Zion the penguin checks out visitors to his exhibit as the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas reopened to visitors for the first time in four months on Thursday, July 16, 2020. (Photo by Michael DeMocker)

Great to ‘sea’ you again! Audubon Aquarium reopens after months of COVID-19 closure

by Michael DeMocker | July 16, 2020

The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas opened its doors to visitors since closing down four months ago for the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors to the aquarium are required to wear masks at the indoor facility and must purchase a timed ticket ahead of time to limit capacity and encourage social distancing.

See also: What to know before you go to the Aquarium of the Americas

“Along with setting strict attendance limits, additional safety initiatives include stringent cleaning protocols, physical distancing signage, and requiring staff wear appropriate PPE,” Audubon Executive Vice President and COO Kyle Burks. “In accordance with City health guidelines, masks will also be required for all guests visiting our indoor facilities, such as the Aquarium. Although the City is not requiring face coverings for outdoor recreation if social distancing is maintained, we strongly encourage guests to wear a mask while visiting Audubon Zoo as well.” The closure of the zoo, aquarium and other Audubon facilities has cost about $21 million in revenue loss according to a press release. The Audubon Zoo reopened to visitors in early June. The Audubon Aquarium is open Thursday – Monday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Entergy Giant Screen Theater remains closed as does the nearby Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium.

Stream original series on the Very Local app

What is Very Local?

Very Local is your best source for shows about local communities, bringing you 24/7 access to news from your trusted local news source, weather updates, and more. The Very Local app also brings you fresh, untold stories from your city and communities like yours, with exclusive original shows and local stories specific to where you live. Get the channel to stream Very Local free on Roku or Amazon Fire TV.

Follow Very Local on Facebook and @VeryLocal on Instagram for more

Michael DeMocker

Michael DeMocker

Michael DeMocker has been a photojournalist in New Orleans for over twenty years. He’s been the National Press Photographer Association’s Regional Photographer of the Year three times and loves photographing all things New Orleans. He lives Uptown with his wife, son, and two dogs of varying intelligence.

Download the Very Local app to stream all of the Very Local original series for FREE!

Download the Very Local app to stream all of the Very Local original series for FREE!