Audubon Zoo Tours and Activities

Audubon Zoo which includes zoo animals and signage
Audubon Zoo
Audubon Zoo which includes bird life and zoo animals
Audubon Zoo which includes zoo animals
Audubon Zoo


Louisiana’s historic zoo has been introducing the wonders of the animal kingdom to eager visitors for over a century.

The origins of Audubon Zoo date back to 1884, when it was just one of the many exhibits put together for the World Exposition. Named after the influential naturalist and artist John James Audubon, author of the seminal “Birds of America”, the collection quickly grew, and today encompasses more than 2,000 animals in a site of 23 hectares on the banks of the Mississippi River.

The zoo is full of historic features with fascinating back stories, such as Monkey Hill, built during the Great Depression to teach youngsters growing up in this flat city what a hill looks like. Some of the ancient oak trees are over 100 years old, while the ornately decorated art nouveau buildings, such as the neoclassical Sea Lion Pool dating from 1928, are important architectural treasures as well as ultra-stylish homes for their oblivious occupants.

Take time to explore the zoo at your own pace and absorb the atmosphere of a bygone age while marvelling at its exotic inhabitants. The African Savanna and Asian Domain introduce you to many different species from faraway continents, including gentle giants Jean and Panya the elephants, and the rare white tigers Rex and Zulu. Closer to home, the steamy Louisiana Swamp puts you eyeball to eyeball with smiling alligators and other species native to the state, including black bears, raccoons and otters.

The Reptile House is home to rattlesnakes, pythons, gila monsters and the endlessly fascinating Komodo dragon, which has become one of the zoo’s most popular attractions. The realistic, roaring full-size dinosaur replicas in Dinosaur Adventure help you to imagine what the ancestors of these prehistoric-looking lizards really looked like. For a perfect end to the day, let off steam in the refreshing water jets and slides of the Cool Zoo playground, or stave off the hunger pangs in the on-site Flamingo and Zoofari cafes.

Audubon Zoo is part of the Audubon Nature Institute, which also covers the Aquarium and the Insectarium. Tickets for all three attractions are available individually or as a package, and you can also add entrance to the IMAX Theatre next to the Aquarium for an additional charge. The zoo is open daily and is easily accessible by public transport or car, with free parking on site.

Popular places to visit


Top Audubon Zoo Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Alder Hotel Uptown New Orleans
Alder Hotel Uptown New Orleans
3 out of 5
4545 Magnolia Street, New Orleans, LA
Alder Hotel Uptown New Orleans
Old 77 Hotel
Old 77 Hotel
4 out of 5
535 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA
Old 77 Hotel
St. Charles Inn
St. Charles Inn
2.5 out of 5
3636 Saint Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA
St. Charles Inn
Hampton Inn New Orleans-St. Charles Ave./Garden District
Hampton Inn New Orleans-St. Charles Ave./Garden District
3.5 out of 5
3626 Saint Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA
Hampton Inn New Orleans-St. Charles Ave./Garden District
Comfort Inn Marrero - New Orleans West
Comfort Inn Marrero - New Orleans West
2.5 out of 5
6751 Westbank Expressway, Marrero, LA
Comfort Inn Marrero - New Orleans West
Hotel Henrietta
Hotel Henrietta
3.5 out of 5
3500 Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA
Hotel Henrietta
Lower Garden Home  Walk 2 Streetcar
Lower Garden Home Walk 2 Streetcar
New Orleans
Lower Garden Home Walk 2 Streetcar
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.