Along with the best regional cuisine and beverages, guests can stroll through Audubobn Aquarium and Insectarium and take in the stunning views of the Mississippi River at night. Music from headliner Flow Tribe and strolling encounters with the Sirens of New Orleans will keep things lively throughout the evening. There will be a selection of Abita Beer on tap, and for the first time at Scales & Ales, Abita will have its new Upbeat vodka cocktails for guests to enjoy.

“Scales & Ales brings together an evening of great food, drinks, and Aquarium experiences in support of an important conservation mission. Through this special event, guests can enjoy all the Aquarium has to offer while making a meaningful contribution to the protection of sea turtles and marine mammals along the Louisiana coast,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Audubon Nature Institute CEO and L. Ronald Forman Chair in Conservation Leadership.

Audubon Aquarium Rescue (AAR) is the primary stranding responder and only rehabilitation facility for marine mammals (dolphins, whales, manatees) and sea turtles in Louisiana. Since its formation, AAR has rescued, rehabilitated, and released hundreds of stranded animals back into their natural habitats.

Since inception, party-goers at Scales & Ales have helped raise more than $4 million for the Aquarium’s conservation and education programs, allowing Audubon to reach millions of guests and community members through education and outreach initiatives and protect animals in the wild.

Tickets for Scales & Ales are now on sale and can be purchased online at https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/scales-ales. Audubon Aquarium will close at 2:00 p.m. November 6, 2026 to prepare for the event.

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

 “The DDD is committed to enhancing downtown livability through creative placemaking projects that make our public spaces more vibrant, welcoming, and safe,” said DDD President & CEO Seth Knudsen. “Artist Ilya Sobol’s light installation presented a unique opportunity to beautify the area around the Aquarium, elevate the visitor experience, and draw even more attention to one of Downtown New Orleans’ premier attractions.” 

Using interactive technology, ChamäleTuna detects the colors worn by visitors and transforms in real time to reflect those hues. A red jacket, blue shirt, or patterned dress each influences the artwork’s evolving palette, creating a layered and ever-changing visual experience shaped entirely by the public. 

“We are excited to welcome ChamäleTuna as a new extension of the Audubon Aquarium experience, bringing its sense of wonder beyond regular operating hours and into the heart of the public realm,” said Michael J. Sawaya, President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute. “This installation offers an engaging and interactive attraction for Aquarium visitors and downtown New Orleans guests alike, creating opportunities for exploration, creativity, and connection throughout the day and evening.” 

More than an interactive spectacle, ChamäleTuna serves as a reflection of the diversity that defines New Orleans. Constantly adapting to the people around it, the installation symbolizes the beauty of difference, identity, and coexistence within a shared community. “ChamäleTuna reminds us that our individuality contributes to something larger,” said Artist Ilya Sobol. “The installation evolves through human interaction, celebrating the richness and diversity of the people who experience it.” 

Located at the entrance of Audubon Aquarium along the Mississippi River, the installation is now on view from sunset to 10:00 pm each evening. “ChamäleTuna is part of an expanding collection of light-based art across New Orleans,” said Arts New Orleans President and CEO Joycelyn Reynolds. “These pieces build upon the creative momentum and artistic energy showcased during LUNA Fête, transforming temporary moments into lasting public artworks that enhance everyday life, strengthen community identity, and expand year-round access to art and creativity across the city.” 

About the artist

 Ilya Sobol is a Los Angeles-based public artist and product design engineer whose work merges emotional resonance with engineering precision. Drawing from a multidisciplinary practice rooted in technology, mechanics, and interactive design, Sobol creates immersive experiences that explore human connection, perception, and play. Diagnosed with ASD and ADHD, Sobol approaches neurodivergence as a creative strength, shaping a practice grounded in structure, sensory awareness, and curiosity. His work often bridges the technical and the poetic, transforming engineering systems into responsive artistic experiences. From large-scale festival installations that react to audience interaction to mechanically adaptive design objects, Sobol investigates how technology can foster new meanings, interpretations, and forms of engagement between people and their environments. 

About Arts New Orleans

Arts Council of New Orleans, dba Arts New Orleans is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1975 and designated as the official arts agency for the City of New Orleans. The organization supports public art and artists, creating work that inspires, connects, and enriches the community through creative expression. 

About the Downtown Development District 

Created by the Louisiana Legislature in 1974 (LA Rev Stat § 33:2740.3) as the nation’s first assessment-based Business Improvement District, The Downtown Development District of the City of New Orleans (DDD) provides enhanced economic development and public space services to Downtown New Orleans. It accomplishes its mission through initiatives assisting Downtown property and business owners, administering multiple grant programs, employing Public Safety Rangers, deploying Clean Team sanitation workers, and providing significant funding for outreach to the homeless, additional New Orleans Police Department patrols, and armed private security throughout its District. The DDD services the area bounded by Iberville Street, the Pontchartrain Expressway, Claiborne Avenue, and the Mississippi River. More information is available at  www.downtownnola.com

About Audubon Aquarium

Audubon Nature Institute is a New Orleans, Louisiana-based expansive collection of world class attractions, parks, and conservation initiatives united with the purpose of celebrating, protecting, and connecting guests to the wonders of nature. Audubon parks and attractions include Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium & Butterfly Garden, Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, and Audubon Wilderness Park. Conservation initiatives include Audubon Aquarium Rescue, Association of Zoos and Aquariums S.A.F.E. (Saving Animals From Extinction) programs including those for African Penguins, whooping cranes, and orangutans, and additional wildlife conservation efforts within Louisiana and around the world.

Guests can take part in a special conservation passport game that will take them through the Aquarium where they can learn about sharks, penguins, terrapins, and sea turtles. There is a cool prize for those who complete the passport tour!

Special World Ocean Day activities will take place at Audubon Aquarium from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Guests can watch feeding time for the sharks and penguins, chat with keepers located throughout the facility about the animals in their care and learn about conservation steps they can take at home to help the world’s ocean and waterways.

The Aquarium’s large Gulf exhibit will have two special groups for guests to visit: Audubon Aquarium Rescue will be on hand to talk about their work rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles along the Louisiana coast, and Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries or G.U.L.F. team members will talk about why choosing sustainable seafood is a good option for everyone – and the Gulf itself.   

World Ocean Day is part of Party for the Planet presented by Entergy and is one of a five-part series of conservation-focused events.

Later this month, Pollination Celebration will take place at Audubon Insectarium, highlighting the important role that pollinators like bees play in our lives. Pollination Celebration is set for Saturday, June 27, 2026, with more fun activities and learning experiences for guests. 

This conservation 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 Ocean Day celebrations. 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.

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 at the Aquarium and Insectarium for hurricane season.

The Aquarium and Insectarium will reopen at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

This little one is the most recent offspring of Hubig and Ocio, a prolific penguin pair who have several of their past chicks currently residing in the Aquarium’s colony. All their offspring have celestial names including Moon, Titan, and Calypso.

Money raised through the online naming contest will go to help support conservation efforts.

Jupiter is being hand raised by the animal care team to help him get used to human interaction. He eats 10 fish a day and weighs seven pounds. His juvenile feathers are coming in, and after some swim “lessons”, he will join the rest of the Aquarium’s penguin colony.

African penguins are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List and are found on the coast of South Africa. They are threatened by habitat loss and overfishing of their food sources and are susceptible to oil spills and other environmental conditions.

Starting at 10:00 a.m., members of the 501st Legion and other Star Wars-related fan groups will be at the Aquarium as part of the fun.   Guests might see Stormtroopers patrolling through the Aquarium  or a Mandalorian marching by. They may even encounter a droid or two!

Volunteer divers will be dueling with light sabers in the Aquarium’s Maya Reef tunnel four times during the day, each dive lasting about 45 minutes. 

Times for underwater light saber dueling:

11:00 a.m.

12:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.  

There will be special themed décor throughout the Aquarium & Butterfly Garden, so look closely – you may spot a connection in unexpected places like animal habitats. Guests can check out a map on-site to make sure they don’t miss any of the special themed exhibits.   

All the fun is free with Aquarium admission and runs from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026 only.

May the Force be with you.

The Easter Bunny hops into both Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium daily from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. to meet guests and pose for photos. No purchase is necessary. Guests are welcome to take their own photos, or purchase a professional photograph if they’d like.

In addition to meeting his fans, the Bunny invites children of all age to join him  a little bunny dance party each day at 1:15 p.m.

As part of Easter Celebration Days at Audubon Zoo,  guests can take part in a special Easter scavenger hunt through the zoo. Those who complete their scavenger hunt will receive a small prize (as long as supplies last ). Guests can enjoy music filling the air at Audubon Zoo as Rapuzzi’s Glo Worm Trio, a local Italian String trio, will perform on the Capital One stage both Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily.  

For more details, or to book your photo time with the Easter Bunny in advance, visit: https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/bunny

Does he look like “Dipper,” “Pluto,” or “Jupiter”? In keeping with the celestial names given to his siblings, his care team came up with these options for him.

The chick is the most recent offspring of Hubig and Ocio, a prolific penguin pair who have several past chicks currently residing in the Aquarium’s colony including Moon, Titan, and Calypso.

He is being hand raised by the animal care team to help him get used to human interaction. This will allow him to participate in his health care throughout his life. He can currently be seen in the Aquarium’s “Care Corner” where he is often spotted snuggling with his plush penguin companion. When he is larger and able to swim, he will join the rest of the Aquarium’s penguin colony.

Here is the link to vote for your favorite name for the chick:

https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/penguin-chick

The winner will be announced April 28, 2026.

African penguins are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List and are found on the coast of South Africa. They are threatened by habitat loss, overfishing of their food sources, and are susceptible to oil spills and other environmental conditions.

While the Aquarium’s animal care team waited, the divers swam behind them with the official announcement – it’s a boy!

Determining the sex of young penguins is difficult, and DNA testing of the chick’s shell was conducted to verify the chick’s gender. He hatched on February 11, 2026, and currently resides inside the Aquarium’s “Care Corner”, where he is being fed and monitored by the animal care team. 

The “Care Corner” houses incubators and special holding boxes to give the chick warmth and comfort, along with a large penguin plushie to snuggle as he grows. Aquarium guests can see the youngster and watch his care team tend him throughout the day. 

The chick is the offspring of Hubig and Ocio, a prolific penguin pair who have several past chicks residing in the Aquarium’s colony including Moon, Titan, and Calypso. The chick is being hand raised by the animal care team to help him get used to human interaction. This will allow him to participate in his health care throughout his life.

African penguins 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.

A contest will be held to officially name the chick, details will be announced soon.

Sea turtles are cold-blooded and cannot regulate their body temperature. As a result, when water temperatures drop, sea turtles can become hypothermic or “cold-stunned.” Turtles can appear lethargic, floating at the water’s surface, or stranded on shore. The two green sea turtles currently in AAR’s care came from Port Fourchon, LA. They have been nicknamed “Calvin” and “Martha” by the rescue team.

The first turtle – “Calvin” had buoyancy issues related to being cold-stunned and the second – “Martha” was found floating, stunned by the wintry weather. Members of the public immediately called the 24-hour AAR hotline, which led to a quick response by the Audubon team. Each turtle has received a full physical examination, and the AAR veterinarian has developed individual care plans to help them recover.

With the addition of “Calvin” and “Martha”, Audubon Aquarium Rescue has a total of 37 sea turtles in their care this year. Audubon received 35 cold stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles in November 2025 from Massachusetts. Both Kemp’s ridley and green sea turtles are commonly found in the Gulf. Once their recovery is complete and water temperatures are warmer, they will be returned to the Gulf.

“The public is truly the eyes and ears for Audubon Aquarium Rescue. We rely on the public to report cases of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles to the AAR hotline. Timely reporting means we can send our team quickly to recover animals in need of care,” said Gabriella Harlamert, Audubon Aquarium Rescue Stranding and Rehabilitation Coordinator.

February through June is peak turtle stranding season in Louisiana. With more than 7,700 square miles of complex coastline for AAR to cover, public reporting is critical to helping find stranded animals. If you spot stranded or out-of-habitat marine mammals and sea turtles (live or dead) call Audubon Aquarium Rescue at 877-942-5343.

Audubon Aquarium Rescue is the only authorized entity for marine mammal and sea turtle stranding response and rehabilitation in Louisiana and is dedicated to the humane care and treatment of injured, ill, or displaced marine animals. AAR is committed to enhancing stranding response and collecting data of live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in Louisiana. The data 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. 

To make a donation to help support AAR’s work:  https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/support-aquarium-rescue

The updated membership rates were designed to offer more cost-effective options for guests while continuing to provide unlimited visits and exceptional value.

Pricing adjustments were developed following extensive community input, and are necessary to reflect rising operational costs, including food, veterinary care, utilities, insurance, and staffing, while remaining reasonably priced for families.

Beginning March 2, 2026, guests can choose from the Audubon All Access Membership, Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium Only Membership or Audubon Zoo-Only Membership. All Memberships provide unlimited visits, access to special Members-only events, and exclusive discounts. Members will also have value-added  perks including early admission times during the summer and special animal previews like the upcoming debut of the Zoo’s three lion cubs.

The Audubon All Access Membership remains the best value for those who plan to visit both Audubon attractions, even if they visit just once per year.

After listening to requests and understanding the needs of Members and the community, guests at Audubon Zoo will be allowed to bring small, personal-sized (28 quarts) coolers to the Zoo.

"Audubon plays a unique and essential role in our community, as a place of wonder, learning, connection, and as a steward of our region's most cherished natural parks and attractions," said Michael J. Sawaya, CEO of Audubon Nature Institute and L. Ronald Forman Chair in Conservation Leadership.  "Our updated membership options for 2026 allow us to balance affordable access with responsible care for our animals, ensuring Audubon remains a trusted conservation, education, and community partner for generations to come."

As part of its commitment to being accessible for the entire community, Audubon Nature Institute will continue to offer multiple ways for people to visit its attractions, including discounted tickets for groups and schools, reduced-price tickets for SNAP recipients, participation in the City of New Orleans Culture Pass program, and rotating free admission days for Orleans Parish residents at Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium. Audubon also participates in the Taylor Scholars Program which provides free admission to Louisiana middle school and high school students who are academically qualified.

For more information on Audubon Memberships, visit https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/audubon-membership-2026-pricing-plans

From 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each evening, guests are invited to lace up skates, play in the snow, and soak in riverfront views during this festive winter weekend. “Let It Sneaux” features a synthetic, eco-friendly ice skating rink, giving Southerners a chance to try their hand at ice skating – no cold weather required. Special skates designed for synthetic ice are included with the purchase of an ice skating ticket.

In addition to skating, a snow machine will blow faux snow to create a winter wonderland atmosphere complete with festive music, glowing festoon lights, and food and drinks available for both kids and adults.

“Let It Sneaux” takes place outside Audubon Aquarium and includes four one-hour skating sessions per day. Ice skating tickets are $25 per person and are sold separately.  For tickets and more information, visit AudubonAquarium.com/sneaux.

Whether you’re gliding across the ice or making snowy memories with family and friends, “Let It Sneaux” offers a cool way to celebrate winter – New Orleans style.

Audubon CEO Michael J. Sawaya said the decision follows extensive community engagement and input.

“We listened to feedback from community members in the New Orleans area and held a focus group that allowed for in-depth discussion about our prices,” said Sawaya. “We understand the important role Audubon plays in New Orleans, and our leadership team will continue to listen and respond to our community.”

“We want everyone to experience our attractions, learn about conservation, and appreciate the incredible animals in our care,” Sawaya said. “We are evaluating our membership pricing to meet member’s needs while operating financially responsible parks and attractions in an environment of reduced tourism and rising inflation.”

New membership pricing for 2026 will be announced in mid-January and will take effect March 1, 2026. The updated rates will reflect community feedback that will continue to focus on our mission but still allow families to enjoy the affordability Audubon has always provided. The updated rates will take into consideration rising operational costs, including food, veterinary care, utilities, insurance, and staffing, while remaining reasonably priced for families.

 “Every program at Audubon must balance care for our animals and team members, ensure affordable community access, and protect long-term sustainability for future generations,” said Sawaya.

Audubon offers a variety of access programs, including memberships, discounted group admissions, reduced pricing for SNAP recipients, participation in the City of New Orleans Culture Pass program, Make-A-Wish® wish fulfillment visits, and rotating free admission days for Orleans Parish residents at Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium.

Membership revenue also supports Audubon’s extensive conservation work worldwide, with more than two dozen active projects benefiting species such as African lions, orangutans, Asian elephants, and Panamanian golden frogs.

In Louisiana, Audubon is actively involved in protecting species including Louisiana pine snakes, and dusky gopher frogs. With federal and state partners, Audubon is also helping restore a permanent whooping crane population in the state releasing chicks hatched and raised at the Audubon Species Survival Center.

Audubon Aquarium Rescue serves as Louisiana’s primary responder for distressed sea turtles and marine mammals and is currently caring for 35 cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles recovering from frigid water exposure. Membership funds also support Audubon’s Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries program, which promotes sustainable fishing practices through partnerships with local chefs and fishers.

Audubon Nature Institute memberships will be available beginning December 17, 2025, online at https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/audubon-membership and in person at Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium.

The turtles were found in New England suffering from exposure to frigid air and water causing them to wash ashore. Many were suffering from dehydration and pneumonia. They were initially treated and stabilized by New England Aquarium before being flown to New Orleans by a specially chartered plane from Greater Good Charities.

After arriving in New Orleans, the Audubon Aquarium Rescue team gave each turtle a complete physical and assessed their ability to swim. Some of the turtles had buoyancy problems keeping them from swimming as they should. Each turtle has an individualized care plan from the Aquarium team, addressing their specific issues as they continue their rehabilitation. The turtles will remain in Audubon’s care until spring when Gulf waters are warm enough for them to be released.

“Some of these turtles arrived in rough shape, they will need more extensive rehabilitation than others,” said Gabriella Harlamert, Audubon Aquarium Rescue Stranding and Rehab Coordinator. “We are monitoring each of them constantly and are hopeful all 35 of these turtles will heal and return to the Gulf in the spring.”

The Audubon Aquarium Rescue team has named the turtles for rocks and minerals. Naming the turtles with a theme helps identify when the animals arrive for care. Since it is so close to Christmas, the rescue team has created their own “naughty” and “nice” list for these turtles. This week “Jade” is on the nice list for starting to eat on their own after not eating for two weeks.  “Mica” is on the naughty list for refusing to eat and fighting when caregivers try to help. Other turtle names include – Opalite, Pebble, Aquamarine, Onyx, Quartz, and Coal. The remaining turtles will be named after the rescue team has time to identify each turtle’s personality and behavior. 

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). AAR 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.

Both Papa Noel and Santa Claus will be on hand to take photos and hear what the children young and old have on their wish lists this year.

At Audubon Zoo, Papa Noel will greet guests in the Louisiana Swamp’s Cajun ballroom from 10:15 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (except for Christmas Eve, when he understandably has to leave a little early for “other commitments”)

Papa Noel dates at Audubon Zoo:

• December 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
• December 24 (leaving early)  Zoo closes at 3:00 p.m.

At Audubon Aquarium, Santa Claus will meet with guests 10:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. on these dates (except for his “early departure” on Christmas Eve):  

• December 6, 7 and 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23
• December 24 (leaving early) Aquarium closes at 3:00 p.m.

Of course, when Santa is at the Aquarium, he wants to swim with the fish! Scuba Claus himself will be in the Great Maya Reef exhibit several times during the holiday season. Scuba Claus can be seen from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on these dates:

• December 6, 7 and 13, 14, 20, 21

One of Santa’s most important jobs when he visits the Aquarium is to check his “naughty and nice list” for the Aquarium’s penguin colony. As cute as they are, sometimes one of the birds ends up on that “naughty list” every year! To give them a chance to correct any “naughty” behavior, Santa will check the penguins several times during the season at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on these dates: 

• December 13, 14, 20, and 21  

For more information or to purchase advance tickets, visit https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/holidays

African penguins like those at Audubon Aquarium are disappearing rapidly in the wild, their numbers are down an astonishing 97% percent in the past. They are threatened by oil spills, overfishing, and habitat loss due to climate change.

African Penguin Awareness Day is Saturday, October 11, 2025, and guests at Audubon Aquarium can learn about these popular animals and how important it is to protect them in the wild.

In advance of this special day at the Aquarium, some of the 23 birds in Audubon’s penguin colony are showing off their painting skills. They’ve been busy behind-the-scenes creating special penguin artwork that will be available for purchase during African Penguin Awaresness Day, all proceeds will support penguin conservation.

Special penguin themed activities and conservation chats will take place throughout the day, including a chance to talk with the penguin care team and learn about how they take care of these active birds. Our penguins eat twice a day - at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and their keepers will be near the penguin exhibit for special chats with visitors at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. 

If you can’t tell Calypso from Titan, or Gouda from Saltine, never fear! Each penguin has their own color-coded name band on their flippers. Guests can make and take their own name band to wear to show their support of these playful black and white birds.

Guests can explore Audubon Aquarium and meet Peppa Pig & George during special Meet & Greet sessions throughout the day. There is a soft play gym area for little ones to enjoy. Guests are welcome to take photos with their phones, but professional photography is available for an additional charge.

Peppa Pig and George Meet and Greet Times are August 1-3, 2025:

• 11:15–11:45 a.m.
• 12:30–1:00 p.m.
•  1:45–2:15 p.m.
•  3:00–3:30 p.m.

The Peppa and George photo ops end at 3:30 p.m. but the fun isn’t over then!

The Aquarium is hosting a special themed Kids Tea Party all day each day during Peppa’s visit featuring interactive fun, temporary tattoos, a frosted treat and pink lemonade. Tickets for the Kids Tea Party are on sale now, they are just $7 per child, their adults get into the Kids Tea Party for free. Everyone will enjoy a screening of Peppa’s Visit to the Aquarium episode of her popular television show. The Kids Tea Party happens from 10:00 a.m. until the Aquarium closes at 5:00 p.m.

Meeting Peppa Pig and George is free with paid Audubon Aquarium admission or Audubon Membership. To purchase an advance Aquarium ticket or add a Kids Tea Party ticket to your Aquarium experience, visit https://audubonaquarium.com/peppa

Guests will have more fun than jumping in muddy puddles!

Audubon experts, a variety of conservation partners, and the community will be at the Aquarium to celebrate and share information about how people can take action to help animals and the world ocean.  

On Saturday, June 7, 2025, special World Ocean Day activities will take place at Audubon Aquarium from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Guests can watch feeding time for the sharks and penguins, chat with keepers located throughout the facility about the animals in their care and visit with local conservation groups.

World Ocean Day is part of Party for the Planet presented by Entergy and is one of a five-part series of conservation focused events. In addition to Aquarium activities, multiple conservation partners will be on hand to highlight the work they are doing and encourage people to get involved.

Among the groups participating in this year’s World Ocean Day event:

·       Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries

·       Audubon Aquarium Rescue

·       African Penguin Conservation Station

·       Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program

·       Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge

·       Energy Smart

·       Louisiana Depart of Wildlife and Fisheries

·       Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater New Orleans

·       Louisiana Sea Grant

·       Plastic Pledge Conservation Station

·       The Water Institute

Later this month, Pollination Celebration will take place at Audubon Insectarium, highlighting the important role that pollinators like bees play in our lives. Pollination Celebration is set for Saturday, June 28, 2025, with more fun activities and learning experiences for guests.  

This conservation 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 Ocean 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.

Both the Aquarium and Insectarium will have out-of-this-world themed décor this weekend. Volunteer divers will be dueling with light sabers in the Aquarium’s Maya Reef tunnel both Saturday and Sunday from noon until 1:00 p.m.  

Special guests include members of the 501st Legion - a worldwide costuming organization dedicated to celebrating Star Wars - will be part of the fun for May the 4^th Weekend at the Aquarium. This Saturday and Sunday their local members will be on duty at the Aquarium and Insectarium, meeting guests, taking photos, and generally patrolling through the building. There may even be a droid or two hanging around!  

All the Star Wars fun is free with Aquarium and Insectarium admission and runs from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, 2025. This is the way. 

May the Force be with you.

This special springtime celebration is included with Aquarium admission or Audubon membership. Guests can meet the Easter Bunny at the downtown attraction from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on these dates:

April 4-6

April 11-13

April 17-19

The Easter Bunny is happy to pose for photos with guests of all ages, no purchase of photos is required. Photos can be taken with personal phones or cameras. If you’d like a professional photo package, those are available and come with a themed holiday frame. Get Aquarium tickets by visiting: https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/bunny. Audubon members always get in free.

On Saturday, June 11, and Sunday June 12, Audubon Zoo will celebrate World Oceans Day with a program of family-friendly activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Zoo's sea lion pool. On Saturday, June 11, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas will hostOceanfest by offering special educational programs all day throughout the building.

Zoo and Aquarium staffers will offer simple suggestions on how to practice ocean conservation by making simple changes in your daily life, from bringing reusable bags to the supermarket, to purchasing reusable drinking straws to picking up trash - especially plastic bags - in your neighborhood. 

The ocean is often described as the heart of the planet. Like the heart, which pumps blood to every part of the body, oceans connect people across the Earth, regulate climate, feed millions, produce oxygen and are home to an incredible array of wildlife.

World Oceans Day at Audubon Zoo will feature presentations on the importance of ocean conservation by representatives of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation and Audubon's Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries (G.U.L.F.) sustainable seafood program.

Zoo staffers will stage a raffle with all proceeds going to ocean conservation efforts. In addition, there will be ocean story telling in the sea lion theater, displays of bird feeders made from recycled plastic and a selfie station where guests can pledge to use reusable bags.

At the Aquarium on June 11, featured activities will be a "Better Bag Challenge'' to teach the benefits of reusable bags and a "Selfie for the Sea'' photo booth.Audubon Zoo is located at 6500 Magazine St. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is located at 1 Canal St.