Member FAQs
- How can I become an Audubon Member or renew my current/lapsed membership?
You can purchase your membership or renew your current/lapsed membership by joining online, calling (504) 861-5105, or visiting our membership windows at Audubon Zoo or Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.
- If I purchase a membership today when will it expire?
Your membership will expire one year from the last day of the month the membership was purchased. For example, if you purchase a membership on 8/12/10 the membership will expire 8/31/11.
- Once I join, how soon will I receive my membership card?
Please expect to receive your card approximately 2-4 weeks from your date of purchase. Until you receive your card you can always use a photo ID or driver's license at the membership windows at the Zoo and Aquarium.
- How many membership cards do I receive with my membership?
When you join, you will receive one membership card. If you would like a second card you can purchase it for $5. There is a maximum of two membership cards per membership.
- How will I be able to enter the facilities if I have lost or misplaced my membership card?
Once you are a member your information is entered into our database. With your photo ID we can access that database pull up your profile. Please present your ID at any of our membership windows at either the Zoo or Aquarium.
- How can I buy a membership as a gift?
You can purchase a gift membership at the membership window on your next visit to the Zoo or Aquarium; download the online membership form and send it to us; purchase a gift membership online; or call us at (504) 861-5105.
- How do I determine when my membership expires?
Your membership expiration date is located on your membership card. If you do not have your card you can check your membership expiration date online. You will need your membership number to check your expiration date online. If you do not know your membership number please call the member services department at (504) 861-5105.
- How many children are covered under my membership (Family, Family Plus One, Safari Krewe, Wildlife Partner & Golden Eagle)?
The above memberships cover YOUR DEPENDENT children and/or YOUR grandchildren ages 2 – 21. Children/grandchildren under 2 years of ages are FREE to enter the facilities. Any additional children present, will be charged general admission to the facility. You can use guest passes for any of the additional children you may have present with you.
- The membership I purchased comes with one-day guest passes. When will I receive my guest pass?
All guest passes are mailed with the membership card. You will need to have the guest passes in hand in order to redeem them for a ticket(s). If you need the passes prior to receiving them in the mail, we can set them aside for you to pick up at the Zoo or Aquarium. Please contact us at (504) 861-5105 or email us at aimembership@auduboninstitute.org.
- Can I still use the guest passes if they were left at home/misplaced/lost? Can they be replaced?
You must have the guest passes with you in order to use them. We are required to submit them to our finance department at the end of each day.
We do not replace lost guest passes. It is the members responsibility to keep track of them.
- My guest passes have expired, can I still use them?
We try to encourage the use of guest passes prior to the expiration date. Exceptions can possibly be made, please contact us at (504) 861-5105 or email us at aimembership@auduboninstitute.org
- How can I replace my lost/stolen membership card?
If your card has been lost or stolen and you would like a replacement, you can purchase a new card for $5 at the Zoo or the Aquarium. Or you can call us at 504-861-5105.
- How do I upgrade my membership and how much will it cost?
If you choose to upgrade your membership you can do it at any time. The cost to upgrade will be the difference between your current membership and the upgraded membership. For example, if you have the Family Plan ($135) and want to upgrade to the Family Plus One Plan ($160) you will pay $25. Upgrading your membership does not RENEW your membership. When you upgrade, your expiration date will remain the same. To upgrade your membership, call us at (504) 861-5105, upgrade online or on site at the membership windows at the Zoo or the Aquarium.
- As a member do I receive any other benefits than free entrance into the Zoo and Aquarium?
Yes! Among your many benefits Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium tickets for members are $5 each and Entergy IMAX® Theatre tickets for members are $5 each. Read the full list of member benefits.
- Do members receive discounts at the Cafés in the Zoo or Aquarium?
Depending on your level of membership (Safari Krewe, Wildlife Partner or Golden Eagle), you will get a one-time 10% off coupon to use at the Zoo. We do not offer any Cafe discounts at the Aquarium.
- How can I change the address on my membership?
We want to keep in touch! Drop by the membership window at the Zoo or Aquarium to change your address and make sure you have a photo ID with you at the time of the change. You can also email us at aimembership@auduboninstitute.org. Please include your old address, new address and let us know if the change is permanent or temporary. If you do not have access to the internet and can not get to the Zoo or Aquarium, please call us at (504) 861-5105.
- I am not receiving the monthly newsletter, @Audubon. How can I start receiving?
Receiving @Audubon is easy! Call us at (504) 861-5105, drop by our membership window at the Zoo or Aquarium or send us an email at aimembership@auduboninstitute.org. This newsletter is electronic so we will need an active email address.
- How does the babysitter privilege work? What membership would I have to buy to be able to use it?
The babysitter privilege comes with the Family Plus One, Safari Krewe, Wildlife Partner and Golden Eagle memberships. This feature allows you to send one “babysitter” to the Zoo or Aquarium with your children and/or grandchildren under the age of 21. The privilege only allows your children (the children covered under the membership) and the babysitter to enter the facility. All other guests (additional adults and/or children) will have to pay general admission prices. If someone is using the “babysitter privilege” be sure to send them with your membership card and a note stating that they have permission to use the membership. The “babysitter” will also need to have a photo ID of their own.
- Can I add the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium to my membership?
The Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is not a member facility but as an Audubon member Butterfly Garden and Insectarium tickets for members are $5 each!
- Is parking at the Aquarium, IMAX®, and Butterfly Garden and Insectarium free for members?
There is no free parking downtown, but there is discounted parking in certain lots.Self-parking is $5 off at the JAX Brewery Parking Lot, Sugar Parking Lot, Badine Parking Lot and Canal Place Parking Garage. At the Hilton Whale Wall Lot and World Trade Center, self-parking up to 6 hours is $8 with validation. Over 6 hours, regular rates apply. Parking tickets must be validated at the Aquarium, IMAX® or Butterfly Garden and Insectarium to receive the parking discount.
- Can I bring strollers, wagons and coolers into the Zoo?
You are more than welcome to bring strollers, wagons, and ice chests into the Zoo on most days. If the Zoo is hosting a festival (Swamp Fest, Earth fest, Soul Fest, etc.) you will NOT be allowed to bring a cooler. We do have strollers and wagons for rent at the information booth inside the Zoo.
- Is any part of my membership purchase tax deductible?
Please note, per IRS regulations, all charitable organizations must provide a written disclosure statement concerning quid pro quo contributions over $75.00. Our good faith estimate of fair market value of this membership is equal to or greater than the cost of the membership. Therefore, no part of the membership is tax deductible. Please contact your tax advisor for further guidance.
aimembership@auduboninstitute.org
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