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Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Photo Credit: Tad Motoyama and Los Angeles Zoo

Formerly a home for cast-off circus animals, the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens has come up in status in recent years. It’s now home to over 1,200 animals, birds, and reptiles, some of which are rare and endangered species. The Sumatran rhino, the bongo, and California condors, which are housed in the zoo's extensive collection of "condorminiums," are just a few of the unique creatures that call the zoo their home. And the "Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains" exhibit educates visitors on the effects of disappearing chimp habitats.

Declared a botanical garden in 2002 by the American Association of Museums, the impressive 113-acre site became famous for not only housing animals from every country, but also for playing host to 7,600 unique plants from over 350 species. As a plant rescue center for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the zoo receives plants from all over the world.

But the zoo isn't just about conservation; the staff works hard to make zoo visits fun. Highlights include the Winnick Family Children's Zoo, the "World of Birds" and the "Animals and You" shows, and the "Red Ape Rainforest." The zoo's "Elephant Barn" features a collection of playful Malayan, African, and Indian elephants, and "Wolf Woods" and "Monkey Island" display their inhabitants in true-to-life natural habitats.

The zoo also offers exceptional opportunities to get up-close and personal with their animals. The interactive "Animal Encounters" program allows visitors to touch animals and ask questions of zoo docents. The "Sundown Safari" and "Zoopendous Nights" programs give campers the opportunity to stay overnight in the zoo so they can experience first-hand the "call of the wild." The "Breakfast Safari" allows children (ages 3-7) and their parents to come to the zoo early in the morning and watch the animals being fed. And the "Zookapers," "Critters and Kids," "Zoo Explorers" and "Toddler Totes" programs provide classes for children on various aspects of zoo life. There also are adult education classes offered on the zoo premises for anyone over 14 years old.

Location
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is in Griffith Park, directly across from the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, at the junction of the Ventura Freeway (I-134) and the Golden State Freeway (I-5). Driving directions can be found on the zoo’s Web site.

Hours of operation
The zoo is open every day except Christmas from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closing time in the summer is extended to 6 p.m. (Call the zoo at (323) 644-6400 for summer dates.) The zoo puts animals in for the night at 4 p.m. during regular hours and at 5 p.m. during summer hours.

For hours for the zoo’s programs, see the L.A. Zoo Web site.

Admission

Adults	$8.25
Senior citizens (ages 65+)	$5.25
Children (ages 2–12)	$3.25
Children (under age 2)	Free

Admission ticket sales end one hour before the zoo closes.

Contact information and reservations

• Call (323) 644-6400 for general information about zoo programs and hours.
• Call (323) 644-4211 for education programs, or fill out the online registration form.
• Call (323) 644-4253 for the zoo’s camping program.

Disabled access
The zoo provides disabled access, and has wheelchair rentals available at the front entrance. Traditional wheelchairs are $6 per day; electric wheelchairs are $25 per day.

The zoo allows fully trained service animals on the premises but does not allow animals that are currently in training. People with service animals must complete an admittance release waiver. An orientation and a map of areas that are off-limits to service animals will be provided. Prior arrangements are encouraged, but not required. Call (323) 644-4258 for more information.

Call (323) 644-4253 if you require other types of access assistance.

Group information
Admission fees for groups of 15 or more are $5.25 for adults and $2.25 for children. Group tickets can be purchased at the gate, or in advance by completing the online form.

Call (323) 644-4211 or (323) 913-4763 (hearing-impaired line) for group tour information.

Additional information
Visit the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens Web site.

Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.