Thursday, June 25, 2009

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans

DSC06305 scarlet macaw parrot

No matter where we are in the world, our kids always love going to aquariums. I was delighted that, even at age seventeen, my daughter asked to go to the Audubon Aquarium and IMAX Theater. The aquarium is situated beautifully along the banks of the Mississippi River on the fringe of the French Quarter. I braced myself for a sad visit because I read that the aquarium lost thousands of fish during Hurricane Katrina. Diana Guerrero of arkanimals.com writes:
"While the aquarium survived Hurricane Katrina relatively unscathed, its life support system did not; most of the animals in its aquatic exhibits were lost. However, the sea otters, penguins, macaws and raptors, leafy and weedy sea dragons, some fishes, and Midas, a 250 lb. green sea turtle all survived thanks to the care of staff who remained at the aquarium through the hurricane, flooding and civil unrest."
I was buoyed to learn that through efforts and donations of legions of people, their restocking efforts are well underway.

This huge tank is where Midas the green sea turtle lives.

DSC06319 Audubon Aquarium

He shares the tank with some impressive sharks.

DSC06318 audubon aquarium sharks

We were super lucky to have arrived when the cownose stingrays were being fed. You may be able to spy the scuba diver feeding small fish and broccoli to all these mouths.

DSC06302 cownose stingrays feeding time

I always have a ridiculously difficult time photographing birds in the wild. I usually end up with photos of where the bird used to be. These parrots, however, were a snap to photograph.

DSC06304 parrots



DSC06306 blue parrot

I don’t have very many other photographs because my daughter grew impatient with me, but I couldn’t resist these upside down jellyfish.

DSC06333 upside down jellyfish

And their tactile education display of a snapping turtle shell, an alligator and a beaver fur.

DSC06328 Audubon Zoo education

The Audubon Aquarium is definitely worth a visit, especially when the weather is oppressively hot and humid.

14 comments:

Yoli said...

I am a huge animal lover this is such a treat!!!! You also photographed my parrots!!! LOL. I have two Macaws whom I worship.

Pretty Zesty said...

So cool. Great pics, thanks for sharing!

Emily said...

What a wonderful place. How sad so many died in the hurricane. What great photos.

CC said...

Fabulous photos.
We have an Aquarium rightacross the Delaware River here, and I've been meaning to go.

Now, thanks to your post I am DETERMINED!
Thanks so much!

Ruth said...

The colors of the birds is stunning, and the texture of their feathers makes them so soft and yummy.

The tactile exhibit is cool! And broccoli surprised me!

christina said...

You captured some lovely shots here. Wow! Incredible, vivid colors.
xo

Dutchbaby said...

Dear Yoli,
Two macaws? I would love to see photos of them!

Dear Kris,
Glad you enjoyed them!

Dear Jemm,
There were so many losses due to Hurricane Katrina. The article said that over 10,000 creatures died at the aquarium.

Dear CC,
I am thrilled you will be going! I was never a big aquarium lover, but my kids have shown me the wonder of them. I hope you will do a post on your visit.

Dear Ruth,
I love birds and I'm so happy these posed for me :)

Dear Christina,
Thanks!

Renee said...

I love how the stingrays look like they are smiling.

Renee xoxo

A Cuban In London said...

When I saw those cownose rays I could not stop thinking of what a kiss from them would feel like. Yuk! many thanks for the fantastic photos and commentary :-).

Greetings from London.

Dutchbaby said...

Dear Renee,
That was exactly my thought when I saw them!

Dear Cuban,
I think they would have sardine breath and maybe bits of green broccoli stuck between their front teeth!

Relyn Lawson said...

So? Does SF have a good zoo and aquarium? Hmmm........

Dutchbaby said...

Yes! San Francisco has both!

paris parfait said...

Fantastic photos, Diana! What fun!

Dutchbaby said...

Dear Tara,
Coming from you, I will take this as a great compliment!

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