Scoop: Audubon Zoo is selling its exotic animal carousel
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The carousel has alligators, zebras, lions, flamingos and other animals. Photo: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios
Audubon Zoo's carousel is on the auction block.
Why it matters: The beloved attraction ain't dere no more.
The big picture: Hurricane Ida damaged the carousel in 2021, and the "cost was astronomical to fix it and put it back where it was," Audubon spokesperson Melissa Lee tells Axios.
- The zoo opted to sell the carousel and replace it with a smaller, indoor version in the same place, she said.
Catch up quick: The attraction, officially named the Gottesman Family Endangered Species Carousel, has alligators, flamingos, elephants, giraffes, frogs, lions and other endangered animals to ride instead of horses.
- It had been there since 2003.
Zoom in: The current bid for the old carousel is $225,000 on GovDeals.com. The auction closes Friday.
- The listing includes 60 animals.
What's next: Audubon will build an enclosure for the new carousel to keep it out of the elements, Lee said, similar to the ones at City Park and Lafreniere Park.
- Work is expected to begin later this year.
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