Audubon Zoo: Tickets and Info
This website offers official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.
Smartphone tickets
Priority Access Available
Instant confirmation
Flexible cancellation
Smartphone tickets
Why wait?
Instant confirmation
Flexible cancellation
Audubon Zoo
Discover the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, a renowned destination devoted to wildlife conservation and immersive educational experiences. Explore the diverse exhibits across the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium, and Insectarium, featuring unique habitats and interactive encounters that inspire appreciation for the natural world.
Whether visiting families or wildlife enthusiasts, the institute offers engaging activities for all ages. Secure your tickets today to experience this vibrant celebration of nature and animal conservation firsthand.
About Audubon Zoo
Audubon Zoo, a key part of the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, is dedicated to wildlife conservation, education, and community engagement. Situated within a rich cultural and natural environment, the zoo offers visitors an immersive experience featuring diverse animal exhibits, interactive encounters, and unique attractions like the Wings of the World and Jaguar Jungle. This renowned zoo combines entertainment with conservation efforts, inspiring visitors from around the globe to appreciate and protect wildlife and their habitats.
Address: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118
Founded: 1914
Annual Visitors: Approximately 750,000
Accreditation: Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Accredited
Why Visit Audubon Zoo?
Discover a World of Wild Wonders: Immerse yourself in a journey through diverse ecosystems from around the globe without ever leaving New Orleans. The Audubon Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals, including magnificent big cats like the majestic Louisiana black bear, the endangered Amur leopard, and the powerful jaguars. Explore expertly designed habitats that give you an up-close look at everything from towering giraffes and playful monkeys to the unique and fascinating species of the Louisiana Swamp.
Experience Iconic Louisiana Culture: The Audubon Zoo is deeply rooted in the heart of Louisiana, celebrating the state’s rich natural history and vibrant culture. Wander through the immersive Louisiana Swamp exhibit, where you can come face-to-face with alligators, and gain insight into the state’s unique wetlands. This section of the zoo not only showcases native wildlife but also tells the story of Cajun traditions and the importance of conservation in this fragile ecosystem.
Enjoy Fun for the Entire Family: The zoo offers an unforgettable day out for all ages, combining educational experiences with pure entertainment. Kids will love the playful antics of the orangutans, the chance to feed the giraffes, and the engaging animal encounters throughout the day. The zoo also features a carousel, a highly-rated splash park (the Cool Zoo), and multiple playgrounds, ensuring there’s always something to delight and engage every member of your family.
Contribute to a Legacy of Conservation: Your visit to the Audubon Zoo does more than just provide a day of fun-it directly supports critical global conservation efforts. The Audubon Nature Institute is dedicated to protecting endangered species and preserving biodiversity through scientific research and public education. By purchasing a ticket, you become a partner in these vital programs, helping to save wildlife for future generations and ensuring these incredible animals continue to thrive.
Relax and Recharge in a Natural Oasis: Nestled within the historic grandeur of New Orleans’s Audubon Park, the zoo offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Stroll along beautifully landscaped pathways lined with ancient oak trees, enjoying the serene environment and fresh air. The spacious grounds provide plenty of room to roam and discover, making it the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature at a pace that suits you.
Timings
The zoo is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Last ticket is sold at 4:30 PM.
How Do I Get There?
Getting to the Audubon Zoo is easy, with several convenient transportation options available.
- Address
- By Car
- By Streetcar
- By Bus
- By Rideshare/Taxi
Audubon Zoo
6500 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA 70118
The Audubon Zoo is conveniently located in the heart of New Orleans at 6500 Magazine Street.
Situated within the beautiful and historic Audubon Park, the zoo is easily accessible from the Uptown neighborhood.
Its central location makes it a perfect destination for both local residents and tourists exploring the city’s unique cultural and natural landmarks.
The zoo is located on Magazine Street, easily accessible from the Uptown neighborhood. It offers a main parking lot with ample space for visitors.
Driving from Downtown/French Quarter: Take Magazine Street Uptown (west). You will pass through the Garden District and the university area. The zoo will be on your left, just past the Tulane and Loyola University campuses and across from Audubon Park.
Parking: Free parking is available in the zoo’s main lot, located at 6500 Magazine Street. This lot can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays, so arrive early for the best spots.
For a classic New Orleans experience, take the historic St. Charles Avenue Streetcar. This iconic line runs from Canal Street downtown through the beautiful Garden District and Uptown.
Exit the streetcar at the Audubon Park stop (at the intersection of St. Charles and Tulane/Loyola). From there, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through Audubon Park – a walk of about 15-20 minutes – to reach the zoo’s entrance on Magazine Street.
The New Orleans RTA Bus #11 (Magazine) line provides direct service to the zoo. The bus travels along Magazine Street, and there are stops directly in front of the zoo’s entrance. This is the most direct public transit option.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft or a traditional taxi can drop you off directly at the zoo’s main entrance on Magazine Street, offering a convenient door-to-door service. Simply input “Audubon Zoo” as your destination.
Things to Know Before Visiting Audubon Zoo
The zoo is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with the last tickets being sold at 4:30 PM.
Purchase your tickets online in advance to save time and ensure entry on busy days.
Manual wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis at the front gate.
Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are permitted, but glass containers and disposable straws/lids are not allowed for the safety of the animals.
Pets are not allowed inside the zoo, but service animals are welcome.
The zoo’s free parking lot can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended on weekends and holidays.
Look for the “Headphone Zone” signs, which indicate areas that may be loud, and “Quiet Area” signs for a place to relax.
Peak times often occur on weekends and holidays; visiting on weekdays may provide a quieter experience.
The venue is family-friendly and suitable for all ages with no specific age restrictions.
Cool Zoo Waterpark offers all-day admission during summer months for additional family fun.
Visitors are encouraged to respect conservation efforts and follow all rules & guidelines.
Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted, making navigation easier for families and guests with mobility needs.
The zoo provides amenities such as cafés, gift shops, and free Wi-Fi for convenience.
Audubon Zoo – Additional Information
- Food & Dining
- Souvenir Stores
- Special Events
Audubon Zoo provides a wide variety of dining options conveniently located throughout the park to make your visit more enjoyable.
The main dining area is the Zoofari Café, which offers a range of classic meals from burgers and chicken tenders to pizza. Nearby, you can get a refreshing scoop of ice cream or a New Orleans sno-ball from Crescent City Creamery.
For a taste of local cuisine, visit the Cypress Knee Café inside the Louisiana Swamp exhibit. Here, you’ll find authentic Cajun and Creole dishes, including gumbo and po-boys.
Throughout the zoo, you’ll also find smaller stands for quick bites. The iconic New Orleans’ Roman Candy wagon is a must-try for a classic local treat. At the entrance, Flamingo Café is a good spot for a coffee or snack, while those visiting the seasonal water park can find food at Gator Bites and Snack n’ Splash within the Cool Zoo.
Audubon Marketplace
Location: Inside the zoo, near the front entrance.
Start your visit with a shopping adventure at the Audubon Marketplace, a spacious gift shop with a massive banyan tree and a life-sized elephant display. Filled with a diverse selection of items, the marketplace offers everything from official Audubon Nature Institute merchandise and books to unique New Orleans-themed gifts. Every purchase directly helps support our vital conservation initiatives, allowing you to take home a memento while making a difference.
Swamp Gift Shop
Location: Within the Louisiana Swamp exhibit.
After exploring the unique wetlands of our Louisiana Swamp exhibit, stop by the gift shop for themed souvenirs. This is the perfect place to find a unique, Louisiana-themed souvenir. The shop features a range of items, including plush animals native to the region, apparel, and a wonderful collection of cookbooks and kitchenware celebrating Louisiana’s famous culinary scene.
Audubon Zoo hosts an array of special events throughout the year that complement its mission of conservation and community engagement.
Signature events include Zoobilation, Boo at the Zoo during Halloween, Swamp Fête celebrating Louisiana’s natural heritage, and Dragons and Other Mythical Creatures showcasing themed exhibits and activities.
Seasonal programs and Wild Encounters offer immersive animal experiences for visitors seeking deeper interaction.
Tickets for these events are available separately and often feature unique activities, entertainment, and educational presentations designed to enrich the visitor experience.
Accessibility Facilities at Audubon Zoo
Audubon Zoo is committed to ensuring a welcoming and accessible environment for all guests, including those with disabilities. For visitors who are visually impaired, the zoo offers tactile exhibits and descriptive signage throughout key areas, allowing for enhanced interaction with the animals and habitats. Additionally, audio guides and trained staff are available to assist in providing detailed information, helping visually impaired guests navigate and experience the zoo meaningfully.
For specially abled visitors with mobility challenges, the zoo provides wheelchair rentals and accessible pathways designed to accommodate mobility devices. Restrooms and seating areas are also fully accessible, ensuring comfort during the visit. Visitors requiring assistance can inquire at guest services upon arrival to arrange mobility aids or support services as needed, facilitating a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Guests who are hearing impaired benefit from visual aids and captioned video presentations located within various exhibits. Sign language interpretation can be requested in advance for guided tours or special programs to enhance understanding and engagement. The zoo encourages visitors to contact guest services ahead of their visit to arrange these accommodations, ensuring inclusive participation in all activities and events.
Interesting Facts about Audubon Zoo
The Audubon Zoo is part of the non-profit Audubon Nature Institute, which operates ten museums and parks.
It is home to the largest collection of venomous snakes in North America.
The zoo sits on 58 acres within historic Audubon Park, which was established in 1871.
The Louisiana Swamp exhibit features a historic Creole cabin and a display of native wildlife, including alligators.
The zoo’s Asian Domain is home to the critically endangered Sumatran orangutans.
The Jaguar Jungle exhibit includes a large population of diverse New World animals.
The zoo helped reintroduce the endangered whooping crane to the wild in Louisiana.
Audubon Zoo is one of only two zoos in the world that has a leucistic—not albino—white alligator on display.
The zoo is a recognized leader in conservation and a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
It features a popular, seasonal water park called Cool Zoo with a lazy river and a variety of water features.
The Audubon Zoo’s Tropical Bird House contains over 100 birds from various tropical regions.
The zoo has an elevated boardwalk for viewing the animal habitats from above.
The elephant habitat provides a large space for the elephants to roam and includes a waterfall and a pool.
The Watoto Walk exhibit features a wide array of African savanna animals.
The zoo’s primate habitats offer unique opportunities to see monkeys, lemurs, and more.