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Old Los Angeles Zoo: Relics of the Past

Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Los Angeles' original zoo in Griffith Park, a unique blend of history and nature.

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Explore the ruins of Los Angeles' original zoo, which operated from 1912 to 1966 in Griffith Park. Wander through the abandoned enclosures and picnic areas, offering a unique glimpse into the history of animal care and recreation in Los Angeles.

A brief summary to Old Los Angeles Zoo

  • Monday 5:30 am-10:30 pm
  • Tuesday 5:30 am-10:30 pm
  • Wednesday 5:30 am-10:30 pm
  • Thursday 5:30 am-10:30 pm
  • Friday 5:30 am-10:30 pm
  • Saturday 5:30 am-10:30 pm
  • Sunday 5:30 am-10:30 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the area involves some walking and potentially hiking on uneven surfaces.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in one of the repurposed animal enclosures.
  • Explore the hiking trails around the Old Zoo for different views and a bit of exercise.
  • Visit during the annual Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival for a unique theatrical experience in the Old Zoo.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round parking lot, walk past the merry-go-round towards the closed road leading to a dirt path. Follow this path uphill, heading right at the fork. After a few bends, you'll begin to see the remains of the Old LA Zoo. The walk is short, about 5 minutes from the parking lot.

  • Public Transport

    Take the LADOT DASH Observatory/Los Feliz shuttle from the Sunset/Vermont Metro station. Get off at a stop near the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round. From there, walk past the merry-go-round towards the closed road leading to a dirt path. Follow this path uphill, heading right at the fork. After a few bends, you'll begin to see the remains of the Old LA Zoo. DASH fare: $0.50, or $0.25 for seniors/disabled.

  • Driving

    Enter Griffith Park and proceed to the parking lot for the Merry-Go-Round. Parking is free in the general Griffith Park area. From the parking lot, walk past the merry-go-round towards the closed road leading to a dirt path. Follow this path uphill, heading right at the fork. After a few bends, you'll begin to see the remains of the Old LA Zoo. Parking around Griffith Observatory is paid, and enforced Monday-Friday 12pm-10pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10am-10pm.

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Discover more about Old Los Angeles Zoo

The Old Los Angeles Zoo, nestled in Griffith Park, offers a unique and slightly eerie experience. From 1912 to 1966, this site housed a variety of animals in what were considered state-of-the-art enclosures for the time. However, as understanding of animal welfare evolved, the zoo's small, iron-barred cages and concrete pits became outdated. In 1966, the animals were moved to the new Los Angeles Zoo a couple of miles north, and the original zoo was left behind. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of the old enclosures, many of which are built into the hillside. Picnic tables have been added in some areas, creating a surreal atmosphere where families can enjoy a meal surrounded by the ghosts of the past. The Old LA Zoo is more than just a historical curiosity; it's a place where nature and history intertwine. Graffiti art adorns some of the enclosures, adding a contemporary layer to the site's rich past. Hiking trails wind through the area, offering different perspectives of the ruins and the surrounding landscape. It's a popular spot for urban explorers, photographers, and anyone seeking a different kind of park experience. The location has also served as a backdrop for movies and TV shows. Visiting the Old Zoo provides a tangible connection to Los Angeles' past and a chance to reflect on how far animal care and conservation have come. It's a place where you can wander through the echoes of roaring lions and chattering monkeys, imagining a time when this quiet corner of Griffith Park was alive with the sounds of the animal kingdom.

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