Claim to Fame
Opened in 1914 and part of the Audubon Nature Institute, Audubon Zoo spans 58 acres—showcasing rare white alligators, free-flight bird aviaries, and award-winning Louisiana Swamp exhibit amid live oak canopies.
📌 Navigating Audubon Zoo : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- Washrooms: Washrooms are available throughout the zoo for visitor convenience.
- Hours of Operation: The zoo typically operates from 10 AM to 5 PM, but hours may vary seasonally.
- Important Information: It is advisable to check the official website for any special events or closures before visiting.
- Admission Fee: Admission fees vary by age and residency status, with discounts available for children and seniors.
- How Long to Visit: A visit to the Audubon Zoo usually takes around 2 to 4 hours, depending on interests.
- Parking: The Audubon Zoo offers a parking lot with limited spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Family Friendly: The Audubon Zoo is family-friendly, featuring interactive exhibits and play areas for children.
- Photography: Photography is encouraged, but commercial photography may require a permit.
- WIFI: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the zoo for visitors.
- Picnic Area: Picnic areas are available for guests wishing to bring their own meals.
- Handicap Accessible: The zoo is handicap accessible, with pathways and facilities designed for easy navigation.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed in the zoo, with the exception of service animals.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are available for groups and can be arranged in advance.
- Restaurant or Cafe: The zoo features a restaurant and café offering a variety of dining options.
- Gift Shop: A gift shop is located on-site, offering souvenirs and educational materials.
Photos of Audubon Zoo
Set on historic grounds in Uptown New Orleans, Audubon Zoo immerses visitors in global and regional ecosystems. Meander through the African Savanna’s giraffe overlooks, watch playful orangutans swing through forested habitats, then journey into the immersive Louisiana Swamp for eye-level encounters with native gators, turtles, and swamp birds. Daily keeper talks, feedings, and the Zoofari Express train make every visit interactive and educational—blending conservation messaging with up-close wildlife experiences.
What to Expect
Start at the Zoo’s grand entrance under moss-draped oaks and pick up a map and daily show schedule. In the Louisiana Swamp, board a boardwalk to view American alligators and river otters swimming beneath cypress knees. Next, explore the Jaguar Jungle’s misted rainforest dome, then cross to the Cool Zoo water play area for kids. In the African Savanna, feed giraffes from the elevated platform and spot zebras grazing beside springbok. Don’t miss the Sea Lion Pool’s splash show and the free-flight Raptor & North America Bird House for falconry demos and colorful parrot encounters.
Interactive “Backstage Pass” tours let you meet keepers and learn about animal enrichment and husbandry. Seasonal “Zoo Nights” offers after-hours access with themed light displays, cocktails in the park’s outdoor café, and special keeper talks under the oaks.
Background and Cultural Context
Audubon Zoo traces its roots to the 19th-century “Wild Animal Exhibit” in City Park; it moved to its current home in 1914 on land once owned by Confederate General John Bell Hood. The park’s modern exhibits—designed with input from wildlife biologists—reflect a century-long commitment to species conservation, supporting captive breeding programs for Amur tigers, Sumatran orangutans, and Louisiana black bear restoration.
Operated by the Audubon Nature Institute, the Zoo partners with global conservation organizations, funding in-situ projects from African elephant protection to Gulf Coast marsh restoration—ensuring wildlife thrives both locally and worldwide.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (9–11 AM) offer cooler temperatures and active animals before crowds peak. Late afternoons (3–5 PM) coincide with keeper feedings in key habitats and gentler light for photography. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) provide mild weather; summer “Cool Zoo” water days help visitors stay refreshed. Evening “Zoo Nights” in summer and holiday light events in winter create magical after-hours experiences.
How to Get There
Audubon Zoo is at 6500 Magazine Street. Streetcars on St. Charles Avenue drop you a 10-minute walk away; buses 11 and 26 serve Magazine Street. Ample pay parking is available on-site and across the street in Audubon Park. All main pathways, exhibits, and train rides are wheelchair-accessible; complimentary manual wheelchairs are available at Guest Services.
Photo Opportunities
- Sunlit boards over the Louisiana Swamp with alligators basking on cypress roots
- Giraffes extending necks toward visitors on the elevated feeding platform
- Orangutan mother and infant silhouetted against a jungle canopy inside Jaguar Jungle
- Sea lion leaping through a ring of water spray during the splash show
- Colorful macaws in mid-flight at the free-flight bird aviary
Travel Tips
- Purchase tickets online for timed entry and “Backstage Pass” add-ons to skip lines.
- Arrive early for the first feedings—the animals are most active after breakfast.
- Bring a refillable water bottle—hydration stations are located near major exhibits.
- Wear sturdy, water-resistant shoes for swamp boardwalks and water-play areas.
- Combine your visit with Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in the French Quarter for a full Audubon experience.
FAQs
Is admission required?
Yes—general admission is USD 29.95 adults; USD 24.95 seniors/students; USD 19.95 children (2–12); under 2 free. “Backstage Pass” tours and “Zoo Nights” carry separate fees.
Are guided tours available?
Yes—daily keeper talks and scheduled tram tours run throughout the day; private guided tours can be booked for groups.
Can I bring outside food?
Picnics are allowed in designated areas within Audubon Park, but not inside Zoo exhibits; several cafés and food stands offer meals and snacks.
Is photography allowed?
Yes—non-commercial photography is welcome. Drone use and flash photography near animals are prohibited to avoid disturbance.
Final Thoughts
Audubon Zoo blends immersive exhibits, Louisiana charm, and conservation leadership into a captivating wildlife destination. Whether you’re tracking river otters in the swamp, feeding giraffes under live oaks, or learning from passionate keepers, the Zoo offers lasting memories and a deeper connection to the natural world.