The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is an urban oasis with more than 1,200 mammals, reptiles, and birds. The zoo consists of 133 acres of diverse plant and animal habitats. Many rare and endangered species are on display, including the western lowland gorilla, the Sumatran tiger, and the orangutan. The Los Angeles Zoo has made great strides in the past few decades to modernize and diversify its facilities.
Must-See Exhibits
The Campo Gorilla Reserve was created in 2007. It is currently one of the most popular exhibits in the park. Visitors watching the gorillas through several glass-plated viewing areas will have the rare chance to witness the behavior and social structure of these amazing primates.
Another must-see is the Elephants of Asia exhibit. This 3.8 acre enclosure houses Asian Elephants and other Asian animal species. Visitors will learn about the diverse habitats of Asian Elephants, as well as the importance of elephants to the local economy in Thailand. The Elephants of India Plaza includes a waterfall where the animals can be seen bathing.
Other popular attractions include the Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles, or LAIR exhibit, the Red Ape Rainforest, and the Play Park and Children’s Zoo. The zoo became a certified botanical garden in 2002, and now displays a wide variety of plant collections, spread across the zoo grounds.
Planning Your Visit
Shows and special wildlife encounters are offered in various locations throughout the day. Eight eateries are dispersed throughout the park, and picnic areas are available for those who want to bring their own food. For a small fee, your family can ride the shuttle to numerous attractions, saving miles of walking. Although the zoo is mostly shaded, summer temperatures can be sweltering. The best times to visit are in cooler months, when the animals will be more active.
Compared to other attractions in the area, ticket prices at the zoo are relatively low. Special rates are available for families who also plan to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. In addition, coupons are available in numerous publications found throughout the city. Discounts are also offered to groups of 15 or more, and to members of the military.
The zoo is open from 10 am to 5 pm, every day of the year except Christmas, but animal attendants may begin putting animals to bed for the night as early ast 4 pm. There is free limited parking available, and public bus stops are located nearby.
Visiting the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden is a delightful experience for families of all ages.
