Attraction
The National WWII Museum
A large campus of pavilions in the Warehouse District telling the American story of the Second World War, with restored aircraft, immersive films and a submarine…
Audubon Zoo
A long-established zoo in Audubon Park, known for its Louisiana Swamp area with white alligators, plus Jaguar Jungle, an African savanna and a summer splash park.
At a glance
- Type
- Zoo
- Area
- Uptown, New Orleans, United States
- Opening
- Open daily · 10:00–17:00
- Official site
- audubonnatureinstitute.org
Good to know
- Wheelchair hire
- Sensory bags
- Nursing rooms
- Splash park
- Cafés
- Parking
Why we recommend it
Audubon Zoo is in Audubon Park in Uptown New Orleans, at 6500 Magazine Street, and is run by the Audubon Nature Institute, which also operates the city's aquarium and insectarium. It works well as a half-day out for families or for anyone who wants a break from the French Quarter, and it is easy to combine with a ride on the St Charles streetcar.
The Louisiana Swamp is the area most visitors remember. It recreates the wetlands of south Louisiana, with white alligators as its best-known residents, along with a gift shop and the Cypress Knee Café. Beyond Monkey Hill lies Jaguar Jungle. The African Savanna includes Twiga Terrace, where you can see giraffes and Hartmann's mountain zebras, and the zoo also keeps western lowland gorillas and Asian elephants. In warmer months the Cool Zoo splash park is a popular stop for children, so pack swimwear if you plan to use it. Two areas, the Reptile Encounter and Wings of the World, are closed for renovation with completion expected in early 2027.
The zoo is open daily from 10am to 5pm. The last ticket is sold at 4pm and the last entry is at 4.30pm, and it closes on Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Tickets are for a specific date and cannot be changed or refunded, but same-day re-entry is allowed. Since 1 October 2026 the zoo has been cashless, with kiosks that convert cash to a prepaid card. Children under two go free. In summer, arrive at opening when the animals are more active and the heat is lower, and allow three to four hours.
Paths, exhibits, restrooms and restaurants are described as accessible, and manual and electric wheelchairs can be hired at Guest Services. Sensory bags, weighted lap pads and quiet zones are available, and there are nursing spaces near the front gate and the splash park. Only trained service dogs and miniature horses are admitted.
The zoo has its own car park. By public transport, take the St Charles streetcar or an RTA bus to Audubon Park and walk through the park to the entrance; the streetcar passes Tulane and Loyola universities on the way. Trip planning is available on the norta.com website.
Audubon Zoo FAQs
When is Audubon Zoo open?
Daily from 10am to 5pm. The last ticket is sold at 4pm and last entry is 4.30pm.
When is the zoo closed?
On Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Hours can also change for weather or events.
Can I pay in cash?
No. The zoo has been cashless since 1 October 2026, but kiosks convert cash to a prepaid card.
Can I change my ticket date?
No. Tickets are date-specific and are not refundable, though same-day re-entry is allowed.
How do I get there by streetcar?
Take the St Charles streetcar to Audubon Park and walk through the park to the zoo entrance.
Is the zoo accessible?
Yes. Paths and facilities are described as accessible, and wheelchairs can be hired at Guest Services.
What should children not miss?
The white alligators in the Louisiana Swamp, the giraffes at Twiga Terrace and, in warm weather, the Cool Zoo splash park.