Friday, December 21, 2012

Aquarium, Insectarium and Zoo in New Orleans

By Jamis Harrah


Graceful giraffes. Gigantic rhinoceroses. Stalking lions. No, you aren't in the jungles of Africa.

You are in New Orleans, Louisiana. Zoos in New Orleans offer the beauty, wonder and fear-inspiring shock of the wild in the land of Dixie, where you will be able to find the home of the blues and the home of the wild inside just one or two square miles. Include a trip to one of the interactive zoos in New Orleans on your next visit.

Audubon Zoo

A visit to the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans means a day of excitement and exploration for young and old. Located on Mag Street, theAudubon Zoo features exhibits like Audubon bird house, South American Pampas, Jaguar Jungle, Reptile House, Louisiana Swamp, Asian Domain, African Savanna and Dinosaur Excitement. There's even a petting zoo for proactive fun. There's usually something going on at the New Orleans Zoo. Daily specialized events include sea lion and otter feedings, ape feedings, gator feedings, a live elephant show and up-close and non-public visits with a range of zoo residents in 1 or 2 Creature Features offered during the day.The most acceptable time to go to the zoo is in the less-crowded weekday afternoons. Costs are fair, with a special senior discount. Packages are available that let you visit other attractions at the zoo and memberships allow you entrance at a heavy discount.

Audubon Aquarium

Adjacent to the Audubon Zoo is the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. An affiliate of the Louisiana Sea Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program, this New Orleans aquarium features sharks, otters, penguins, otters and a large number of fish among many other exciting, amazing creatures in the 400 thousand gallon Gulf of Mexico exhibit. Take an undersea stroll thru the walk-through tunnel that showcases creatures of the Caribbean or delight at the escapades of the sea otters during their daily sessions. Tickets to the New Orleans Aquarium can be procured with zoo entrance or separately.

Audubon Insectarium

Found in the Federal Agency U.S. Customs House on Canal Street, this superb exhibit features termites, slugs, butterflies and so many other crazy bugs. Get lost in giant blades of grass as you "shrink" to bug-size or enjoy a juicy bug appetizer. Voted "A top museum for both you and your children" by CNN.com in 2009, the Audubon Insectarium. Tickets to the Insectarium begin at $5.00 for members and increase to $15.95 for adult admission. Alternate admission prices are available for kids and senior citizens.




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