Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
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The LA Zoo is a large urban zoo, located in the heart of Los Angeles’ Griffith Park.
Visiting the LA Zoo: (Jump To)
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, located in Griffith Park, is not by any means the biggest or the best zoo in the country. It is, however, the only place in Los Angeles where you can see a live tiger in a semi-natural environment (unless you’ve toured Mike Tyson’s house). Despite its juxtaposed mixture of old-school, smaller, fenced-in enclosures, and modern, open-air exhibits, the zoo deserves a nod as a nice accompaniment to Griffith Park.
If you browse the Los Angeles Zoo reviews on Yelp, you’ll find countless Los Angelenos denouncing this zoo and proclaiming death to its zookeepers. I think these people have too much time on their hands. These same people are certainly not donating money to animal conservation – they’ve simply taken to Yelp to complain about the controversial practice of housing wild animals.
I guarantee you half these bitter Bettys don’t recycle, use plastic water bottles, and have probably recently purchased a sandwich from Jimmy John’s sub shop - all of the former lessens animal populations. The owner of Jimmy John’s sub shop is an infamous game hunter. He literally kills giraffes for fun. There’s a special place in hell for him. One in which killer demon giraffes beat him senselessly with their nine-foot necks. Anyway, I digress; this blog post isn’t a political rant so much as it is a review to say that the Los Angeles Zoo is a great institution that has made great strides toward animal conservation, research, and protection. If you’re a SoCal local looking for a fun and relaxed afternoon, you can find it here. If you’re in town for an extended visit, the zoo certainly would be a welcome addition to any itinerary.
Los Angeles Zoo Parking
Parking at the zoo is free. There is a preferred lot that costs ten dollars, but I’d prefer to save money and have to walk an extra fifty feet to the entrance.
Los Angeles Zoo Tickets
As far as zoo admission is concerned, it includes entrance to every animal exhibit as well as the lovely botanical gardens that skirt along the midways. There are multiple membership levels available. If you or your family is planning on visiting two times or more, the zoo membership is a cost-effective option. Along with your general membership, you’ll also receive discounts at zoos throughout the country. There are some upcharges available for purchase such as a zoo tram, a carousel ride, a hippopotamus encounter, and a giraffe feeding.
Los Angeles Zoo Animals
Once you pass the zoo entrance, you’ll come to a plaza of souvenir shops and dining locations. There are a couple of fun souvenir shops where you can purchase your child a giant stuffed kangaroo that he or she can invite to their "marsupials only" tea party. To the left of the entrance is a California Sea Lion exhibit and to your right is the home of Reggie, the alligator that used to live in Lake Muchado in Harbor City, California, and his new girlfriend, Tina. According to the zoo newsletter, they are getting along famously. Reggie has not tried to eat her yet.
If you veer right after the entry plaza you’ll walk into the children’s zoo (essentially a petting farm) as well as the desert trail which is filled with small mammals and reptiles. If you veer left after the main plaza you’ll walk into the main part of the zoo.
The zoo is built on a large hill and trekking about its grounds can be a bit cumbersome. The layout is most confusing. We’ve been there many times and still get lost every time. The world’s worst zoo map provides no favors. The zoo consists of various small circular paths with many dead ends. The paths unfortunately all look the same and most of the areas of the zoo are un-themed. You’ll find American Black Bears living across from African Giraffes. The main zoo is about 130 acres and much of it is uphill so bring your walking shoes. If you can’t be bothered with walking or if you’re unable to do so, a zoo tram will escort you around for a nominal fee. The good news is that the zoo is meticulously landscaped so your stroll through the grounds will be confusing, but pleasant.
Don’t miss the fantastic Asian Elephant enclosure (located in the center of the park) as well as great displays of gorillas, chimpanzees, African wild dogs, and okapis. Sprinkled throughout the park are many species of even-toed ungulate species. (For those of you who aren’t complete dorks - this means antelope.) They’ve got A LOT of antelopes. There are also dozens of bird species as well as quite a collection of small mammals. There’s also a lovely section filled with adorable koalas that you can take home. Okay, you can’t them home – but you can fantasize about it. This blog neither endorses nor promotes shoplifting koalas. Also of note is 'The Lair'. It’s a new $14 million-dollar reptile and amphibian pavilion filled with many creatures that primarily exist in nightmares.
Unique to American zoos, the park is home to two adorable brother Tasmanian Devils. The LA Zoo is one of the few zoos in America allowed by the Australian government to house the species. While we were visiting, the brothers were fed a live rabbit and we watched as the devils tore it apart and devoured both bones and fur. It was a nice family moment.
The zoo offers various animal encounters, educational experiences, and feedings throughout the day. Check the daily schedule as times change often. These experiences are included with admission.
The zoo is constantly improving and new exhibits open every so often they’re usually much larger and more naturally landscaped – a prime example being the new American Rainforest exhibit. The zoo is owned and run by the city of Los Angeles so as one would imagine, change is slow. If you’re looking for expansive, natural enclosures, you’ll have to head south two hours to the San Diego Zoo. It has earned its reputation as the best zoo in the country for good reason.
Tips For Visiting the Los Angeles Zoo
You’re allowed to bring food inside the zoo. There is a lovely picnic area next to a children’s playground. Stroller and wheelchair rentals are also available. Concessions and food are available at several locations throughout the zoo. Be prepared to pony up for concessions (pun intended). If you’re not with children, you can easily see the entire zoo in just a few hours, so perhaps just bring in a snack and a water bottle. No need to blow $15 on a cold burger and fries. The concessions lines are always long. We’d recommend visiting on a weekday during the off-season when the crowds aren’t as heavy.
As one would expect, the zoo is quite clean. There’s an abundance of shade and rest areas. The animals seemed stimulated and the visitors were all having a splendid time. Betty White, an American Hero, was a Los Angeles Zoo ambassador. If it’s good enough for Betty White, it’s good enough for me.
LA Zoo Lights
During the holiday season, the zoo puts together an impressive display of holiday lights and holiday-themed events. This popular event often sells out, so it’s advisable to buy tickets in advance. Zoo members receive a discount on tickets.
About three hours south, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is well worth a day trip.
