Information
Landmark: Audubon ZooCity: New Orleans
Country: USA Louisiana
Continent: North America
Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, USA Louisiana, North America
Overview
Audubon Zoo, nestled in Uptown beside the wide, muddy sweep of the Mississippi, is one of New Orleans’ top spots for seeing wildlife at Audubon Park.The zoo, founded in 1914, belongs to the Audubon Nature Institute, which also runs the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and the bright, fluttering Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium.Families love the zoo for its winding garden paths, hands-on exhibits, and strong dedication to conservation and education, and it’s also a vital hub for protecting wildlife.Spanning about 58 acres, Audubon Zoo is laid out to mimic the animals’ native habitats, with winding paths leading past lush wetlands, shaded forests, and sun‑baked plains.The zoo is split into themed zones-Louisiana Swamp with its damp, earthy air, Jaguar Jungle, African Savanna, and Asian Domain-each crafted to teach visitors and pull them right into the scene.Shaded gardens, winding paths, and the quiet splash of fountains make you feel as if you’re wandering through wild landscapes, not a zoo lined with cages.At the Audubon Zoo, you’ll find more than 2,000 animals-from tiny tree frogs to towering giraffes-representing over 500 different species.The collection ranges from Louisiana’s own alligators, black bears, and swamp birds-feathers ruffling in the humid air-to far-off creatures like jaguars, orangutans, elephants, and other striking big cats and playful primates.Don’t miss the Louisiana Swamp, where you can watch alligators glide through murky water, spot bright-feathered swamp birds, see turtles basking on logs, and explore hands-on displays about the region’s rare wetland habitats.Jaguar Jungle showcases the zoo’s largest cats prowling through lush, humid greenery, highlighting conservation efforts and why protecting their rainforest home matters.Asian Domain is home to elephants, tigers, and lively primates, offering a vivid glimpse of Southeast Asia’s rich wildlife and underscoring why global conservation matters.Reptile and Amphibian House: Step inside to see snakes coil on sun-warmed rocks, lizards bask under soft lamps, frogs crouch in damp moss, and other cold-blooded creatures living in carefully crafted habitats.At Audubon Zoo, conservation comes first, backed by hands-on research and programs that teach visitors-like kids peering through microscopes-why protecting wildlife matters.The zoo runs breeding programs for endangered animals, helps injured wildlife recover, and hosts lively events to teach visitors about protecting habitats and biodiversity.Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, meet animals up close, and watch live demonstrations that reveal how creatures behave, how ecosystems work, and why protecting them matters everywhere.Visitors get a mix of entertainment, hands-on learning, and moments to simply unwind-like sinking into a shaded bench after a lively show.The zoo makes it easy to get around with tram and train tours, and you can stop at shady picnic spots, let the kids loose on the playground, or grab a bite at one of its cafés.Seasonal events-like Boo at the Zoo with glowing pumpkins in October and sparkling Zoo Lights in winter-offer festive fun while drawing visitors into wildlife education.Tall, leafy trees and thick, green plantings cast cool shadows, blending with the winding paths to create a natural, peaceful pocket in the heart of the city zoo.More than just a place for fun, Audubon Zoo helps New Orleans stay green and mindful of its environment, offering shady oaks and open lawns right in the city.Tucked into Audubon Park, it weaves together wildlife, conservation education, and community life, giving both locals and visitors a place to watch herons lift off the water while learning how to care for the environment.In New Orleans, Audubon Zoo is a favorite for families, where you can wander past a jaguar’s dappled cage, learn about local wetlands, and see conservation work in action-all tucked into a lush, tree-lined park in the heart of the city.With its mix of fun and learning, it’s become a treasured part of the city-a place where you might hear children laughing near the butterfly garden.
