Aquarium of the Americas

Aquarium of the Americas and its collection

Aquarium of the Americas, opened in 1990, is an aquarium in New Orleans, United States.

The aquarium specialises in the aquatic life of the Americas, with exhibits covering North and South American regions, and holds 10,000 animals of 530 species. It reopened on 8 June 2023 after a $41 million rebuild that merged the Audubon Insectarium into the building. It is run by the Audubon Nature Institute, which also oversees the Audubon Zoo, a nature centre, species survival and research centres, a coastal wildlife network and parks.

Exhibits

A clear tunnel 30 feet long passes through the 132,000-gallon Caribbean reef tank, where tarpon and angelfish swim. The Amazon section is a climate-controlled greenhouse kept humid inside a glass cylinder that stands out on the riverfront, holding macaws, piranhas, freshwater stingrays and an anaconda. Paddlefish, catfish, owls and a white alligator with leucism appear in the Mississippi River gallery.

What the venue says

• daily penguin feedings and animal talks
• free-flying exotic bird habitats
• Onsite dining options and snack stations are available within the facility (including the Bug Appetite cafe featuring specialty treats like Cricket King Cakes)
• The aquarium does not have a dedicated onsite parking lot, but visitors can utilize several nearby public parking garages and lots located within walking distance, many of which offer special parking discounts for aquarium guests.
• fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps at the entrance and accessible public transit options nearby
• A limited number of wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis
• Strollers are permitted as long as they adhere to size guidelines (no wider than 29 inches and longer than 52 inches)