Audubon Zoo
A century-old Uptown zoo combines global conservation exhibits with Louisiana swamp ecology beneath one of New Orleans’s major live-oak canopies.
Artwork inspired by Achille Peretti
Audubon Zoo’s strongest route alternates large modern habitats with the site’s older architectural layers and oak-shaded circulation. Louisiana Swamp interprets local food webs, cultural relationships, and conservation, while other areas support species programs extending far beyond the state. A useful visit follows habitat needs and management decisions rather than collecting animal sightings.
Check the daily schedule for keeper talks, training, and temporary closures before choosing a loop; animals may be indoors, off exhibit, or resting for welfare reasons. Summer heat is serious for people and animals, and the splash area can dominate family planning. The zoo is in Uptown, separate from Audubon Aquarium downtown, so combination tickets do not eliminate travel time.
- Founded
- 1914 roots
- Local focus
- Louisiana Swamp
- Plan for
- 3–5 hours
Quick guide
- Arrive
- Near opening in warm months
- Choose
- One keeper talk + two habitat zones
Make the visit count
- Read behavior
- Look for feeding, shade use, social distance, and enrichment instead of demanding constant motion.
- Study Louisiana Swamp
- Connect alligators, birds, fish, wetlands, and people within one changing ecosystem.
- Notice historic layers
- Look for wPA structures and oak alleys reveal how zoo design and welfare standards changed.
- Respect barriers
- Never feed wildlife or cross rails for photographs.
Good to know
The zoo and aquarium are different campuses several miles apart. Heat index, thunderstorms, animal care, and construction can close habitats or rides without closing the zoo; consult the day-of schedule, bring refillable water bottles, and do not promise a child that any one animal will be visible.
Notice these
- Louisiana Swamp
- Live-oak avenues
- Global conservation habitats