New Orleans: Audubon Zoo Ticket & Louisiana Swamp Trails

Summary

See rare animals up close at Audubon Zoo New Orleans

You’ll wander among 1,700 animals at Audubon Zoo in New Orleans—from watching orangutan babies play in dappled light to pausing by a silent white alligator in the Louisiana Swamp. Feed goats at Watoto Farm or climb Monkey Hill for city views. Every corner brings something new—a mix of laughter, curiosity, and those quieter moments you remember later.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed at Audubon Zoo was the sound—kids laughing, a peacock screeching somewhere behind the trees, and this sort of low hum from the city just outside the gates. We’d barely made it past the entrance when my niece tugged me straight toward Monkey Hill. She said it’s “the highest point in New Orleans,” which made us both laugh, but honestly, climbing that little hill and looking out over all the green felt oddly peaceful for a zoo full of families.

Our local guide (I think her name was Tasha?) showed us where to find the Sumatran orangutans—there was a baby clinging to its mom, orange fur catching bits of sunlight. The air smelled faintly sweet near their habitat, maybe from all the fruit they were eating. I tried to pronounce “orangutan” properly; Tasha grinned and said I wasn’t the first to mess it up today. She pointed out the whooping cranes too—so tall and still, like they were waiting for something.

We wandered into the Louisiana Swamp exhibit next. You can actually hear frogs croaking under the boardwalks, and there’s this damp-earth smell that reminds you you’re not far from real bayou land. The white alligator barely moved except for one slow blink. It’s strange how quiet people get around him—like everyone’s holding their breath a little. There are bobcats and black bears too, but it was that moment by the water that stuck with me most.

I didn’t expect to spend so long at Watoto Farm either—petting goats isn’t usually my thing, but my niece loved it and we learned about local farming practices from one of the keepers (he joked that goats are “just toddlers in fur coats”). By late afternoon we were tired but happy, shoes muddy from some shortcut she insisted on taking. If you’re looking for a day trip in New Orleans that feels both wild and local, this is it—I still think about those quiet moments by the swamp.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Audubon Zoo and animal exhibits

• Enter Audubon Zoo in New Orleans
• See African lion habitat
• Visit Sumatran orangutan habitat
• Explore Monkey Hill treehouse
• Discover Jaguar Jungle and bat house
• Check out Louisiana Swamp Exhibit
• Interact with animals at Watoto Farm

Top questions

What animals can I see at Audubon Zoo?

You can see over 1,700 animals including whooping cranes, Amur leopards, Sumatran orangutans (with babies), African lions, jaguars, ocelots, spider monkeys, black bears, bobcats, foxes, and a rare white alligator.

Is Audubon Zoo wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Audubon Zoo is wheelchair accessible throughout its grounds and exhibits.

Are there daily animal care demonstrations?

Yes, there are daily animal care demonstrations across different areas of the zoo.

Does my ticket include entry to special exhibits?

Your ticket includes access to all standard exhibits like Louisiana Swamp, Jaguar Jungle, Monkey Hill, and Watoto Farm.

Can infants or small children use strollers inside Audubon Zoo?

Yes, infants and small children can use prams or strollers inside the zoo.

Is public transportation available near Audubon Zoo?

Yes, there are public transportation options available nearby for easy access to Audubon Zoo.

What’s included

Your day includes your entry ticket to Audubon Zoo in New Orleans with access to award-winning exhibits like Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle plus daily animal care demonstrations—you’ll also be able to interact with domestic animals at Watoto Farm before heading home whenever you’re ready.