New Orleans: Audubon Zoo or Combo Ticket

If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans and want to experience its vibrant wildlife and unique natural attractions, the Audubon Zoo and Combo Tickets offer a solid way to enjoy some of the city’s top family-friendly activities. These tickets unlock access to over 50 acres of lush habitats and cover more than 1,700 animals, many of which are rare or endangered—making it a worthwhile stop for animal lovers and curious travelers alike.

What we particularly love about this experience is the chance to see endangered species like whooping cranes, Amur leopards, and Sumatran orangutans in naturalistic environments. Plus, the option to upgrade and include the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium gives the opportunity to extend your adventure with fascinating marine life and creepy crawlies. The overall value and variety make this experience adaptable for different interests and ages.

One consideration is that some reviews mention occasional closures or difficulties with ticketing — so planning ahead and confirming availability can save frustration. This tour is especially suitable for families, animal enthusiasts, and those looking for a relaxing, educational day out in a scenic setting.

Key Points

• Wide-ranging animal encounters with over 350 species in natural habitats
• Optional combo tickets allow access to Aquarium and Insectarium for a richer experience
• Children under 2 enter for free, making it family-friendly
• Well-maintained facilities with positive remarks on cleanliness
• Expert demonstrations enhance learning about animal care and conservation
• Limited closures noted by some visitors highlight the need to check availability in advance

We’ll begin with the core experience—visiting the Audubon Zoo itself. Spanning over 50 acres, this zoo offers more than just a collection of animals; it provides immersive environments designed to mimic their natural habitats. As visitors, we loved the way the zoo’s layout encourages wandering through different ecosystems, from the Louisiana Swamp to Jaguar Jungle.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Animal Collection and Exhibits

With over 1,700 animals, the zoo is impressively diverse. You’ll find iconic big cats like African lions in jaw-dropping close-up viewing areas—something many visitors consistently praise. The Sumatran orangutans are another highlight, especially since the zoo has orangutan babies born there, which appeals to visitors of all ages.

The Monkey Hill is aptly named: a multi-level treehouse that offers children and adults alike a chance to observe primates at various levels of their habitat. One reviewer pointed out the beauty and care evident in the facilities, noting it as “beautifully taken care of” and “lots of huge trees for shade,” which adds to the comfort of animal viewing.

The Jungle and Swamp Exhibits

The Jaguar Jungle transports guests to Central America, complete with an archaeological dig, which is an interactive touch that makes it more than just a display. The Louisiana Swamp exhibit is particularly unique—it’s the world’s only urban swamp, showcasing animals native to South Louisiana like black bears, bobcats, and white alligators. Visitors often find it fascinating to get an up-close view of these creatures and learn about local habitats, providing a real sense of regional ecology.

Family and Educational Activities

Kids love the Monkey Hill and the chance to climb and explore. The zoo offers daily animal care demonstrations, which are both engaging and educational. One reviewer mentioned how these sessions make the zoo experience “wonderful,” especially for grandchildren enjoying their day.

Additional Features

Interaction with domestic animals at Watoto Farm introduces children to sustainable farming practices—another significant plus for families interested in eco-education. Visitors can also enjoy feeding sheep and goats, which adds a tactile dimension to the visit.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Upgrade: Combo Tickets to Aquarium and Insectarium

The combo tickets are a clever way to extend your wildlife adventure beyond the zoo. They include access to the Audubon Aquarium, just a short ride away, and the Insectarium, both highly rated attractions. Visitors can visit these additional sites within 3 to 5 days, offering flexibility for travelers with busy schedules.

The Aquarium is renowned for its diverse marine life exhibits, while the Insectarium offers a fascinating look at creepy crawlies, with some reviewers noting it as “not spectacular” but still a worthwhile addition, especially for insect enthusiasts.

Practical Details: Visiting and Ticketing

The ticketing process is streamlined—booking online in advance helps you skip the line, which is especially useful during busy seasons. The standard zoo tickets are valid for one entry only, so if you opt for the combo, you’ll need to plan visits accordingly.

For those booking combo tickets, you’ll have a 3-day window to visit additional attractions, providing flexibility for your trip. Children under 2 are free, making this a family-friendly outing with affordable options for young children.

The opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry permitted at 4:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly. Be aware that some reviews mention exhibits under construction or closed, like the giraffe exhibit, so it’s wise to check availability before your visit.

What Travelers Are Saying

Most visitors rate the experience positively, with a 4.4/5 based on 63 reviews. Many mention clean facilities and friendly staff, which contribute to a pleasant visit. A typical comment from a traveler: “The zoo in NOLA is great. Clean, lots of huge trees for shade, and beautifully taken care of.”

Some reviews note occasional frustrations, such as closed exhibits or high prices for food and drinks, but these are balanced by the overall enjoyment of the experience. One reviewer suggested that the zoo could include more species like pandas or tigers, which indicates there’s room for expansion, but the current collection is still impressive.

A notable criticism was about ticket issues, with one traveler mentioning “bad” ticket scanners, though staff were accommodating in resolving this—highlighting the importance of arriving early or verifying tickets in advance.

The Value of the Experience

When weighing the cost versus experience, the value is high, especially given the range of exhibits, educational programs, and the chance to see rare animals up close. The combo tickets are particularly good value, allowing a multi-day exploration that covers aquatic and insect life, broadening the scope of your visit without excessive expense.

This experience suits families with children, animal lovers, and anyone interested in local ecological environments. The interactive exhibits and close encounters make it engaging, while the scenic grounds are perfect for a relaxed day outdoors. If you’re able to plan ahead and verify the exhibit statuses, you’ll find the experience both enjoyable and educational.

The Audubon Zoo and Combo Tickets in New Orleans provide a well-rounded, engaging, and educational outing for a variety of travelers. The chance to see endangered species and explore different ecosystems makes it worthwhile, especially with the added benefit of optional aquarium and insectarium visits. While some reviews mention closures, most visitors leave with a sense of satisfaction, appreciating the clean facilities, friendly staff, and impressive animal collection.

This experience is best suited for families and animal enthusiasts who want to enjoy a relaxed day in a scenic setting, learning about conservation and regional wildlife. The value for money is good, especially when combining attractions, making it a practical choice for those wanting a comprehensive wildlife experience in New Orleans.

Is the ticket valid for multiple visits?
No, the standard zoo tickets are valid for a single entry on your booked date. Combo tickets allow visits within 3 to 5 days to multiple attractions.

Are children under 2 free?
Yes, children under age 2 can enter for free, making it accessible for families with very young kids.

What are the opening hours?
All Audubon attractions operate from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry allowed at 4:30 PM.

Can I cancel my tickets?
Yes, you can cancel your tickets up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the zoo and its attractions are wheelchair accessible.

Are there any restrictions on bringing food or drinks?
Yes, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the zoo and attractions.

What about pet policies?
Pets are not allowed to ensure the safety and comfort of the animals and visitors.

Can I buy tickets on the day of my visit?
While same-day tickets are often available, booking online in advance is recommended to skip lines and secure your preferred time.

Are the exhibits ever under construction?
Yes, some exhibits, like the giraffe enclosure, may be temporarily closed or under renovation, so checking current status beforehand can help plan your day.

The Audubon Zoo and Combo Tickets in New Orleans stand out as a practical, enjoyable way to experience the city’s natural side. Whether you’re traveling with kids, keen on wildlife, or simply seeking a peaceful outdoor activity, this experience offers genuine value with a variety of encounters sure to leave a lasting impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby