Audubon Aquarium
Located along the banks of the Mississippi River at the edge of the historic French Quarter, the Audubon Aquarium is a cornerstone of New Orleans, Louisiana. Situated at the upper end of Woldenberg Park off Canal Street, this facility offers visitors an immersive journey into the aquatic ecosystems of the Americas.
Managed by the Audubon Nature Institute—which also oversees the Audubon Zoo, the Louisiana Nature Center, and the Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, among others—the aquarium has evolved significantly since its opening on September 1, 1990. Most recently, the facility underwent a $41 million renovation that merged the Audubon Insectarium into the aquarium, reopening with enhanced exhibits and experiences on June 8, 2023.
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Key Facts
- Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
- Animal Population: Approximately 10,000 animals.
- Biodiversity: 530 different species.
- Accreditation: Member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
- Specialization: Aquatic life native to North and South America.
Major Exhibits
The aquarium is designed to showcase the diverse water-based environments of the Western Hemisphere, ranging from deep ocean reefs to humid rainforests.
Caribbean Reef
This exhibit features a massive 132,000 US gallon (500 m³) tank. Visitors can walk through a clear, 30-foot (9 m) long tunnel, providing a panoramic view of exemplary sea life, including angelfish and tarpon.
Amazon Rainforest
Housed in a prominent glass cylinder that functions as a humid, climate-controlled greenhouse, the Amazon exhibit brings the basin's biodiversity to the riverfront. It features a variety of species, including piranhas, anacondas, freshwater stingrays, and colorful macaws.
Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico exhibit is anchored by a towering 17-foot (5 m) tall tank containing 400,000 US gallons (1,500 m³) of water. This exhibit showcases sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles, with a modern design that simulates ocean life beneath an oil rig platform.
Mississippi River Gallery
Focusing on local waterways, this gallery highlights regional species such as catfish, paddlefish, and owls, as well as a rare leucistic white alligator (an alligator with a genetic condition resulting in white skin).
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History and Resilience
Since its inception in 1990, the Audubon Aquarium has faced several significant challenges. On August 7, 2002, a catwalk above the shark tank collapsed during a tour, causing 10 visitors to fall into the water. All were rescued within 15 minutes, with only minor injuries reported.
The facility's greatest trial came in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina. While the building's structure remained intact and stayed above the floodwaters, prolonged electricity outages disabled the sophisticated life support systems required for the animals. By the time staff returned four days after evacuation, the majority of the 10,000 fish had perished.
The aquarium demonstrated remarkable resilience, reopening on May 26, 2006. Following the disaster, the facility expanded its jellyfish and Caribbean exhibits and revamped the Gulf of Mexico tank to better reflect the local environment.
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Quick Reference Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Opened | September 1, 1990 |
| Total Animals | 10,000 |
| Total Species | 530 |
| Key Exhibits | Amazon, Caribbean Reef, Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River |
| Recent Renovation | $41 million (Reopened June 8, 2023) |
| Management | Audubon Nature Institute |
Frequently Asked Questions
What animals can I see at the Audubon Aquarium?
The aquarium houses 10,000 animals from 530 species, including sharks, sea turtles, piranhas, anacondas, macaws, and a leucistic white alligator.
Where is the Audubon Aquarium located?
It is located in New Orleans, Louisiana, along the banks of the Mississippi River, adjacent to Woldenberg Park and the French Quarter.
What happened to the aquarium during Hurricane Katrina?
Although the building survived the storm and flooding, power failures caused the life support systems to fail, resulting in the loss of most of the fish population.
Is the Audubon Insectarium separate from the aquarium?
No, following a $41 million renovation, the Audubon Insectarium was merged into the aquarium facility, which reopened as a combined experience on June 8, 2023.
What is unique about the Amazon exhibit?
The Amazon exhibit is housed in a glass cylinder that acts as a climate-controlled greenhouse, creating a humid environment suitable for rainforest species.