Louisiana is called the “Festival State” by many people in the United States. Festivals are a year round occurrence here in Louisiana but spring offers the biggest selection. We always have something to celebrate down here in bayou country so if you like a good party this is where it is happening. The Audubon Zoo plays host to quite a few festivals themselves. Soul Fest was held on the Zoo grounds last weekend. A colorful celebration of African-American culture, New Orleans Creole cuisine and soul food mixed with R&B and hip hop kicked off a round of happenings at NOLA’s own “animal house”, the Audubon Zoo.
In my child accompanied travels across the country I have been to my fair share of Zoo’s and believe me when I say Audubon Zoo out classes them all. Not only is the Zoo itself beautifully done but it definitely does its part to promote Louisiana. There is plenty of natural habit for the animals. There are also lots of grassy and shaded areas for people to enjoy. The Zoo and its events offer a wonderful experience to all who visit. There are things for people of all ages to do and enjoy.
Trailing after Soul Fest are several others including Earth Fest, Asian Pacific American Society and then immediately after those are the popular fund raisers for the Audubon Society, the Whitney Zoo To Do and Zoo To Do for Kids sponsored by Humana. These fundraisers will help The Audubon Institute underwrite a new attraction for our favorite Zoo called Cool Zoo, an animal themed splash park designed especially with the kiddos in mind. With the hot Louisiana summer getting closer by the minute this is welcome news. Cool Stuff!
Right at the Zoo will be a new wet and wild splash park called the Cool Zoo. A jumping water spouts, a huge alligator (we are in Louisiana after all) water slide, a spider monkey soaker and water spitting snakes just to name a few of the highlights coming! The splash park will offer three different splash zones with one specifically for toddlers and younger zoo goers. Before you leave home, don’t forget to pack that extra change of clothes or at least put a swimsuit and towel in the bag. No matter what your age you are going to want to get just a little wet to cool off.
Look out for all the custom animal features in the new Cool Zoo, there will be animal sounds in the “Sound Spray” area. While enjoying the water spraying over you matching animal sounds like croaks, bleats, roars or squawks will be heard. The Caterpillar sprayer is designed to look like a monarch butterfly and the giant alligator’s tail is the waterslide! Check out this new hot spot that will be located between the Endangered Species Carousel and the Embraceable Zoo. Construction should begin soon. Cool Zoo fun will only enhance the whole Zoo experience, so get ready!
Another exciting new attraction for the Big Easy set to open this summer is Parakeet Pointe. Located at the Aquarium of the Americas, this drawing card will be an 800 square foot tropical environment and home to more than 1,000 free flying parakeets! For an even closer encounter, purchase a feed stick for a dollar and feed the bright beautiful little birds. These guys are all naturally curious and playful. The kids and you kid-like adults will love it! There is always something going on in the Crescent City, old and new. This summer seems to be no exception. So pack the bags, grab the kids and get on over here. New Orleans is waiting. By Sharon Denise Talbot.
Sharon Denise Talbot is an avid fan of the Audubon Zoo Festival. She loves sharing her New Orleans, Louisiana experiences, the people and places that make her home state unique.
