds

·       Don McLean’s “American Pie” encouraged people to drive their Chevys to the levee

·       Archie Manning was the Saints quarterback

·       “The Godfather” movie was in theaters

·       “All in the Family” and “Sanford & Son” were top TV shows

·       Watergate break-in happened

·       NASA’s Space Shuttle Program officially launched

·       Oakland A’s won the World Series

·       Dallas Cowboys won the Super Bowl

·       U.S. Swimmer Mark Spitz won seven gold medals in the Summer Olympics in Munich

·       Gas cost 55 cents per gallon

And in New Orleans, a young man named Ron Forman was appointed to a new post at Audubon Zoo! Since then, he has overseen the remarkable transformation of the Zoo, the creation of Audubon Nature Institute, and the development of its nine parks and attractions including Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center and Woldenberg Riverfront Park.

Zoo guests on August 17 are encouraged to practice their disco dance moves, don their favorite bell bottoms, flower power, peace signs and other 70s threads and enjoy a day at the Zoo while helping us celebrate Forman’s long tenure and commitment that has helped make Audubon Zoo one of best in the country.

Admission to Cool Zoo is $10 for members, $13 for non-members. Cool Zoo is open weekends only through Labor Day, when it closes for the season.

The youngsters are aptly named “Skip” and “Hops” in honor of their unusual birthday. These babies are the first set of offspring for parents Ipa (mother) and Picante (father).

In addition to being much smaller than their parents, Skip (male) has slightly darker markings on his tail than his sister, Hops. Golden Lion Tamarin dads frequently carry the babies and Picante is no exception. He is the largest of the group at Audubon Zoo and is often seen with Skip or Hops on his back as he moves around their home.

Golden Lion Tamarin Day is celebrated each August 2 to raise awareness of these endangered animals. They are one of the most threatened primates in the world and are only found in a small part of lowland coastal rainforests in Brazil. Their habitat is disappearing due to increased logging, agriculture and other industries in the area the tamarins live.

The pairing of Ipa and Picante was recommended by the Golden Lion Tamarin Species Survival Plan, which collaborates to increase the numbers of these animals in human care. At one point in the 1970s, there were fewer than 200 of these colorful animals left in the wild, but conservation efforts are helping those numbers rebound.

 Guests can find Skip, Hops and their parents in a new glass-front enclosure in World of Primates.  They are most active in the mornings but can be seen throughout the day exploring their new home at Audubon Zoo. 

This is the second successful litter for lemur parents six-year-old Masiaka and 17-year-old Gascar. They were recommended to breed by the Species Survival Plan (SSP), a collaborative effort between AZA Accredited Zoos designed to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse and stable population of animals for the future. 

Kallisto and Galileo have one-year-old siblings named Dipper (male) and Andromeda (female).

Black-and-white ruffed lemurs are the largest lemur species and like all lemurs, can only be found on the island of Madagascar. They live in rainforest canopies and are exceptional pollinators, as they eat, pollen sticks to their fur and is distributed throughout the rainforest.

 Black and white ruffled lemurs are currently listed as Critically Endangered, which is one step before Extinct according to the IUCN Red List. They are threatened by hunting and habitat loss and fragmentation caused by logging and mining.

Kallisto and Galileo, their siblings and parents can be found in the World of Primates at Audubon Zoo. Their keepers say you can tell the youngsters apart because Galileo has wider set eyes, Kallisto has more brown fur along his back.

These two chicks are extremely important to the survival of the species. There are less than 300 of these beautiful birds living in the wild. Their survival will depend on breeding efforts worldwide efforts to increase their numbers.

The chicks are the first successful hatching of these species at Wings of the World and are a major accomplishment for Audubon Zoo’s Bird Department. Audubon Zoo is one of more than 60 zoos across the U.S., Asia and Europe working together as part of a Global Species Management Plan to save these birds from extinction.

“These chicks are a true example of zoos holding the line against extinction,” said Dr. Steven Whitfield, Audubon Nature Institute’s Director of Terrestrial and Wetlands Conservation. “There are approximately 110 of the birds in human care across the U.S. and we hope to continue adding to those numbers to ensure genetic diversity of this species.”

Blue Crowned Laughingthrush are native to only one small part of China, they are small and secretive birds that typically eat seeds, fruits, berries and small insects. Their calls sound similar to laughter, and they are often trapped for their songs and for the international pet trade.

“The chicks are a major victory for this species,” said Mike Houlihan, Audubon Zoo’s Curator of Birds. “Our team knows the importance of every offspring and worked together give these chicks their best chance at survival. They are now thriving, and we hope to have additional chicks in the future.”

DNA tests show one chick is female and the other is male. They are now with their parents in the Wings of the World exhibit at Audubon Zoo. Their care team expects the family to remain together for at least one year.

“When chicks are this valuable to the survival of a species, we may need to send them to other locations to increase the genetic diversity of the birds in human care,” said Wendy Zolinski, Assistant Curator of Birds at Audubon Zoo.  “There are so few of these birds left, having successful hatchings in the future can make a critical impact.”

The Wings of the World has several highly endangered species on exhibit in addition to the Blue Crowned Laughingthrush. Guests can see a pair of the critically endangered Bali Mynah, and a pair of Guam Kingfisher which are extinct in the wild. Wings of the World opened last year and is free with Audubon Zoo admission.

 Since 1997, Audubon Zoo has hatched a total of 120 Louisiana Pine Snakes, with 18 of them released to the wild and the others contributing to the conservation breeding program. Along with snakes that will be released by other conservation partners, the release of these six snakes makes 2024 the most successful year of the program to date.

 “Collaborations like this program are vital to the successful preservation of this species. Partnering with other zoos means we can increase the numbers of these endangered snakes released, share information and learn from each other as we expand this conservation effort,” according to Dr. Steven Whitfield, Director of Terrestrial and Wetlands Conservation at Audubon Nature Institute. “This program is especially meaningful as it is fully supported by Audubon Nature Institute. When guests purchase a ticket to enjoy a day at Audubon Zoo, they are contributing to this important conservation effort.”

At Audubon Zoo, the herpetology department cares for a large breeding colony of adult Louisiana Pine Snakes, which produce offspring each year that are released in the wild. For the last 10 months, the team had been carefully raising the six juveniles in a dedicated space at the reptile house in preparation for their release. Since hatchling snakes can be vulnerable to predators, “head-starting” or rearing them for several months at the zoo guarantees that they are larger when released, which increases their chances of survival.

 “It’s truly rewarding to see our herpetology team’s efforts and perseverance come to fruition and see animals hatched at our zoo released to the wild in a bid to save this irreplaceable species” said Audubon Zoo’s Curator of Herpetology, Robert Mendyk, “ “Programs like this are central to the goals and mission of accredited zoos and aquariums and illustrate the many ways in which hey contribute to a unified approach to wildlife conservation.” 

Prior to their release, each snake was given a health screening and weighed, measured, and photographed to document their unique coloration and body markings for identification purposes. Each snake is also equipped with a microchip which U.S. Forestry Service biologists can use to track their movements and survivorship in the wild, and samples of their DNA in the form of shed skins are kept on hand for future genetic testing to determine the parentage of any offspring found at or around the release site.

Mallory McKinney, herpetology keeper at Audubon Zoo said the snake release is an important part of her job. “Being a part of direct conservation is important because it helps protect species and habitats that the people of Louisiana can continue to enjoy.”

 Biologists from the U.S. Forestry Service led the search for appropriate microhabitats to release snakes into – spots that provide underground shelter, usually pocket gopher burrows and stump holes so the Audubon team was prepared to release the snakes in pre-selected areas.

With very few wild populations remaining, the Louisiana Pine Snake is currently listed as endangered by the IUCN and threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The species was once located throughout Louisiana and eastern Texas, but poor land management practices over the last century, including fire suppression and extensive logging of longleaf pine habitats for timber have decimated the habitat that is crucial to this species’ survival. Today, only a handful of fragmented populations persist, but ongoing efforts by the U.S. Forestry Service and other agencies and organizations are restoring longleaf pine habitats throughout the region, which will be crucial to conserving the Louisiana Pine Snake as well as many other threatened species of this unique ecosystem.

Audubon’s work with other partners makes this program rewarding for everyone. “Getting to release a threatened species back to the wild is a testament to how important AZA-accredited facilities are,” said Mitch Wehrle, Audubon’s senior herpetology keeper.

Each event has a different theme and gives the grown-ups a chance to relax, enjoy live entertainment, and cruise down the lazy river at this 21+ takeover of the popular water park.

Tickets to Sip+Dip start at $30 per person for general admission, VIP tickets are $50 and include some light food bites and sips. Additional drinks and a limited menu will be available for purchase. Cabanas can be rented for these events and are available the Audubon Member discount does not apply for this afterhours event.

“Cool Zoo is a popular place for families to cool down while visiting Audubon Zoo. Sip+Dip gives the 21 and up crowd a fun evening to enjoy music, sip cocktails, and experience Cool Zoo after hours,” said Audubon Zoo Senior Vice President Daine Appleberry. “We have multiple themed nights planned, so grab your krewe and come indulge in this grown-up oasis at Cool Zoo.”

Sip+Dip events run from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Attendees must be 21 and over. Tickets are available at https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/sip-and-dip

2024 Event Dates and Themes: 

June 28         Pride music by DJ Liz Owen   

July 12          80’s music by DJ Liz Owen

July 26          Yacht Rock music DJ Liz Owen 

August 9       R&B music by DJ Jess 

August 23     Bey/Tay Pop Night - Beyonce and Taylor Swift music by DJ Liz Owen

Cool Zoo, a wild and wet splash park, is one of the top water parks in New Orleans and a hot spot to cool down at Audubon Zoo. Highlights include jumping waterspouts, a huge alligator water slide, spider monkey soakers, and water-spitting snakes. Gator Run, Cool Zoo’s lazy river, features a 750-foot lazy river with two sand beaches, lounge chairs, four water cannons, two water curtains, and jumping jets. The lazy river is three feet deep and takes approximately seven minutes to make a round trip.

The pups were born in February and can be found in the Zoo’s Nocturnal House, along with both of their parents. The pups are named Birkenstock and Teva, following a family tradition of names related to shoes. Their father is Chaco, who came to Audubon Zoo last fall. He is separated from the pups while their mom, Dillo, handles their care until they are fully weaned and independent. Once they are older and more mature, they will move to new homes and families of their own.   

The screaming hairy armadillo babies are eating solid foods including bugs, fruits and vegetables. This species can go a long time without drinking water, they typically get all the moisture they need from plants they eat.

Screaming hairy armadillos are native to South America – Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay and get their name because hair covers part of their bodies and the sound they make if they feel threatened.

 Endangered Species Day will be celebrated May 18, 2024, at Audubon Zoo, as part of the annual Party for the Planet Presented by Entergy series. This event offers families the unique opportunity to visit Audubon Zoo and other AZA-accredited facilities and learn how they can make a difference for all endangered species.

Throughout the Zoo, guests can enjoy activities, hands-on discoveries and interactive experiences that promote environmental awareness and provides information about the endangered species in Audubon’s care. Endangered Species Day Presented by Entergy is free with Zoo admission and runs from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Audubon Nature Institute has many community partners who focus their efforts on making the world a better place. Several of those local partners will be at Audubon Zoo to share information about their efforts. Some of those community partners include:

•      Audubon Aquarium Rescue (AAR)
•      Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries (GULF)
•      STEM NOLA
•      Entergy
•      Audubon Learning & Education
•      International Crane Foundation
•      Louisiana Master Naturalists of GNO
•      Audubon Horticulture Department

 Throughout the Zoo, guests will have the opportunity to talk with animal care team members about what goes in to taking care of the zoo’s animals including the new bobcat kittens, orangutans, black bear, and sea lions. Guests can chat with bird keepers in the new Wings of the World exhibit to learn more about Blue Throated Macaws, Blue Crowned Laughing Thrush and other birds in that colorful exhibit.  A full lineup special enrichment activities can be found at https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/party-for-the-planet

Next month, two Party for the Planet presented by Entergy celebrations will take place. Guests can learn about the aquatic world during World Ocean Day at Audubon Aquarium on Saturday, June 8, 2024. A Pollination Celebration will happen at Audubon Insectarium on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

This series is supported by Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fund, which directs $1 million annually to environmental improvement projects.

A visit to an Audubon Nature Institute attraction is a first step in taking positive action to learn about and protect the environment. Audubon joins many other Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoos and aquariums across North America in throwing a Party for the Planet, making it the largest combined Earth Day, Endangered Species Day, and World Oceans Day celebration. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums spend $230 million on field conservation alone, supporting projects benefiting more than 800 species in 130 countries. To date, the AZA Conservation Grants Fund has provided $7.7 million in support for 400+ projects worldwide.

Audubon offers two sessions each day for guests to enjoy Cool Zoo, this allows Audubon to manage capacity and clean between sessions, The two sessions are 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  At 1:00 p.m. each day, Cool Zoo will briefly close to allow Audubon staff time to clean all shared equipment and surfaces.

“There’s no better way to cool off after a day of fun at Audubon Zoo than splashing at the Cool Zoo or floating in the Gator Run lazy river,” said Audubon’s Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Uptown Facilities Daine Appleberry. “We’ve already had some very warm days and we are excited to reopen this popular attraction for the summer season.”  

Beginning May 25, 2024, the water park will be open daily for guests to enjoy. It will return to weekends-only operation on August 10, 2024, until it closes for the season on Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2024.

Cool Zoo tickets can be purchased online and at the Zoo front gate. Regular admission to Cool Zoo, including Gator Run, is $10 for Audubon Nature Institute Members and $13 for non-Members, plus Audubon Zoo admission.  For more details about the 2024 Cool Zoo season,  purchasing tickets, reserving a cabana for your session or having a Cool Zoo birthday party, click here. https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/tickets

Cool Zoo includes visitor favorites: the Gator Run lazy river, offering visitors the option to cool down while floating atop an inner tube along a 750 foot-long course that is three-feet deep and 10-feet wide, the alligator water slide, the spider monkey soaker, water-spitting snakes, and shady spots to relax.

Cool Zoo also features two sand beaches and water cannons that can be used to shower visitors as they float by on Gator Run Rafts for Gator Run are included in the admission price. Anyone under 48 inches will need a life jacket supplied by Audubon Zoo. Cool Zoo also includes amenities, including showers, restrooms, lockers, outdoor seating, a private area for nursing mothers, and the "Gator Bites'' concession stand, serving a menu of pizza and other food and beverage items. 

Outside food and drinks are welcomed in Cool Zoo and Gator Run, but the size of coolers and ice chests cannot exceed 28 quarts. Glass containers and disposable straws and lids are not permitted for the safety of our animals. Audubon reserves the right to search coolers.

Hancock Whitney Zoo-to-Do this year celebrates the 100th anniversary of the historic Odenheimer Complex at Audubon Zoo as well as Audubon’s Louisiana pine snake conservation efforts.

Tickets for the black-tie fundraiser are still available online at ZooToDo.org and are also available at the door the night of the event. 

 

To be accredited, Audubon Zoo underwent a thorough review to make certain it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association. 

The accreditation process includes a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. The inspecting team observes all aspects of the institution’s operation including animal care and welfare, keeper training, safety for visitors, staff and animals, educational programs, conservation efforts, veterinary programs, visitor services, risk management financial stability and more.

“By continuing to hold AZA Accreditation, Audubon Zoo meets the extremely high standards set by AZA. This is a tremendous achievement for not only our team members, but also for our community to know Audubon Zoo is considered among the gold standard for Zoos worldwide,” said Daine Appleberry, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Audubon Zoo and Park. “This is a significant accomplishment, one in which our entire team takes immense pride,” he continued.

Audubon Zoo has been an Accredited AZA member since 1981. With this latest Accreditation, Audubon Zoo will be Accredited for 48 consecutive years.

“Receiving AZA accreditation means Audubon Zoo has been thoroughly examined by the nation’s leading experts and meets the world’s most exacting standards for animal welfare, husbandry, veterinary care, safety, staffing, conservation, education, and more,” said Jennifer DiNenna, AZA Vice President of Accreditation Programs.

Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO Ron Forman has long been involved in AZA, and says the accreditation highlights the dedication to excellence at Audubon Zoo.

“We are proud to once again be honored by our peers at AZA with this Accreditation. Our team is committed to providing the finest care for our animals and sharing the wonders of the natural world with our guests,” said Forman.

Forman is a past President of AZA, and is stepping down from his 53-year career as President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute at the end of 2024.

About AZA

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal wellbeing, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and 12 other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.

The kittens are nearly a year old and full of energy and curiosity for their new surroundings. Bobcats are typically found in swamps, hardwood forests and in almost every state. They are excellent predators and jump and climb with great skill. These two young males were raised by Wildlife Care of Southern California rehabilitation center before finding their permanent home at Audubon Zoo. 

Although close in age, the kittens are not brothers. Once they arrived at Audubon, they were given names fitting their new Louisiana home: Creole, named after the Louisiana culture and lifestyle, and Chinchuba, which means “alligator” in the Choctaw language. 

Audubon Zoo’s Louisiana Swamp Exhibit marks its 40th anniversary this year and bobcats have been some of the most popular animals in that area of the Zoo. For many years guests enjoyed visiting bobcat Choctaw, who died earlier this year at age 20, and Redbone who was 18 years old when she died last fall. In the wild, bobcats typically live just three to four years, but in human care can live much longer lives. 

Creole and Chinchuba are already settled in their new home. Guests can see them spending time together playing, climbing, leaping and actively exploring their exhibit. 
 

Hancock Whitney Zoo-to-Do is set for Friday, May 3, 2024, and Zoo-to-Do for Kids presented by Children’s Hospital of New Orleans is set for Friday, April 26, 2024.

Tickets are now on sale for both events and available for purchase online at ZootoDo.org or by calling the ticket hotline at (504) 861-5107.

The events celebrate an important milestone in the history of Audubon Zoo – the 100^th anniversary of the historic Odenheimer Complex. Built in 1924, the domed structure at the Complex’s center was the original Audubon Aquarium and one of the early Zoo’s most popular attractions. The complex is named for philanthropist Sigmund Odenheimer, whose immense support in the 1920s helped shape Audubon Zoo into the landmark it is today. Throughout the years, the complex has been expanded to incorporate additional exhibits, including Audubon’s Reptile Encounter and Wings of the World, which opened last spring.

“Zoo guests have enjoyed this beautiful part of the Zoo for a century,” said Ron Forman, Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO. “We plan to begin renovations on the historic Odenheimer rotunda later this year to preserve it for future generations to enjoy and make connections with each other and nature for years to come.” Forman has led Audubon Nature Institute for nearly 53 years and steps down from his current position at the end of 2024. Under his lengthy tenure, Zoo-to-Do events have raised more than $40 million dollars benefiting Audubon Zoo and its conservation work.

The 2024 Zoo-To-Do events also highlight one of the rarest snakes in the United States and Audubon’s efforts to save them. Due to habitat loss, the population of Louisiana pine snakes is rapidly declining. As part of the Louisiana Pine Snake Conservation and Recovery Program, Audubon’s reptile team has successfully hatched hundreds of the endangered snakes and released them into the wild.

“We are honored and proud to partner with Audubon Nature Institute again this year to sponsor Hancock Whitney Zoo-to-Do and celebrate Audubon Zoo’s history and conservation efforts,” said Liz Hefler, Hancock Whitney Regional President for Greater New Orleans Market. “Hancock Whitney is celebrating our 125^th anniversary this year, so like Audubon, we understand the importance of recognizing our history with an eye to the future. We’re glad we can play a role in the important work to protect endangered species underway at Audubon Nature Institute.”

Hancock Whitney Zoo-to-Do features live entertainment from Casa Samba, Sierra Green and the Giants and the Phunky Monkeys, premium cocktails, delicious cuisine from local restaurants, an online silent auction, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Pick-A-Present, and Lexus luxury car raffle. This year, the event Chair is Helen Nalty Butcher.

The younger set has their turn to celebrate on Friday, Apil 26, 2024 at Zoo-to-Do for Kids presented by Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. They can party the evening away with games, giant inflatables, live entertainment, arts & crafts and delicious sips and snacks.  Meredith Claiborne serves as this year’s Chair for the popular event.

A team of travel industry experts selected nominees for the competition, but readers cast votes for their favorites in online voting earlier this year.

“We are thrilled to receive this ranking in the 10Best competition,” said Ron Forman, Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO. “We want every guest to have a memorable time visiting our attractions, and our teams work extremely hard to provide outstanding experiences.”

Located in historic Uptown New Orleans’ Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo is consistently one of the country’s top-ranked zoos. The Zoo offers more than 50 acres of pathways and boardwalks in a beautifully landscaped gardenlike setting, including innovative natural habitat exhibits and a wide variety of more than 1,700 animals representing more than 350 species. Audubon Zoo’s Louisiana Swamp exhibit features three young black bears who delight guests with their antics as they explore their habitat.

The latest exhibit at Audubon Zoo is the new Wings of the World located in the newly restored and much beloved Tropical Bird House and is part of the historic Odenheimer area of the Zoo dating back to 1924. It is the largest and most immersive experience of its kind in the region. It includes a walk through free-flight aviary with more than 60 birds from around the world, including endangered species like the Guam Kingfisher and Bali Myna. The exhibit features many bird species that are nearing total extinction in the wild. Zoos like Audubon are critical to the survival of these species that now require human care to survive.

All nominees are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

About 25 million pounds of beads are thrown at Mardi Gras yearly, but only a very small portion of those are recycled. Audubon Nature Institute is committed to keeping Mardi Gras beads out of landfills and away from nature by making it easier for parade goers to give their beads a second life. 

Drop off collection boxes are at Audubon Zoo and Audubon Louisiana Nature Center until March 6th. 

No admission is needed to drop off your unwanted beads.

Voting is easy and is now underway. People can vote once a day to show their support for their Audubon Zoo.

To cast your vote: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-zoo-2024/audubon-zoo-new-orleans-louisiana/

“It’s great to see that our Zoo is consistently considered one of the best in the nation, it’s a real honor for all of us,” said Ron Forman, Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO. “It is especially rewarding for our team who works so hard every day to showcase the amazing animals in our care and educate our guests about how we can all enjoy the wonders of nature. We are deeply grateful for the continued support for Audubon Zoo and its conservation mission.” 

All of the nominees for USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards for Top Zoo are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In last year’s voting, Audubon Aquarium was ranked the nation’s fifth most popular Aquarium, there is no competition for top Aquarium at this time.

Winners will be announced on the 10Best website on March 15, 2024 , then later on the USA TODAY website. For information about the contest, http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/.

Sassafras is a young Louisiana black bear who lives at the Louisiana Swamp exhibit at the Zoo. Today, she tried her hand at forecasting the weather – will we have early spring weather for Mardi Gras? Or should we bundle up to catch all the parades and have six more weeks of winter?

Sassafras makes weather forecasting look like a game… after considering her options… she determined that

Spring is on the way!

Sassafras and her two black bear buddies can be seen in their habitat in the Louisiana swamp every day – regardless of the forecast.

The Golf Club at Audubon Park and Audubon Park Tennis facility will temporarily close Tuesday, January 16, 2024 and reopen at noon on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. 

Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium and Audubon Louisiana Nature Center will operate their normal scheduled hours of 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. 

 

Audubon Nature Institute is offering special Wild Encounters with animals at Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium that both gift-givers and receivers will enjoy. Among the unique experiences Wild Encounters offer include snorkeling with the fish at the Aquarium’s Maya Reef, helping a butterfly take its First Flight at the Insectarium, and going behind-the-scenes at the Zoo’s jaguar, orangutan, and bear habitats.

“Offering these types of encounters allows our guests to learn more about our animals by those who work with them daily and the importance of our conservation work,” said Ron Forman, Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO. “By engaging with the animal care team, our guests can experience how we care for our animals, learn about our conservation work, and go behind-the-scenes to areas reserved only for our animals and their care teams.”

Prices for the Wild Encounters include admission to the Audubon facility, and range depending on the animal and location. Proceeds benefit Audubon's conservation efforts.  Here are some of the options for your wild gift giving:

Audubon Aquarium 
Penguin Party – Meet one of our African penguins up close, learn how they can “fly” underwater, what they eat, and why they are endangered. 
Maya Snorkel – Don snorkel gear and slip into the waters of the 132,000-gallon Maya Tunnel where you’ll be surrounded by colorful fish and rays. 

Audubon Insectarium 
Butterfly First Flight – Learn about how Audubon raises butterflies and moths for the Insectarium and release a butterfly into the Insectarium’s Butterfly Garden and watch as it glides through the lush foliage in its new home. 

Audubon Zoo 
Alpaca Palooza – Get up close with these unique South American animals where you’ll be able to learn why fibers from their coats are so prized. You’ll be their favorite visitor when you give them a snack. 
Jammin with Jaguar –Go behind the scenes and help feed one of Audubon’s jaguars and learn about this beautiful animal. For this Wild Encounter, you’ll wear a face mask to keep the jaguars healthy. 
Orangutan Family Fun – Learn about our orangutan family and watch as they interact with each other, display in their version of acrobatics, and engage with their care team – and you! 
Sea Lion Splash – Tour their special kitchen, check out their diet and get up-close as they work with their skilled care team in training sessions. 
Black Bear Bonanza – Accompany keepers in the Louisiana Swamp as they work with and feed Audubon’s three young female black bears. 

Other Audubon Nature Institute gift giving ideas include certificates for Audubon Tennis Courts and Audubon Golf Course, unique items for the entire family at Audubon gift shops, special tribute gifts to honor the animal lover in your life, or discounted Audubon memberships that provide free admission and other benefits throughout the year. Visit http://www.auduboninstitute.org/discounts to buy your gifts and support Audubon this holiday season!

All Audubon attractions are open daily 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and will close at 3:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas. For more details on Audubon Wild Counters, and to buy your Audubon Nature Institute Wild Encounters ticket voucher, visit http://www.AudubonWildEncounters.com

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 Audubon’s “Lights for Lions” conservation campaign encourages people to donate their old holiday lights rather than tossing them into the trash. 

From now through January 13, 2024, Audubon Zoo is collecting string lights for recycling. There is a large donation box at the Zoo’s front entrance to contribute your unwanted lights for Audubon to recycle. 
All proceeds from Audubon’s "Lights for Lions” recycling program help support the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund. Every donated string of lights makes a difference and raises funds for this important project that strives to increase the number of lions in the wild by protecting them, their prey and their habitat. 

Audubon Zoo’s lions Arnold, Kali, Nia and Zuri are always favorites of Zoo visitors. Sadly, the number of lions in the wild is declining at an alarming rate. In just a quarter century, the population of wild African lions dropped by half. The main threats to African lions are poaching, conflicts with humans, the decline of their natural prey, as well as habitat loss, climate change and the illegal wildlife trade. With just 23,000 African lions left in the wild, they are now officially classified as 'vulnerable'. Their loss signals the critical loss of the wild in Africa. 

“Helping lions through the ‘Lights for Lions’ conservation project is easy to do and really makes a difference. Not only does it keep old strings of lights out of the landfill which protects animals here at home, but also raises money to help these beautiful but disappearing animals in the wild,” said Daine Appleberry, Senior Vice President and Director of Operations at Audubon Zoo & Park. 

Most string lights are not bio-degradable and are dangerous to animals if they get tangled in the strands, so recycling through the “Lights for Lions” project helps protect other animals from harm too. 

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Audubon kicks off a long weekend of Military Appreciation admission starting Friday, November 10, 2023 through Sunday, November 12, 2023. Veterans, all active-duty military members and current reservists will receive free Military Appreciation admission at Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium. 

“Welcoming our veterans and military members to our attractions is a way we can show our appreciation for their service to our country,” said Ron Forman, Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO. “We owe our military a debt of gratitude and hope they enjoy making memories with friends and family while they explore the wonders of nature.”

All Audubon attractions are open 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Here is the entertainment lineup for the Swamp Fete 2023: 

Capital One Stage Entertainment 

• Roots of Music: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 
• The Pine Leaf Boys: 12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. 
• Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots: 1:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 
• Lost Bayou Ramblers: 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. 
 

Cajun Ballroom Entertainment 

• Cajun Music Preservation Society: 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. 
• Sarah Jayde Williams: 12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. 
• T'Monde: 2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. 

In addition to passing a good time, this event will educate visitors about wetlands and wildlife conservation, and how important those efforts are. Three of the most popular residents in the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit will be enjoying the day as they play and explore their home - Sassafras the Louisiana black bear cub along with two North American black bear cubs from Anchorage, Alaska. 

The Louisiana black bear has moved off the endangered list thanks to the work of wildlife experts, landowners, and everyday citizens who help protect bears, and its recovery is a symbol of effective wildlife management and the value of protection under the Endangered Species Act. Also, Louisiana’s official state mammal is the Louisiana black bear! 

Swamp Fête is included with Zoo admission or Audubon Nature Institute Membership. 
 

Wild Encounters is a brand new experience at all three Audubon Nature Institute facilities – Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, and Audubon Insectarium. For an additional fee, guests will have an exclusive encounter with some of their favorite Audubon animals. 

Audubon Nature Institute Wild Encounters are special, unique encounters and no two are alike. All are designed to be memorable, educational – and fun! Guests will learn directly from team members who work with the animals in our care, providing insights on their specific needs, enrichment activities, food preferences, conservation status in the wild, and more. 

Here are some of the initial Audubon Wild Encounters. Some Wild Encounters are available seasonally due to animal inactivity in colder temperatures.

Audubon Aquarium 
Penguin Party – Meet one of our African penguins up close, learn how they can “fly” underwater, what they eat, and why they are endangered. 
Maya Snorkel – Don snorkel gear and slip into the waters of the 132,000 gallon Maya Tunnel where you’ll be surrounded by colorful fish and rays. 

Audubon Insectarium 
Butterfly First Flight – Learn about how Audubon raises butterflies and moths for the Insectarium and release a butterfly into the Insectarium’s Butterfly Garden and watch as it glides through the lush foliage in its new home. 

Audubon Zoo 
Alpaca Palooza – Get up close with these unique South American animals where you’ll be able to learn why fibers from their coats are so prized. You’ll be their favorite visitor when you give them a snack. 
Jammin with Jaguar –Go behind the scenes and help feed one of Audubon’s jaguars and learn about this beautiful animal. For this Wild Encounter, you’ll wear a face mask to keep the jaguars healthy. 
Orangutan Family Fun – Learn about our orangutan family and watch as they interact with each other, display in their version of acrobatics, and engage with their care team – and you! 
Sea Lion Splash – Tour their special kitchen, check out their diet and get up-close as they work with their skilled care team in training sessions. 
Black Bear Bonanza – Accompany keepers in the Louisiana Swamp as they work with and feed Audubon’s three young female black bears. 
Giant Tortoise Adventure – Meet Audubon’s oldest resident and learn more about this fascinating species that can live a century or more. 

Tickets for Wild Encounters are extremely limited in due to small group size and availability, and some have age requirements for the safety of participants and our animals. For more details and to buy your Audubon Nature Institute Wild Encounters tickets, visit http://www.AudubonWildEncounters.com

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and 12 other countries. 

Dr. Burks has been a zoo and aquarium professional for more than 30 years, first as an animal behavior researcher, then later as an executive. His career has spanned work at some of the country’s top facilities, including Audubon Nature Institute, Zoo Atlanta, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Denver Zoo, and Sacramento Zoo.