Latest news with #AudubonNatureInstitute
Axios
21-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
Audubon's $30M riverfront park and other new projects
Audubon Nature Institute is tearing down the Gov. Nicholls wharf at the edge of the French Quarter to make way for a new $30 million public space along the Mississippi River. Why it matters: The project will create the country's longest contiguous riverfront park, leaders say. The big picture: Audubon leaders hoped to have the park open for Super Bowl LIX, but the project was delayed. Now, the first phase should open by the end of the year with a band shell and public green spaces, says Michael Sawaya, the new CEO and president of Audubon Nature Institute. Once done, the project will create a 2.25-mile walkable and bike-friendly park from Spanish Plaza to Crescent Park. By the numbers: The city is footing half of the bill, with the City Council committing $15 million last year. The rest of the money is coming from Audubon, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and New Orleans & Co., Sawaya says. Catch up quick: The park started during a riverfront development push in 2017, when then-Mayor Mitch Landrieu and others outlined $500 million in projects. Those developments included the now-completed renovation of the World Trade Center into the Four Seasons and the new Canal Street ferry terminal. Audubon's early riverfront ideas included a Ferris wheel and amphitheater, which drew criticism from residents, according to The Times-Picayune. The project has almost doubled in cost since planning started, Sawaya says. Zoom in: Current plans call for it to have open-air structures, a community center, event rental options, a playground, grassy lawns and space for food trucks. The Gov. Nicholls wharf should be torn down in several weeks. The Esplanade wharf is expected to be partly demolished, but Audubon leaders tell us they are still fine-tuning the concept. See the latest proposal. Between the lines: Riverfront parks in Brooklyn, Tampa and Boston have been inspirations for the New Orleans development. More Audubon projects Audubon is also working on a few other projects. Woldenberg Park: The renovations outside the aquarium are expected to wrap up by the end of May, says Jackson Kerby, Audubon's vice president of construction. The new hardscaping, lighting and utility improvements are geared at making it more attractive for special events. Carousel: Audubon lowered the price of its animal carousel after it failed to sell at auction. The zoo is replacing it with a smaller version. Go deeper. New dinosaur exhibit: Work is starting on the Odenheimer rotunda to house a new dinosaur experience, Kerby says. It will showcase the connection with dinosaurs, reptiles and birds. It's the oldest building on the zoo property and was originally Audubon's aquarium. It's next to the reptile house. Construction is expected to begin next year, she says. Giraffe feedings: The zoo recently started allowing guests to pay $5 to hand-feed the new giraffes, Maverick and Fennessy. Go deeper
CBC
08-02-2025
- General
- CBC
New Calgary zoo boss promises 'exceptional care' for animal safety, conservation
Social Sharing The first thing Kyle Burks does when he gets home from work is greet his cat. "I tell her about my day and she tells me about hers," said the new president and CEO of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. "And then I kiss my wife." The Texas-raised zoo boss took on the role last month after previously serving as chief operating officer at the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans. He's also held key leadership positions at the Sacramento Zoo, Denver Zoo and the Walt Disney Co. in Florida. Burks, in an interview with The Canadian Press, said he fondly remembers the school field trips he'd take to a zoo in Houston, roughly 90 minutes away from where he grew up in Huntsville. "Man, did I love it," Burks said with a chuckle. "It was my favourite one every year." Burks takes over the Calgary job after a rough year for the zoo. One of its mandrills died in April after undergoing emergency surgery. A polar bear drowned in July when its trachea was crushed by another bear during rough play. Just a few months ago, a young lowland gorilla was killed after a worker closed a wrong door and hit its head. Burks said the increased attention does put more pressure on the zoo when it comes to the well-being of animals. "Everybody should expect the highest degree of professionalism and care from us, and that's what we should deliver on and then some," he said. "I've worked next to some of the most professional, dedicated people you'll ever imagine that spend more time with these animals than they do with their own families." Burks says going forward the focus will be on animal safety, wildlife conservation and saving species for the future. The zoo announced earlier this month it would begin an expansion of its Exploration Asia zone next month with larger and improved habitats for some of its more prominent residents like the snow leopard, red pandas and red-crowned cranes. The project is to be completed by next summer. Burks said with the Calgary zoo celebrating its centennial in 2029, work is underway to repair some aging habitats to improve the well-being of the animals in care. Some were built in the 1980s for the 1988 Winter Olympics, he said. Burks said zoos have evolved over the past 30 years. "Our public now expects us to not only provide exceptional care for the animals that they come and enjoy ... but they expect us to do conservation work," he said. "Our future is about saving species and creating a world where people and animals can thrive together." After 32 years of caring for animals, he said he understands why the public cares so much about their health. "We have an emotional connection with animals that makes our lives better," he said.
