The Los Angeles Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in Los Angeles, California. It is situated on 133 acres of land in Griffith Park and features over 1,400 animals from around the world. The zoo is home to a variety of species, including elephants, tigers, gorillas, and more. Here’s what you need to know about visiting this world-class zoo.
The zoo originally started with a small group of animals in Griffith Park back in 1912 and was eventually opened to the public in 1966. It has since constantly expanded and grown, becoming an internationally renowned zoo that draws visitors from around the world.
The zoo has a variety of exhibits and animals that can be enjoyed by everyone. The most popular exhibits include:
Elephants of Asia – At this exhibit, you can see Tina and Jewel, two Asian elephants. They are very beautiful animals, and visitors can observe them playing and interacting with one another.
Rainforest of the Americas – The exhibit houses different animals, such as monkeys, birds, and reptiles. Visitors can explore a replica of a rainforest found in Central and South America to observe the animals in their natural surroundings.
Red Ape Rain Forest – Visitors can observe a family of orangutans in this exhibit as they move from tree to tree and socialize with one another. These intelligent creatures are on display for viewing.
Reptile Lair – Visitors can explore a diverse range of reptiles in this exhibit, such as snakes, lizards, and turtles. They have an opportunity to learn fascinating facts about these creatures and even touch a few of them.
In addition to these exhibits, the zoo also has a variety of animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, giraffes, zebras, and more.
Throughout the year, the zoo hosts a variety of special events that are designed to entertain and educate visitors. Some of the most popular events include:
L.A. Zoo Lights – This annual event takes place during the holiday season and features thousands of lights, live reindeer, and festive music.
World Elephant Day – This event is held every year in August and is designed to raise awareness about elephant conservation.
Beastly Ball – This annual fundraising event features live music, food, and animal encounters.
Summer Music Series – This event features live music performances on select weekends throughout the summer.
A great place to also visit is Hollywood Walk Of Fame
The zoo is open every day except for Christmas Day. Hours of operation vary depending on the time of year, so it’s best to check the zoo’s website for up-to-date information. Admission prices range from $15 to $22 per person, depending on age and residency. Parking at the zoo costs $15 per vehicle.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. The zoo is quite large, so visitors should plan to spend several hours exploring all of the exhibits and animals. Food and beverages are available for purchase at various locations throughout the zoo.
Visitors are not allowed to bring alcoholic drinks inside the the zoo. They have a strict no-alcohol policy for the safety of all guests, and any alcohol that is found will be confiscated by staff. This policy applies to both open containers and closed containers, so visitors should refrain from bringing any kind of alcohol with them while visiting the zoo.
Aside from that, visitors are not allowed to feed the animals at this place for a variety of reasons. First, improper feeding can cause an animal to become sick or overweight and can disrupt their natural behavior patterns.
Additionally, they may become dependent on handouts which could lead to problems with nutrition, aggression towards other visitors, or loss of habitat protection. Visitors should also be aware that some foods that humans eat can be hazardous to animals if ingested in large quantities.
For these reasons, it is important for visitors to respect the zoo’s no-feeding policy and resist any urge to give food or treats to the animals.
In addition to the zoo, Griffith Park has plenty of other attractions for visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular include:
Griffith Observatory – This iconic observatory features stunning views of the city and offers educational exhibits and programs.
Autry Museum of the American West – This museum features exhibits and artifacts that showcase the history and culture of the American West.
Travel Town Museum – This outdoor museum features vintage trains and railroad memorabilia.
The best time of the year to visit this world-class zoo is during the peak season, which runs from March through August. During this time of year, temperatures are mild and there are plenty of sunny days to enjoy outdoor activities. However, visitors should still come prepared for rain as Los Angeles does receive some precipitation throughout the year.
No matter what time of year you visit, you’re sure to have a great experience exploring the Los Angeles Zoo in Los Angeles, CA. From its wide array of animals to its special events and educational programs, it’s no wonder that this popular attraction is one of the most visited zoos in the United States. With a bit of planning and some respect for the animals, visitors can have an enjoyable and unforgettable experience at this place.