From giant anteaters and alligator-filled swamps to free-roaming goats, this city centre zoo has plenty to see.
Named after the naturalist John James Audubon, there has been animals at this site on the banks of the Mississippi since the 1884 World Expo in Audubon Park. Now, with more than 1800 animals spread over 23 hectares, the zoo consistently ranks among America's best.
The zoo might not be the country's biggest, but it does have an amazing range of animals from across the globe. White tigers and elephants roam through the foliage in the African Savannah zone while albino alligators rule the roost in the Louisiana swamp. It's quite a sight when the zoo keepers feed the gators hunks of raw chicken in the steamy swamp, which comes complete with Cajun houseboat.
Younger visitors might prefer the children's zoo area, where instead of hungry alligators on the prowl, you'll find goats and sheep that roam freely and can be fed and stroked. There is also a rare sight for flat-as-a-pancake New Orleans – an 8.5 metre tall elevation called Monkey Hill. This was built in the 1930s to show local children what a hill looked like. Another great place for kids is the Cool Zoo water park – in the humid summer, head here to cool off with animal themed slides and rides (admission costs extra).
Reptile lovers should visit the Reptile House which cold-blooded beasts such as rattlesnakes, Gila monsters and Komodo dragons call home. Then make sure you meet their ancestors in Dinosaur Adventure, where full-sized and frighteningly life-like dinosaur replicas prowl the area (admission extra).
Audubon Zoo is part of the larger Audubon Nature Institute, which also includes the Aquarium, IMAX theatre, park and the Insectarium which are all just a short drive away. Buy tickets individually or as a package.
Audubon Zoo is open daily and can be accessed by the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, which stops in front of Audubon Park.
