New Orleans’ Awesome Aquarium, Insectarium And Zoo
Tall giraffes. Huge rhinoceroses. Prowling lions. No, you are not in the jungles of Africa. You’re still in the city of New Orleans, right in the middle of the Audubon Zoo. The great zoos in New Orleans offer the beauty, wonder and fear-inspiring amazement of the wild in the land of Dixie, where you’ll find the home of the blues and the home of the wild inside a few square miles. Include a visit to one of the interactive zoos in New Orleans on your next visit.
Audubon Zoo
Whether you arrive by auto or public bus, an afternoon at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans means a day of excitement and wonder for old and young. Located on Magazine Street, the Zoo features exhibits with names like Louisiana Swamp, Asian Domain, African Savanna, Audubon Bird Exhibit, South American Pampas, Jaguar Jungle, Reptile House and Dinosaur Adventure. There’s even a petting zoo for hands on fun. There is always something going on at the New Orleans Zoo. Daily specialized activities include sea lion and otter feedings, gorilla feedings, gator feedings, a live elephant show and more. The perfect time to go and visit the zoo is in the less-crowded weekday afternoons. Prices are particularly reasonable, with a special senior discount. Packages are available that allow you to visit other attractions at the zoo and memberships enable you entrance at a deep discount.
Audubon Aquarium
Next door to the Audubon Zoo is the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. An affiliate of the Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program, this New Orleans aquarium features captivating otters, lovable penguins, graceful stingrays and a large number of exciting, awesome creatures in the 400,000 gallon Gulf of Mexico exhibit. Take an undersea walk through the walk-through tunnel which showcases the great things about the Caribbean or delight at the shenanigans of the sea otters during their daily play sessions and shows. Tickets to the New Orleans Aquarium can be picked up in conjunction with zoo entrance or separately.
Audubon Insectarium
Found in the Federal U.S. Customs House on Canal Street, this amazing exhibit features termites, butterflies, slugs and other bugs. Walk through giant blades of grass as you “shrink” to bug-size and enjoy a flavorsome bug tapas. Featured as a “A top museum for you and your children” by CNN.com in 2009, entry to the Insectarium starts at $5.00 for Insectarium members and move up in price to $15.95 for adult admission. Rate decreases are available for kids and seniors.
Audubon Park
Audubon Park is just one of the city of New Orleans’ many enjoyable public parks. Audubon Park located in historic uptown and is an incredibly well-liked New Orleans’ public park for recreational pursuits as well as just an excellent place to relax and enjoy nature. This New Orleans public park features a 1.8 mile trail perfect for walking or jogging, with picnic tables conveniently placed, plus playing areas alongside tennis courts and soccer fields.
Jamis Harrah has been interested in zoos and aquariums for many years. He has written op-eds and editorial pieces about attractions in New Orleans for many online publications. For more information about zoos and aquariums in New Orleans, please visit his site.