Audubon Zoo

06/11/2025

Happy Pride Month! We're proud to celebrate and support our LGBTQ+ community this Pride Month and continue to be an inclusive space for those who want to celebrate the wonders of nature. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

06/10/2025

Ready to spice up your life? Meet the newest residents of Jaguar Jungle - a squadron of Chacoan peccaries named Parsley, Basil, Clove, Cinnamon, Chili, and Ginger… aka the Spice Girls! 🌿 ☘️ 🌶️ 🫚

Chacoan peccaries may look pig-like, but they’re actually a separate species found in the hot, dry scrublands of South America’s remote Gran Chaco region. Once thought extinct, they were rediscovered in 1971, and with only about 3,000 currently exist in the world, making them very rare and highly endangered.

Want to see these “Spice Girls” in action? Swing by Jaguar Jungle and say hello!

06/06/2025

Maverick + Fennessy = the giraffe friendship we never knew we needed! 🦒 🦒

Watching these two explore their habitat together gives best day ever energy.

06/05/2025

Meet our newest feathered friends in Jaguar Jungle’s River’s Edge! Three female rheas have recently joined River's Edge and are already busy exploring their new surroundings.

Rheas are large, flightless birds native to South America - relatives of ostriches and emus. They’re known for their incredible speed (up to 40 mph!), excellent eyesight, fascinating nesting habits, and let’s be honest…those irresistibly cute faces.

Come by and watch this new feathery flock strut their stuff!

06/04/2025

ZOObilation is almost here! On Thursday, June 5, Audubon Members get exclusive after-hours access to the Zoo for a wild evening of up-close animal encounters, live entertainment, tasty bites, Swamp Train rides, and more. Bonus: Members can also purchase discounted Cool Zoo Waterpark tickets for the same day because every great night deserves a splash of fun!

Please note: Audubon Zoo will close at 3:00 p.m. on June 5 to prepare for ZOObilation.

Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans is doing a world of good by conservation efforts that protect endangered species, habitats, and nature.We engage the community through our facilities and public spaces, events, and experiences, sustainability initiatives, and conservation programs.

06/03/2025

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Mapema, our beloved male mandrill. For the past two years, our Primate Staff has closely monitored Mapema’s health and quality of life. The team observed a significant decline in his mobility and overall comfort. After careful consideration, our veterinary and animal care teams made the compassionate decision to humanely euthanize him.

The median life expectancy for mandrills in the wild is around 20 years. Mapema was just shy of 27, a remarkable age that reflects the exceptional care he received throughout his life.

Mapema joined Audubon Zoo in 2015 to be paired with his companion, Jinx. Together, they had two offspring: Kofola and Kiburi. Kofola has since moved to another zoo, where she became a mother herself. Kiburi remains at Audubon Zoo with his mother, Jinx.

Mapema was a striking primate whose brilliantly colored face captivated guests. Known for his calm and charming nature, he was a patient and steady father, even when his youngsters were full of energy. His iconic “smile” and gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and cared for him.

Mapema leaves behind a meaningful legacy, both through his lineage and his contribution to the care and understanding of mandrills in human care.

06/02/2025

Kick off Pride Month with the ultimate summer party - Sip+Dip: True Colors Night this Friday, June 6th! Grab your tickets before it sells out 🔗 bit.ly/4kpr8oX

Enjoy adults-only (21+) after hours access to Cool Zoo Waterpark with a live DJ, speciality cocktails, savory bites, poolside vibes, and more! 🏳️‍🌈 🍹 🌊 😎

06/02/2025

Back in April, we shared the story of two displaced male gopher tortoises spending the winter at Audubon Zoo. Well, we have an exciting update! In collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), the tortoises recently took their first steps back into the wild. 🐢

Our animal care staff from Hospital and Herpetology departments assisted LDWF in building “soft release pens” at a protected wildlife management area. These temporary enclosures allow the tortoises to be closely monitored as they acclimate to their new surroundings. After a few weeks of careful observation, the fences will be removed, and the tortoises will be free to roam and re-establish their territories. Shell yeah!

We’re thrilled to see these incredible animals return to the wild and are grateful for our continued partnership with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

05/31/2025

Happy 37th Hatchday, Boomer - we choose you! Our Catalina macaw had a Pokémon-themed birthday party, complete with enrichment “poké balls,” colorful treats, and a whole lot of squawk. 🦜 🥳

05/30/2025

Celebrate World Parrot Day with us at Audubon Zoo on Saturday, May 31! Join us in Wings of the World for a day of colorful fun and feathered friends. 🦜

Help our keepers craft enrichment for parrots and other birds! We invite guests to bring clean household items like: toilet paper/paper towel rolls, cardboard & cereal boxes (no stickers), newspapers, coffee filters, cupcake liners, drink carriers, egg cartons, and tissue boxes (without plastic). You'll be playing a hands-on role in caring for our animals - how cool is that?!

Come show your love for parrots and learn how we can help protect these brilliant birds!

05/30/2025

Help save gorillas – recycle your old electronics! Join us for the Gorillas on the Line campaign and make a real difference for wild gorillas and their habitats by donating old cell phones and small electronics. 🦍♻️📱

📅 Cell Phone Saturdays return on Saturday, May 31 (10 AM – 1 PM)! Bring your old devices to the Gorillas on the Line recycling box near the Zoo’s gorilla habitat, and receive a special keepsake from our gorillas as a thank-you.

🦍 Enjoy fun activities, meet our gorilla keepers, and learn more about our incredible troop! Each keeper chat includes exclusive trading cards featuring a different gorilla- collect them all, while supplies last!

Why recycle cell phones? Many electronics contain coltan, a mineral essential for device production. Around 80% of the world’s coltan comes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is also home to endangered gorillas. Coltan mining destroys gorilla habitats. Recycling helps reduce the demand for new mining and directly supports gorilla conservation efforts.

05/29/2025

Audubon Members, mark your calendars – ZOObilation is almost here! 📆

On Thursday, June 5, Audubon Members enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the Zoo during this special celebration. Get ready for up-close animal encounters, live entertainment, tasty bites, Swamp Train rides, and more. PLUS: Members attending ZOObilation can purchase discounted Cool Zoo Waterpark tickets for the same day – a splash of extra fun! Details here: bit.ly/4l0F7lp

Join us as we celebrate conservation, community, and YOU – our valued Members!
Event time: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Please note: coolers, ice chests, and outside food or drinks are not permitted. Guest passes are not accepted for this event. Audubon Zoo will close at 3:00 p.m. on June 5 to prepare for ZOObilation.