This zoo is inside Audubon Park, a lovely riverside spot with 1.8 miles of multi-use paved trail unfurling beneath a shady canopy of live oaks. It covers 58 acres and is home to 2,000 animals. You and your family can see the entire zoo in three to four hours – but we would suggest an entire day to experience both the zoo AND the park. Behind the zoo is The Fly, the waterfront section where people toss Frisbees and chill out.

Photography (including flash) is permitted and outside food/drinks are allowed while suitcases, backpacks or coolers (with or without wheels) should not be larger than a 28-quart size. Only one per family is allowed. You’ll find the zoo on the left-hand side at 6500 Magazine Street in New Orleans. It has its own parking lot – which is free to the public.

STREETCAR + FREE SHUTTLE

If you are staying in the French Quarter or CBD (Central Business District), you can take the St. Charles streetcar from Canal Street to a free shuttle that runs once every 15 minutes. You can also take the #11 bus on Magazine Street, get off at the park and walk to the zoo – this will take roughly 40 minutes – but it offers great sightseeing.

GO TO THE ZOO WITH A GAME PLAN

To make your trip run smoothly we’d like to help you PLAN your visit to the zoo so here are some of the highlights that may interest you and your family.

• Cool Zoo Splash Park – in addition to the exhibits there is also a water park for those who want to keep cool during the warmer months. It’s a great place for kids either before or after visiting the zoo. It offers water slides and an attraction known as Gator Run. And don’t worry, there’s also shaded seating for parents and grandparents who want to take a break. Now, let’s move on to the exhibits you and the kids will see.

• The Exotic African Savanna – this is where you’ll find animals such as nimble zebras, stately giraffes and African painted dogs

• The Audubon Aviary – one can view 30 species of birds from around the world here. Some are endangered species and luckily the zoo has given them a chance to thrive and grow

• Asia: the Largest Continent – this exhibit features some very big animals – for example: orangutans, tigers, sun bears and giant, but gentle, elephants

• The Bambu Village – here’s where all of you can have an actual encounter with some of the animals that are touch-friendly – everyone loves this

• Flocks of Flamingos – the zoo has two flocks (one in the plaza and another near the aviary); if you visit in the spring or summer you’ll see them laying eggs and raising their young

• Jaguar Jungle – this exhibit shows jaguars living in a Mayan rainforest – you’ll also get lots of info about animals in South America

• Monkey Hill – this is the highest point in New Orleans and features a five-level tree house (parents can take a bit of a break here)

• Reptile Encounter – one can experience a variety of different reptiles, namely: the Komodo dragon, panther chameleons and even cobras

• World of Primates – an exhibit of monkeys and lemurs plus a superstar: Okpara, a stunning Western lowland silverback male gorilla who loves attention (in nature the dominant silverback is responsible for the protection and safety of his troop)

The Audubon Park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. while the Zoo is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There’s even more to see than what we’ve shown here – so come and bring the whole family. This zoo is something you’ll all be talking about for weeks afterwards. Great vacation memories are priceless.

For more information about Audubon Zoo, including COVID-19 hours and policies, ask your friendly Front Desk Agent at Rathbone Mansions!

Shaun Nelson-Henrick