FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:

Frank Donze
Office 504-212-5335
Cell 504-232-7461
fdonze@auduboninstitute.org

 

(New Orleans, La.) - Special needs visitors of all ages can connect with nature in a family-friendly setting as Audubon Zoo hosts its fifth annual Special Needs Day on Saturday, November 5.

Activities scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Capital One Performance Pavilion and Field include live entertainment by Audubon's faith-based partners and a social services fair with community organizations providing information about special needs resources across the metropolitan area.

"Special Needs Day is yet another way for Audubon Zoo to celebrate the wonders of nature with our differently-abled visitors,'' said Eileen Johnson, director of community relations at Audubon Nature Institute.

"This event also serves as a reminder that Audubon's attractions are sensory-rich environments for those with special needs. Whether it's a ride on the Zoo carousel or touch therapy in Watoto Walk, each special needs guest can enjoy an experience uniquely designed for them.''

In addition to sensory-friendly visits with live animals and a chance to explore Audubon Zoo, the program includes music and group performances by youth dancers from local churches, face painting by Sparkles the Clown and free child IDs provided by New York Life Insurance Company (while supplies last).

Zoo admission for the event is $3 for each special needs visitor and up to three guests. The special admission is redeemed with a coupon that will be available at the Zoo front gate on the day of the event or on tray liners at participating McDonald's restaurants.

Special Needs Day is sponsored by The Bardell Company. The event is sponsored in part by Jefferson Financial Credit Union.

Community partners taking part in the Social Services Fair for Special Needs Day are Families Helping Families Southeast Louisiana, Early Steps, Integrative Touch Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Raphael Academy, NOLA Ambucs and AcMe.

Audubon Zoo is located at 6500 Magazine Street. For more information on Special Needs Day, click here.

Capital One Performance Pavilion and Field Performance Schedule:

12:00 p.m.
Praise & Movement - Confront & Conquer Inc.
12:10 p.m.
Liturgical Dance - Watson Memorial Teaching Ministries
12:20 p.m.
Liturgical Dance - Regular Baptist Church
12:30 p.m.
Liturgical Dance - Hosanna Christian Fellowship
12:35 p.m.
Musical Performance/Miracles in Music - Daniel Militello
12:40 p.m.
Liturgical Dance - Resurrection Missionary Baptist Church
12:45 p.m.
Liturgical Dance - Franklin Avenue Baptist Church
12:50 p.m.
Liturgical Dance - Household of Faith Family Worship Church International
12:55 p.m.
Musical Performance/Miracles in Music - Daniel Militello

 

More Audubon Nature Institute News:
• Weeki Wachee Mermaids to Splash into Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
• Injured Sea Turtle Rehabilitated and Released Back into the Gulf of Mexico
• New Orleans Pelicans and Audubon Nature Institute Announce Children's Book Partnership

Audubon Nature Institute
Audubon Nature Institute operates a family of museums, parks and research facilities dedicated to celebrating the wonders of nature. Through innovative live animal exhibits, education programs, and scientific discovery, Audubon makes a meaningful contribution to preserving wildlife for the future. Audubon Nature Institute flagships include Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy Giant Screen Theater, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and Audubon Wilderness Park. Ron Forman is President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute.

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