We love aquariums! They’re not only educational, but observing sea creatures are just fascinating. You would think all aquariums are the same, but they all have animals unique to their local regions that we like to explore. Which is why we reached out for tickets to review the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans, Louisiana. Highlights include animals from Louisiana’s fishing industry, the white alligator in the Mississippi River Gallery, and a giant shark tank at the Gulf of Mexico Exhibit.
Geaux Fish! Located on the second floor, the Geaux Fish! exhibit is fun for all ages. The interactive exhibit features the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries where you can explore local animals, cast a virtual reel, or play on a real fishing boat. They had crayfish aka crawdads, but we think it could be more magnificent, because we love Louisiana crawfish! The signage below reads: “CRABS. If you eat blue crabs on the East Coast, there’s a good chance that crab was harvested and shipped from Lousiana!”
TIP: It’s also a great area for the kids to run around.
The extremely rare White American Alligators have only been found in Louisiana. (They’ve only found 18). Many think they’re albino, but they’re actually leucistic (a genetic mutation that gives them a pale color). Pretty cool right? Look for Spots, the White Alligator, in the Mississippi River Gallery. You’ll also find river inhabitants like freshwater catfish, paddlefish, and sturgeon.
Gulf of Mexico ExhibitEver wonder what it’s like underneath an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico? Well the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas has a quarter-scale replica of an offshore oil rig measuring 17 feet deep and holds 400,000 gallons of man-made saltwater! We were simply mesmerized. The tank is packed with sharks, sting rays, sea turtles, and schools of fish.
www.auduboninstitute.org/aquarium
Note: Be sure to validate your parking to get a discount!