AVERY ISLAND, La. --- Jungle Gardens' visitors can now access free tour information directly from their cell phones. Guests can access recorded commentary with detailed historical information on 15 points of interest in the gardens, such as Bird City or the Sunken Gardens, by dialing the provided phone number, 337-606-4063.
Smart phone users can also access a mobile web tour which has an interactive map with tour information in text, audio, video and photo format. The software also includes a social media share and search function. Visitors can choose to allow the program to track their device's physical location and alert them when they get to a nearby stop. The mobile web tour can be accessed at http://myoncell.mobi/3376064063 or scan the provided QR code.
"Our mobile tour has been in the works for some time now and we are so excited to release it," said Donna Neuville, Jungle Gardens' manager. "Our guests have been amazed and the feedback has been awesome! Visitors are able to access a wealth of information and history on Jungle Gardens and its creator, E.A. McIlhenny. The cell phone tour is self-guided and therefore self-paced."
About Jungle Gardens
In the 1920s, Edward Avery ("Ned") McIlhenny, the son of TABASCO® inventor Edmund Avery McIlhenny, converted his private Avery Island estate into Jungle Gardens, decorating it with exotic botanical specimens from around the world. He also founded Bird City, a private bird sanctuary for the once-endangered snowy egret. Camellias, azaleas, bamboos and thousands of tropical plants in season form a beautiful landscape. A centuries-old Buddha sculpture watches over the Chinese Garden. Alligators prowl in the lagoon and bayou. Deer, rabbits and enormous flocks of egrets and herons, among other species, are protected here and may be seen in early spring and summer. Ducks and other wild fowl inhabit the gardens in winter. The gardens are open daily from 9AM-5PM.
For more information, contact Donna Neuville, 337-369-6243, www.Junglegardens.org, www.Facebook.com/JungleGardensAveryIsland
