Audubon Zoo

Audubon Zoo, at 6500 Magazine Street in the Uptown area of New Orleans, Louisiana, occupies about 58 acres at the back of Audubon Park, next to the Mississippi River levee. The zoo is operated by the Audubon Nature Institute and is known for its Louisiana-focused exhibits and its extensive tree canopy. The Louisiana Swamp exhibit is a signature attraction, with alligators including a rare white alligator, black bears, bobcats, and a re-creation of a Cajun swamp setting. The Jaguar Jungle recreates a Mayan temple setting, and the Asian Domain and African Savanna cover elephants, giraffes, tigers and other species. Other favorites include the Reptile Encounter, Monkey Hill, the Cool Zoo splash park, a carousel, and a train ride. Most visitors need three to four hours, and families often stay longer, especially in summer when the splash area is open. The zoo typically opens Tuesday through Sunday, with later closing hours in warm months, and visitors should confirm schedules and ticket pricing on the Audubon Nature Institute website. Combo tickets with the Aquarium of the Americas and other Audubon venues are often cheaper than buying single entries. Crowds are lightest on weekday mornings and heaviest on weekends, school holidays and during special events such as zoo-hosted evening programs. Animals are generally more active in the morning before the heat of the day. For photographs, the swamp boardwalk, the jaguar exhibit and the giraffe feeding deck are popular vantage points. From the French Quarter, visitors can ride the St. Charles streetcar to Audubon Park and walk through the park for about fifteen minutes, or take a bus along Magazine Street. The zoo has food stands, shade areas and rental strollers. Summer heat and humidity are strong, so water, sunscreen and a hat are recommended.