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Audubon Zoo
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
20 reviews for Audubon Zoo
Great zoo. They feature white alligators (or was it crocodile?) that's pretty cool. The architecture was lots of fun and if memory serves, easily accessible through public transportation, like the streetcar.
It can get pretty hot in there in the summer, so take cover.
This place was AWESOME. So many animals and really well landscaped. They literally had every animal you would want to see with no disappointment. Lions and tigers and bears oh my but also gorillas and gigantic turtles and baby orangutan (see photos). I really enjoyed the day I spent here although; it does get a bit hot and humid. The employees I encountered also seemed to really be happy to be there; informative and passionate. I would highly suggest visiting whether you are from out of town or just haven't been in awhile.
I will have to say that this zoo is one of the best zoos I have been to. I am not really a zoo fanatic, but I found this zoo layed out smartly and not confusing at all. It is not too big and not too small.
As with most zoos, most of the animals you will see are either eating or sleeping with the exception of some of the monkeys.
The best part I liked about the zoo was the Lousiana Swamp area. It felt like you were really in the swamps. They also had a little restaurant where you can get some red beans and rice. I did not eat there, as I wanted to eat in town.
I highly recommend taking a half day here. Don't rush, read about the animals and you may learn something you did not know.
If you are coming from your hotel in the FQ or CBD, take a nice 20 minute ride on the St Charles Streetcar line and get off at the Tulane University stop. Walk toward the sidewalk facing the Audubon Park and catch a free ride from the Audubon Zoo Shuttle. The shuttle is actually a white SUV with an Audubon sign on the door. If it is not there, just wait at the shuttle sign and one will be by shortly...or you can call the zoo and let them know you will be waiting.
The Street Car fare is $1.25 one way and only excepts exact change. If you don't have exact change, don't expect any change back...but i find that okay since I rather my left over change go towards the upkeep of the Street Car. I would hate to see that go away!
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The Audubon Zoo is one of the nicest (if not the nicest) zoos I have ever been to. I am a humongous zoo fan and have seen a lot in my short 24 years, including San Diego, The National Zoo... many of the most prestigious in the country.
What makes Audubon Zoo so special is that it's very different than all the other zoos. It is much less touristy on an average day and the animals have a lot more space to roam around in. It almost feels more like an animal sanctuary than a zoo. Unlike certain zoos that feel only steps above a circus, Audubon Zoo gives you the impression that the animals are truly respected and cared for. Some exhibits are so large that you can barely see the animals (which is one reason why a lot of zoos make the exhibits smaller). Nevertheless, it is more interesting to see them in a spacious environment than trapped in a concrete cell.
Definitely check out the white alligator (not albino, actually even more rare... it has stunning blue eyes) and the snapping turtle exhibit. The turtle looks totally prehistoric and mean, which makes me very grateful there's a barrier between us.
This is SO nice for a lazy day in New Orleans; it is totally an under appreciated bright spot in the city. I know everyone comes here to drink, but consider this activity on a much-needed detox day.
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The best zoo I have ever been to. We went on a weekday, so it was not crowded. The weather was perfect, and almost all of the animals were out and very animated.
It was cheap too, $12.50 for adults, plus we had a coupon so we got in for $10 each.
This zoo is kept up very well, and the animals appear to be happy in their element. Very few of them are behind glass or screens/bars. It is a very open zoo, and the layout is beautiful.
My favorite parts were the gorillas, the orangutans, the swamp area and the white tigers.
We also found getting there to be very easy - we took the street car up to Audobon Park, it drops you right in front of the park entrance. You can either walk the mile through the park (no thanks) or just wait a few minutes, and somebody will come pick you up in a Jeep and take you to the zoo entrance. When you are done at the zoo, hop back in the Jeep and they take you back to the street car - all for free. How awesome is that?
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Love the zoo. Love the swamp exhibit, the African Savannah, the monkeys, the bird house, the reptile house, the butterfly habitat.
The gardens are usually beautifully planted and the animals seem happy in their habitats.
One fantastic Zoo. It is just awesome, to say the least. From the moment you walk in and are greeted by the Pink Flamingos walking around freely. You cannot go to New Orleans and not visit this Zoo, you will be missing one of the best Zoos in the country.
The Audubon zoo is one of the top 10 zoos in the country and is not to be missed. As a former zoo volunteer I can attest to the care that is given these animals and the research that goes on to help endangered species survival, both in the wild and in a zoo setting. I love the swamp exhibit and the reptile house is the best of any zoo I've ever been to. I also like that there is more to the zoo food than hot dogs. You can sample local cuisine at the Swamp Cafe and Roman Candy carts abound. All in all the zoo is a great way to spend a spring day in New Orleans.
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Zoos are fun!
This one can get damn hot, so go early. They're all but completely recovered from the storm... no sea lions were out when we were there - but everything else was up and running. Parking is easy and admission is reasonable ($12). Don't miss the Louisiana Swamp (albino alligators are creepy) or the Asian Encounter ... the elephants have great personalities.
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I am in complete awe of Audubon Zoo!!! I love the grounds, as they are very spacious and beautiful. The selection of animals is a little different than the other zoos I've visited (Houston, DC), but they have a welcoming presence - all the same. I loved the aquarium and think that this is a great place for family or a solo trip in the summer. My favorite sight - the family of giraffes.... they are so beautiful, even the clumsy babies.
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Great zoo! It's a very manageable size and the layout is also fantastic. The Louisiana swamp exhibit was my favorite. The animals were amazing! There was also a really cool animatronic dinosaur exhibit that is definitely worth seeing. If you can, go during the week to avoid large groups. I would also recommend getting the zoo/aquarium combo ticket. You'll save a little money. You should also note that the steamboat no longer goes to the zoo so your best bet is the streetcar on St. Charles and the free shuttle to the zoo. Don't miss this zoo...you'll regret it!
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You get to ride a camel around a loop. How awesome is that?
Oh, and there are other cool animals, too. It's a good place to visit, and let your kids loose in. Just make sure you keep track of them so you know where they collapse when they finally tire themselves out.
Simply the best. It's big but easy to traverse and enjoy for both children and the handicapped. The exhibits are enjoyable for singles, couples or families/ Good food at the Zoofari cafe, too.
From the second we walked into the park I was pleasantly surprised. It looks beautiful and inviting from the entrance gate. The first thing we did was head to the gift shop. It was huge. They had such a great selection, including infant products, which was perfect because I have a 7 month old who needed a hat. (about $6). I also picked up a stuffed white alligator in the Louisiana Swamp section, and it was only $3.99. The prices were great. Usually you go to a theme park gift shop, and the prices are outrageous that you can only afford to pick up one thing.
Prices on the refreshments, that's another story. I paid almost $3 for a fountain drink, and $12 at the Haagen Dazs for a shake and cup of ice cream! Geeze. Talk about raping my wallet. I'd recommend taking your own beverages, and food because they don't check your bags and there is a large lawn area to have picnics on.
We arrived at the Zoo at 11:00 AM and didn't leave until 3:30 PM. There was so much to do!!! You also felt like you could reach the animals they were so close. That was so great. Actually, we went to see the Giraffes, and I was only about 10 inches away from reaching the Giraffe when it tilted it's head over the railing towards us.
The reptile section was amazing. It was an entire building dedicated towards all different types of reptiles. My husband really loved it. There were so many different types of snakes, I lost count!
The Louisiana Swamp area was my favorite, and probably one of the largest exhibits. They had a huge swamp with green water, and filled with about 10 Alligators! There is a deck built above it all so you can just look down an observe all of it. They also had a Raccoon and Nutria exhibit. It was a lot of fun!!!
It was such a great experience for my little girl. She really loved it all! It was entertaining for all of us, and I can't wait to go back!
The only complaint I have is the parking situation. We got there early, only about an hour after the park was open and there was no where to park. They don't have a section that you pay for parking, or that is just excluded to the people who are visiting the zoo, so anyone who is visiting the area can park there. We actually had to park in one of the local soccer fields adjacent to the parking lot, but it wasn't a far walk so it wasn't too bad. So get there early if you can!
Our zoo is amazing. I love it. Any time I get a chance to go , I do. The animals are happy and well taken care of and the exhibits and grounds are clean. The swamp exhibit is the best! Lots of history on how the old New Orleanians lived and earned a living. You can also ride a camel or an elephant (although I'm not sure if they have brought back the elephant ride since the storm). Be sure to check out Monkey Hill (it's big and made of rocks). Sometimes they have the waterfall on and you can race leaf boats down. Monkey Hill is the highest point in the city and it is man made. Also, be sure to check out the butterflies. It is really interesting. And the sea-lions can't be beat.
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I love this zoo. It has everything I could want in a zoo... and for an awesome price too! The other reviews say it all.
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I wasn't incredibly impressed with this zoo, but they do have a fairly wide array of animals and it's very spacious.
Located right in front of Tulane University or in front of the Audubon zoo off of Magazine St, this park is huge and very much happening.
Very happy to see that the park is still popular among locals to kick it for picnics, kids walking and playing, and for the fitness addicts. Center of the vast park is the Audubon golf course and on the perimeter is the ever long and winding cement path.
Lots and lots of Spanish oaks and one of a kind rustic fountains....definitely bring your dogs here on a sunny afternoon. I'm not too sure how often one will see crawfish boils out here, but this is definitely New Orleans relaxed.
Major disclaimer next to those three stars. I came here after Katrina so the zoo was almost deserted. But I am happy it was pretty much deserted because that means that the animals were evacuated safely before the hurricane.
The albino alligator exhibit is awesome although the thing doesn't move. I couldn't see any alligators in the alligator swamp which was a bummer.
But I would definitely like to come back when it is completely re-stored.
Love Animals?? Well then this is the place to go... where else can you go to see an albino alligator. Yes, he/she is real. Sadly, since the hurricane it isnt as nice and animals are lacking. But , I have so many childhood memories here , I have to give it 5 stars. And the swamp monster thing still scares the hell out of me. Anyone else??? Oh yeah, and only in Louisiana will you find a Raccoon for an exhibit... lol
Man, I love being SOuthern.


