Expanded "Dinner and a ZOOvie' Series Back at Audubon Zoo

(New Orleans, La.) - The popular "Dinner and a ZOOvie'' series at Audubon Zoo is returning for a fourth season with an expanded lineup of ten crowd-pleasing films, beginning with the Academy Award-winning computer-animated feature "Inside Out'' on Friday, June 10.

The Friday evening summer screenings on the Capital One Field will continue with nine more ZOOvies, including "Star Wars: The Force Awakens'' on June 17 and "Avengers: Age of Ultron'' on June 24. Four "ZOOvies'' will follow in July and three more in August. The films were selected by Audubon Facebook followers.

Also back this year is an invitation to beat the heat before each film by visiting the Cool Zoo/Gator Run attraction.

Movie admission is $6 per person (kids under two years of age receive complimentary admission). Moviegoers can add Cool Zoo/Gator Run admission for an additional $6 (again, children under two receive complimentary admission), for a total of $12 per person.

The gates at Audubon Zoo will open at 6 p.m. for admission to either the movie or to Cool Zoo.

The Cool Zoo splash park and the Gator Run lazy river will be open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. From there, it's a short walk to the Capital One Stage to catch the movie, which will start shortly after 8 p.m.

"ZOOvies are a special way for families to cool down, enjoy a picnic dinner and take in a movie all on the same night,'' said Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO Ron Forman. "It's the best way to spend a summer evening in New Orleans.''

Visitors can bring their own towels or purchase them and other souvenirs at the Cool Shop. Rafts are included in the admission price for Cool Zoo/Gator Run.

Anyone under 48 inches will need a life jacket supplied by Audubon Zoo. Gator Run includes showers, restrooms and plenty of shaded, outdoor seating.

Moviegoers are welcome to bring a picnic dinner, chairs and blankets to watch the ZOOvie. No glass containers, open candles or pets will be permitted.

Food trucks will be onsite and some Zoo concessions will available for purchase. No outside food or beverage can be brought into Cool Zoo or Gator Run.

ZOOvie tickets are available for purchase online, at the Zoo, at Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and at Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium and will be on sale at the Zoo on the night of each showing. Buying tickets ahead of time is recommended to ensure speedier entry.

Online ticket sales will be available up to 5:30 p.m. on the day of each ZOOvie. After 5:30 p.m., tickets can be purchased at the Zoo.

Anyone purchasing $12 Cool Zoo/movie combo tickets online or in person must pick up wrist bands at the Zoo entrance. Admission to Cool Zoo and Gator Run is available only as part of a ZOOvie combo ticket.

This is a special event and all guests, including Audubon members, must purchase tickets to ZOOvies. There are no discounts and complimentary passes are not valid.

Animal exhibits will not be open during the screenings.

Audubon Zoo, located at 6500 Magazine St., is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day.

For details, visit audubonnatureinstitute.org/zoovie

2016 "Dinner And a ZOOvie'' Schedule:
June 10 - "Inside Out'' (2015)
June 17 - "Star Wars: The Force Awakens'' (2015)
June 24 - Avengers: Age of Ultron'' (2015)
July 8 "Jurassic World'' (2015)
July 15 - "The Good Dinosaur'' (2015)
July 22 - "The Intern (2015)
July 29 - "The SpongeBob Movie - Sponge Out of Water'' (2015)
August 5 - "Captain America: The Winter Soldier'' (2014)
August 12 - "Zootopia'' (2016)
August 19 - "Hotel Transylvania 2'' (2015)

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 Special Survival Center, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and Audubon Wilderness Park. Ron Forman is President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute.

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