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Los Angeles Zoo: A Wild Adventure in the City of Angels

Discover wildlife from around the world at the Los Angeles Zoo, a conservation hub in the heart of Griffith Park.

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The Los Angeles Zoo, nestled in Griffith Park, is home to over 1,400 animals from around the globe and more than 800 plant species. With immersive exhibits and a strong focus on conservation, it's a wild escape within the city.

A brief summary to Los Angeles Zoo

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid crowds and find parking.
  • Check the zoo's website for daily events, feeding times, and keeper talks.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
  • Bring water and snacks, or take advantage of the zoo's dining options.
  • Consider purchasing a zoo membership if you plan to visit multiple times a year.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Los Angeles Zoo is accessible via public transportation. Metro Bus 296 stops directly at the zoo. This bus route connects downtown Burbank and the Lincoln Heights/Cypress station in Los Angeles. Use the LA Metro trip planner to find the best route from your location. A single ride on Metro Bus costs $1.75.

  • Driving

    The Los Angeles Zoo is located at the junction of the I-5 (Golden State) and the 134 (Ventura) freeways. From the I-5, exit at Zoo Drive. From the 134, exit at Victory Boulevard and follow signs to the zoo. Parking at the zoo is free in the general parking area. Preferred parking is available for $10.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Los Angeles. A taxi from Hollywood to the Los Angeles Zoo typically costs $30-$45 and takes about 11-13 minutes. From Downtown LA, a taxi to the zoo will cost approximately $45-$55 and take around 12-14 minutes.

Unlock the Best of Los Angeles Zoo

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Discover more about Los Angeles Zoo

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, opened in 1966, spans 113 acres in the northeast corner of Griffith Park. It replaced the smaller Griffith Park Zoo, which was located a couple of miles south. Today, the zoo is home to over 1,400 animals representing more than 270 species, including many rare and endangered ones. The zoo is divided into different geographical zones, showcasing animals in naturalistic habitats. Popular exhibits include the Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains, Red Ape Rain Forest, Elephants of Asia, and Campo Gorilla Reserve. The LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles) houses a diverse collection of scaled and cold-blooded creatures. The Rainforest of the Americas exhibit features animals from tropical regions of North, Central, and South America. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Los Angeles Zoo is also a certified Botanical Garden, with over 800 plant species and 7,400 individual plants. Specialized collections include a cactus and succulent garden, tropical plantings, and a Madagascan spiny forest. The zoo is committed to conservation efforts, participating in Species Survival Plans and supporting in-situ conservation projects. It has been successful in breeding rare California condors and other endangered species. The Gottlieb Animal Health and Conservation Center provides state-of-the-art medical care and research facilities.

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