Audubon Aquarium of the Americas Audubon Aquarium of the Americas News

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gerenuk

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15+ year member
Does anyone know about a planned new exhibit at the aquarium called "Ghost of the Wetlands"? I assume it is a new white alligator exhibit?
 
The text of a September 20th article in the Times-Picayune:

"The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is undergoing more than $8 million in renovations, repairs and additions that will re-envision both the interior and exterior of the 23-year old attraction, Karyn Kearney, the aquarium's managing director and executive vice president said.

"What we're really excited about is in New Orleans we've been in rebuilding mode for so long that we're exciting to finally be building for the future," Kearney said. "We are going to really provide a dynamic, exciting and new experience for our guests."

The project, funded though a variety of sources including Community Development Block Grants, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the refinancing of bonds, started two years ago with the majority of work expected to be completed in the spring.

The largest portion of the project is a $1.7 million refurbishment of the aquarium's plaza that includes repairs to the bricks and slates on the ground, restoration of the kiosks, the installation of a 90-foot long interactive fountain similar to the one at the Shaw Center for the Arts in Baton Rouge, and the addition of 35 palm trees that will serve as an extension of the palm promenade on Canal Street, Kearney said.

The exterior improvements include repairs to the wharf and restoration of several sculptures along the Moonwalk.

Audubon is spending $2 million in FEMA funds repairing the aquarium's roof and is spending $400,000 in refinanced bonds replacing the interior lighting system that hasn't been updated since the building opened in 1990.

Audubon also is ready to put out for bid a $420,000 project that involves the restoration of the Moonwalk bricks up to the Capital One Pavilion, and repair of the aquarium's signage and public restroom.

Kearney said she is most excited about a new $1 million exhibit called the Great Mayan Reef that, when completed in March, will take visitors underwater to a lost Mayan city.

"The trend in museums and attractions now is to offer immersive experiences," Kearney said. "This will be the next generation of aquarium exhibits."

The Aquarium of the Americas attracts 750,000 people a year, Kearney said."
 
Here is exciting news from the aquarium. Their website's aquarium homepage has a link to a public information session that was broadcast March 31, 2021 about a proposed renovation project that will include relocating the nearby excellent but tragically-closed Insectarium into the building! The major design changes:

The existing building's footprint will be identical with a minor front facade square footage addition.
The aquarium's entrance will be moved to where the current Giant Screen Theater entrance is, and will serve both the aquarium and the Insectarium. The two attractions will be separate ticketed attractions, not grouped together.

The entrance lobby will be covered by a soaring angular glazed volume with dramatic staircase leading up to the second level, where the two attraction gates will be. New glazed facade will include wrapping part of the building where the Insectarium will be as well as re-skinning the existing Mississippi River gallery (which is a natural-light illuminated room).

Because other large-screen format theaters have opened since the aquarium's Giant Screen Theater opened, it has been decided to demolish the Giant Screen Theater's interior. The bottom floor will become a large event space, while the upper floor created by the tall volume of the former theater will become the extensive route for the Insectarium. The Insectarium will include a butterfly walk-through room and bug-tasting experience amongst the many popular features returning.

The suggested route through the existing aquarium will change with the new second-floor entry.

Design work was "50% done" at the time of the session, and a projected opening date was "Spring 2023."

The presentation includes graphics of elevations and floorplans, so watching the 27-minute session is informative. Scroll to the bottom of the page:

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas - New Orleans - Audubon Nature Institute
 
That sounds fantastic, the insectarium was a top stop when I make it back to NO eventually, so this would be great.
 
Other 2022 News:

On April 4th, the aquarium announced they acquired a (0.1) Andean cock-of-the-rock which is now on exhibit in the Amazon Rainforest area.

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On May 5th, the aquarium announced that (0.0.4) southern stingrays were born on April 14th.

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JurassicMax said:
Sadly Southern sea otters Ruby and Clara will leave the zoo while their enclosure undergoes repairs and upgrades.

Quote from the zoo's instagram post:
"Ruby is returning to Monterey Bay Aquarium, her first home after being rescued as a pup. Ruby will be contributing to Monterey Bay Aquarium's surrogate program goals, to help raise orphan pups to assist in the recovery of California’s threatened sea otter population. In Ruby's time with us, she loved relaxing in tubs, eating frozen seafood and treats stuffed into enrichment items, and interacting with guests at the sea otter habitat window.

Clara will be moving to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, where she will be an ambassador for her wild counterparts and continue to educate guests about the importance of sea otters as a keystone species. In Clara's time with us, she loved grooming and napping in kelp on exhibit, relaxing with ice treats, and engaging in training sessions with her care team."

The zoo hopes to welcome other sea otters in the future.

Source:
Instagram of Audubon Institute (18/06/2022) Login • Instagram
Click to expand...
 
On February 27th, 2023, the aquarium announced that a (0.1) African penguin named Zion was transferred to The Maryland Zoo in Maryland.

Audubon Aquarium

On March 21st, the aquarium announced that a (1.0) African penguin was born.

African Penguin Chick Born at Audubon Aquarium | There's a fluffy new resident at Audubon Aquarium - an adorable African penguin chick! The chick doesn’t yet have a name, but he will soon! He will... | By Audubon Aquarium | Facebook
Audubon Aquarium Welcomes New Penguin Chick
 
Smaggledagle said:
On March 21st, the aquarium announced that a (1.0) African penguin was born.

African Penguin Chick Born at Audubon Aquarium | There's a fluffy new resident at Audubon Aquarium - an adorable African penguin chick! The chick doesn’t yet have a name, but he will soon! He will... | By Audubon Aquarium | Facebook
Audubon Aquarium Welcomes New Penguin Chick
Click to expand...

On May 9th, the aquarium announced the penguin's name, Titan, which is now on exhibit.

Audubon Aquarium
Titan the African Penguin Chick Makes a Big Splash | Titan makes a big splash! Titan the African penguin chick has joined the colony AND swims like a penguin pro. Get ready to #WonderHere and see Titan... | By Audubon Aquarium | Facebook

TinoPup said:
The new Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium are opening June 8th (World Oceans Day).

Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium Opening Date Announced
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On June 8th, the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium officially opened to the public.

Audubon Aquarium
Photos: Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium opens after a $41 million dollar renovation
 
On July 11th, it was announced that 140,000 visitors visited the facility in its first month, exceeding projected estimates.

Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium Announce First Month Visitation Numbers
Audubon Nature Institute

On July 14th, the aquarium announced that (0.0.2) Guira cuckoos hatched which are now on exhibit in the Amazon Rainforest exhibit.

Two Guira Cuckoo Chicks Hatch at Audubon Aquarium | We're eggcited to announce that two Guira cuckoo chicks hatched in the Aquarium's Amazon Rainforest habitat! Guira cuckoos breed communally and can be... | By Audubon Aquarium - Facebook
 
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