WGNO

Holiday Gift Ideas from the Audubon Zoo including Johnette Downing’s New Book

Carly Nason

The Audubon Nature Institute is a great place to get holiday gifts for your loved ones.  The Audubon Nature Institute is a not-for-profit organization and every purchase helps them care for 15,000 animals and teach young people to appreciate nature.

Petit Pierre and the Floating Marsh

The New Orleans Pelicans and Audubon Nature Institute have teamed up with multi-award-winning children’s book author Johnette Downing and illustrator Heather Stanley to encourage reading and connect children with the beauty and importance of Louisiana’s wetlands through their new book, Petit Pierre and the Floating Marsh.

Published by Pelican Publishing, proceeds from Petit Pierre and the Floating Marsh support wetland education initiatives.   A “Friend a Pelican” pledge is included in the book to empower children to be good stewards of the environment.

Petit Pierre and the Floating Marsh is a heartwarming story about a pelican and his wetland friends.  When it’s time for Petit Pierre to leave the pelican nest and find a home of his own, he is in a quandary as to where to live.  With the help of wetland animals and plants, Petit Pierre discovers that the diversity of the wetlands provides the perfect environment to make a home.
With a primary focus on education, the Pelicans work with Audubon to teach children about coastal restoration in a fun and engaging manner.
“We are proud to be teaming up with Audubon Nature Institute on Petit Pierre and the Floating Marsh in an effort to connect children to the importance of coastal restoration,” said New Orleans Saints/Pelicans Owner Tom Benson.  “In addition to utilizing the book locally, we hope that the reach extends beyond the Gulf South as the health of our region has a larger impact, as well.  Petit Pierre and the Floating Marsh, with its amusing illustrations and story, gives us the chance to educate children in an engaging, fun way about the importance of saving the coast.  As we look ahead to the future of our city and region, it is imperative that our younger generations understand the importance of a healthy coastline.”
Johnette Downing will be signing copies of Petit Pierre and the Floating Marsh at the following locations.
  • Friday, November 25, 2016
    • Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
      • 1 Canal St.
      • New Orleans, LA 70130
    • 11am-1:30pm
  • Saturday, November 26, 2016
    • Maple Street Book Shop
      • 7529 Maple St.
      • New Orleans, LA 70118
    • 11am-1:30pm
  • Saturday, December 3, 2016
    • Pitot House
      • 1440 Moss St.
      • New Orleans, LA 70119
    • 2pm-3pm
  • Saturday, December 17, 2016
    • Barnes & Noble
      • 1601B Westbank Expy.
      • Harvey, LA 70058
    • 12pm-1pm

Click here for more information about Petit Pierre and the Floating Marsh.

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Adopt an Animal

Your symbolic animal adoption helps care for the more than 15,000 animals (including mammals, fish, birds, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, and insects) in Audubon’s care.  Because of your generosity, Audubon’s animals enjoy the highest quality care, world-class exhibits and stimulating enrichment activities.  Adoptions are symbolic.  All adoptable animals may have many adoptive parents and all adopt animals must remain in their Audubon homes.

Adopt An Animal benefits include:

  • Personalized certificate of adoption
  • Color photo and fun facts about the adopted wild child
  • Thank you letter
 Click here to see all of the animals that you can adopt.
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Gift a Membership to the Audubon Nature Institute

Audubon Membership is the best entertainment value in town!  For one low price, you’ll enjoy free admission to Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarim PLUS exclusive perks.  Give your family a full year of fun and adventure, along with the knowledge that you are supporting a cornerstone of the community.  Your membership dollars advance their conservation efforts, support the animals in their care and provide green spaces and play places for visitors and residents alike.

Click here for more information about the Audubon Nature Institute’s membership program.

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Audubon Marketplace

Stop by Audubon Marketplace for animal-themed gifts.

Shopping is always an adventure at Audubon Zoo’s Audubon Marketplace, a 4,000-square-foot space with a life size elephant and Banyan tree full of goodies.  With a convenient Uptown location and plenty of free parking Audubon Marketplace is a great place to buy gifts for any occasion.

You can find a wide range of gifts, including Audubon Nature Institute merchandise, New Orleans and Louisiana themed items, as well as a large selection of fun and educational gifts and books.  The gift shop also features customized items such as cups, pens, note cards and bookmarks.

  • Audubon Marketplace
    • 6500 Magazine St,
    • New Orleans, LA 70118

You can also shop from their online store.

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Maya SCUBA Dive or Snorkel Adventure

  • Maya SCUBA Dive
      • Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30am and 1:30pm.
      • Tickets:
        • $250 for non-members (plus sales tax)
        • $225 for members (plus sales tax)
      • Dive experience will last approximately 2 hours, with about 45 minutes in the Reef.
      • Each time slot is limited to a maximum of 4 participants.
      • SCUBA experience is open to certified divers 10 years and older. Those under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a paid, participating adult.
      • Non-participants (friends and family) must observe from the exhibit public space.
      • Participants must arrive 30 minutes ahead of time.
      • Each participant must bring their own swim suit.
      • Each diver must bring proof of certification.
      • Personal dive gear is not permitted, but guests may bring their own masks.
      • Guests with allergic sensitivity to marine animals should be aware that this is a simulated ocean environment.Certified divers are invited to experience the Aquarium’s Great Maya Reef at the from behind the glass.  SCUBA dive with cow-nose rays and hundreds of beautiful tropical fish right here in New Orleans.

       

  • Maya Snorkel Adventure
    • Experience the Aquarium’s marine creatures like never before. Swim in the Aquarium’s Great Maya Reef and come face-to-mask with cow-nose rays and beautiful tropical fish.
      • Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30am and 1:30pm.
      • Tickets:
        • $175 for non-members (plus sales tax)
        • $150 for members (plus sales tax)
      • Snorkel experience will last approximately 2 hours, with about 45 minutes in the Reef.
      • Each time slot is limited to a maximum of 4 participants.
      • Snorkel experience is open to anyone 8 years and older. Those under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a paid, participating adult.
      • Non-participants (friends and family) must observe from the exhibit public space.
      • Participants must arrive 30 minutes ahead of time.
      • Each participant must bring their own swim suit.
      • Personal dive gear is not permitted, but guests may bring their own masks.
      • Guests with allergic sensitivity to marine animals should be aware that this is a simulated ocean environment.

       

Click here for more information about the Maya SCUBA Dive or Snorkel Adventure.

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Backstage Penguin Pass

Go behind the scenes at Audubon Aquarium of the Americas for an up-close encounter with an endangered African penguin.  This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for an intimate, hands-on experience with a penguin in a private encounter area.  A member of the Aquarium’s husbandry team will be with you to answer questions and guide you through the experience.

Pass Includes:

  • Meet a penguin up close!
  • Learn about penguins and how the Aquarium cares for them.
  • Visit the Aquarium Prep Kitchen where food is prepared for the penguins and many of the Aquarium’s animals.
  • Receive a penguin painting created during the experience.
  • Take your own photos to capture the unforgettable moment.

 Details:

  • Available Thursday afternoon at 1:30pm; and Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 10:00am and 1:30pm. The last ticket sold for an experience will be 15 minutes before the tour.
  • Includes admission to Audubon Aquarium of the Americas before or after your scheduled time.
  • Tickets:
    • $115 per person for Audubon members (plus sales tax)
    • $125 per person for non-members (plus sales tax)
  • Encounters are limited to 6 guests, 4 years of age and older.
  • All participants 16 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult chaperone (21 or older).
  • One adult must accompany each child under 10 years of age (one adult per child).
  • Every person attending must have a ticket.
  • Advance tickets recommended.
  • Guests with food related allergies should be aware that our aquatic animals may be offered shellfish, finfish or crustaceans.

Click here for more information about the Backstage Penguin Pass.

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Sea Otter Experience

Go behind the scenes at Audubon Aquarium of the Americas to meet one of their Southern Sea Otters!  This unforgettable 30-minute behind the scenes experience gives a sneak peek behind-the-scenes and an up close interaction with one of our sea otters through a protective interaction area.  Learn about conservation efforts while our trainers share with you the wonder of these charismatic, endangered animals.

Sea Otter Meet and Greet Highlights:

  • Meet a sea otter up close!
  • Go into the behind-the-scenes sea otter area with Aquarium staff.
  • Learn about sea otters and see some of their trained behaviors.
  • Take a photo to capture the unforgettable moment.

Details:

  • Available Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30am.
  • Tickets must be purchased 24 hours in advance.
  • Includes admission to Audubon Aquarium of the Americas before or after your scheduled time.
  • Tickets:
    • $65 per person for Audubon members (plus sales tax)
    • $75 per person for non-members (plus sales tax)
  • Encounters are limited to two guests, 10 years of age and older.
  • All participants 16 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult chaperone (21 or older).
  • Every person attending must have a ticket.
  • Audubon Nature Institute strongly recommends that participants wear sturdy, non-slip footwear. Audubon is not responsible for injuries resulting from inappropriate personal footwear.
  • Guests with food related allergies should be aware that our aquatic animals are offered shellfish, finfish and crustaceans.
  • Participants must be able to climb stairs to enter the behind-the-scenes area.

Click here for more information about the Sea Otter Experience.

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 The Golf Club at Audubon Park

The Golf Club at Audubon Park is located just minutes from downtown New Orleans and features a Denis Griffiths design with contoured Bermuda fairways, manicured Tif-Eagle greens, four lagoons and exquisite landscaping.

Audubon Park boasts the most immaculate and well-manicured greens in the New Orleans metropolitan area.  The competitive 18-hole par 62 course offers a 4,220-yard layout set among hundred-year-old oak trees.  Some of the trees have been around longer than the Park!  While you are here, grab a drink or a bite to eat at Audubon Clubhouse Café or visit Audubon’s Pro Shop.

Hours
Monday: 10am – 6:00pm
Tuesday – Thursday: 7am – 6:00pm
Friday – Sunday: 6:30am – 6:00pm

No driving range on premises – Putting greens available for practice -Please no chipping

Last cart out at 3:30pm; Golf flags are picked up at 4:30pm; Carts must be in no later than 5:00pm; Pro Shop closes at 5:00pm.

Click here for more information about the Golf Club at Audubon Park.

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Tribute Gift

Honor a memory or mark a milestone with a donation to Audubon.  You can designate your gift to Audubon Nature Institute to support important efforts in animal care, education, and conservation, or to the Audubon Park Conservancy.  Your gift to Audubon is a thoughtful way to honor a special occasion or remember a loved one.

Click here if you would like to buy a Tribute Gift.

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Click here for more information about the Audubon Nature Institute.