Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens

About the Business

Specialties

Occupying 113 acres within the largest municipal park in the U.S., the Zoo features naturalistic habitats and enriching educational opportunities in a lush, beautiful setting. Highlights include: * Rainforest of the Americas: Explore the rainforest trail for incredible views of all aspects of the South American tropical biome--from the toucans and howler monkeys in the trees, to the jaguars that prowl the forest floor, to the giant river otters and rays that splash in the waterways. * The LAIR: View rare and endangered amphibian, invertebrate, and reptile species--some of which can be seen at no other zoo in the world--at close range, in forest, swamp and desert habitats.

History

Established in 1966.

The L.A. Zoo is owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles. From its opening until 1997, the Zoo operated as a division of the City's Recreation and Parks Department. On July 1, 1997, the Zoo became its own city department, with more direct control over its operations. A lot has changed at the L.A. Zoo in the last 50 years, but many things have remained the same: the focus on education and community, unwavering dedication to animal care and wellbeing, drive to continually improve and innovate, and commitment to preserving wildlife. In our first half-century, we've protected and restored endangered species such as the California condor, Arabian oryx, mountain yellow-legged frog, peninsular pronghorn, Asian elephant, okapi, jaguar, gorilla, and many more. Visitors like you contribute to these successes. Together, we can continue to make a difference for wildlife everywhere, for the next 50 years and beyond.

Meet the Manager

Business owner information

Emily M.

Manager

As a native Angeleno and mother of two, I'm a huge L.A. Zoo fan, and am lucky to get to share my enthusiasm with visitors and colleagues every day. In addition to being an entertainment, educational, and cultural destination for locals and tourists alike, the L.A. Zoo is a noted leader in veterinary science and conservation, where animals are the #1 priority.