Lori Archer-Smith 2017-01-13 03:53:49
In Louisiana, getting close to exotic wildlife is as easy as stepping aboard a New Orleans streetcar. See what we mean when visiting the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, one of the top five zoos in the country. The famous Audubon Zoo, Aquarium of the Americas and Butterfly Garden and Insectarium are great places to experience wildlife up close in the Bayou State—but they certainly aren’t the only ones. With Pearl River Eco-Tours from Slidell, you can explore the beautiful Honey Island Swamp—don’t leave before hearing the myth of the Honey Island Swamp monster. In Folsom, board a safari wagon at Global Wildlife Center and come face to face with huge bison, giraffe, zebra, camels and more. In Hammond, “Git your gator on” at Kliebert’s Alligator & Turtle Farm, “Home of the original Swamp People.” While there, say hello to a 15-foot python named Marie Laveau. The Baton Rouge Zoo, frequently named one of the city’s best family attractions, houses many exotic creatures, plus a robust events schedule that includes evening tours during the summer. At Zoosiana in Lafayette, feed a giraffe out of your own hand, and learn about more than 750 animals while walking on paths cooled with natural shade. In Lafitte, explore Louisiana’s backcountry, the historic Manchac Swamp, with Cajun Pride Swamp Tours, or glide through secluded areas of marsh with Airboat Adventures. In Des Allemands, take a ride aboard Airboat Tours with Arthur Matherne, whose namesake is a commercial alligator and crab fisherman who was born on the bayou. At the Alexandria Zoo you can stalk through the Land of the Jaguar and the award-winning Louisiana Habitat. Come nose to nose with a white Bengal tiger in the Asia exhibit. At Pineville’s Gone Wild Safari, explore an amazing wildlife preserve on an exciting safari ride. And at Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo in Monroe, you can tour exhibits by foot or by boat. Afterwards, cool o. in the 4,000-square-foot ZOOasis Splash Pad.
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