Located in Uptown New Orleans along Magazine Street in Audubon Park, the 58-acre Audubon Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals. Managed by the Audubon Nature Institute, this historic attraction offers an immersive look at wildlife from around the globe while honoring artist and naturalist John James Audubon. You can explore rich, themed environments like the Louisiana Swamp, which highlights local species including cougars, river otters, black bears, and famous leucistic white alligators.
Head over to the Jaguar Jungle to admire a ruined Mayan temple atmosphere alongside jaguars, giant anteaters, and nocturnal creatures inside Criaturas de la Noche. The Asian Domain showcases Sumatran orangutans and Asian elephants, while the World of Primates shelters western lowland gorillas and rare Angolan talapoins. Don't miss historic zoo features like the 1928 sea lion pool or Monkey Hill, an artificial hill enhanced with a waterfall and climbing web for children.
From petting farm animals at the Watoto Walk in the African Savanna to watching rescued California sea lions at the Sea Lion Theater or stepping inside a free-flight aviary, your visit delivers a diverse wildlife experience right near the Mississippi River.
What to see at Audubon Zoo
- Louisiana Swamp exhibit featuring rare leucistic white alligators and native wildlife
- Jaguar Jungle with Mayan temple ruins and the Criaturas de la Noche nocturnal house
- Historic Monkey Hill featuring a play waterfall, rope web, and grassy area for kids
- World of Primates housing gorillas and North America's only Angolan talapoins
- Asian Domain displaying Sumatran orangutans, Asian elephants, and Amur leopards
Visiting tips
Bring children to play at Monkey Hill, where they can climb the rope web and splash around the waterfall area.
How long: Half day · Best time: Not specified
How to get there & what’s nearby
Audubon Zoo is easy to reach on New Orleans’s public transport, and pairs naturally with St. Louis Cathedral and New Orleans Museum of Art. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our New Orleans travel guide.
See the full New Orleans travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.