Monkey Hill

Monkey Hill is the highest point in the city of New Orleans — a man-made hill constructed during the WPA era so local children could experience what a hill looks like. Today it is surrounded by primate habitats housing orangutans and other primates in naturalistic exhibits with climbing structures and enrichment features.

Bornean and Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered due to the destruction of their rainforest habitat for palm oil plantations. Audubon Zoo participates in the AZA Orangutan Species Survival Plan and uses Monkey Hill to educate visitors about sustainable palm oil and rainforest conservation.