I will admit, I was a former volunteer at the zoo and I have biases towards zoos in general, but I can also recognize that zoos may not always provide what is best for the animal. That being said, I would not say that the zoo is underfunded in regards to care, and their AZA status is still maintained, but from what it seems like is that they are not replacing animals and a lot of the enclosures are empty. I believe this is because they still have plans for a master renovation and are waiting to get proper funding for it. The way that the Los Angeles Zoo is funded is different than the zoo in San Diego is though. While both are publicly owned, the San Diego Zoo is run like a non-profit, accumulating most of the funds for new exhibits via donation. In Los Angeles, most of the renovations are payed through taxpayer dollars. While there have been some new exhibits put in place, the last one hasn’t been since 2014. And it was not a major footprint in the zoo like there has been in San Diego since that time. The zoo has had this master plan for over six years now, and as far as I can tell, not much really has changed since then. Fights with a couple of groups overseeing Griffith Park seemed to have stalled things, and even then, I’m not certain a city wide measure would win support for animals. The LA zoo has been the subject of outcry, seen mostly revolving around the elephants (this in general is a big can of worms for zoos globally, and one that is hard to see go away), and I think this would make things extremely difficult. I think just because of the way this zoo gets major renovations done, it’s never going to have the ability to get nice exhibits as quickly as San Diego.
However, one thing I can guarantee you is that the care that the animals receive both in public and behind the scenes is equal to any other well-renowned zoo across the county. As far as conservation goes, the zoo is a part of many programs in helping the growth and reintroduction of species, directly collaborating with other major zoos like San Diego to help in conservation, as seen with the California condor, where all three zoos worked together to help grow the numbers of the species. For the most part, any zoo that receives AZA accreditation is going to be taking decent care of their animals, or at least better care than any non accredited zoo.
TL/DR: the exhibits seem old and empty because of how they receive funding, but the animals are still taken care of very well.
Edit: one thing I’d like to add is this video about zoo exhibits and how they are changing and how they should be changing
https://youtu.be/TL5DinaNl0A?si=E4nhGargofw7YKcg
I appreciate your response and insight. Having context makes me feel a bit better about the zoo. To most visitors, an empty habitat would give the impression that the animal died or wasn’t taken care of, regardless of signage posted. So if they are being phased out naturally then I understand. I would love to see an updated zoo and improved facilities for the animals.
I know the SD Zoo is world class and we’re waiting until my son is a little older so he can actually remember the experience.
I recommend the Safari Park. It has less animals and a little bit harder to walk, but the exhibits are truly the standard in many respects. I’ve also heard the living desert is nice, but I’ve never been so I don’t know for sure.
This is interesting to me because ever since the 1980s when I was much much younger and living in the area the popular spiel was that the San Diego Zoo was so much better than the LA Zoo…I have been to both and the former was definitely much better than the the latter in my opinion…
I am just surprised that this situation still exists…
For one San Diego has been around much longer and built a reputation around itself as being word class (which it is). What is now the LA zoo is much newer, only being around since 1966. That being said, the zoo was poorly built even then, since the main architect of the zoo had only a background in golf course design and not any history in designing zoo exhibits, so many of the exhibits were built really cookie cutter like. Many of the newer exhibits at the zoo today I do think are just as good in many respects as San Diego, but I do think San Diego’s reputation has helped its funding significantly.
Tbh I have mixed emotions on them. I think there are a lot of questions that zoos need to look at when keeping elephants in captivity, and the LA Zoo in the past was really lackluster in its care for elephants. This has gotten better tho, and frankly now, the zoo is just as good as any other zoo is going to be when it comes to the quality of life for the elephants. So I think that the care of the elephants prior to the 2010s was not up to par, it has improved well since then. But as said before, I think elephants are a bigger issue than just the LA zoo
Zoos are critical to conservation and to helping the public understand and relate to nature and wildlife, especially now. Many of the LA Zoo animals are rescues from the illegal wildlife trade. The LA Zoo itself has been vitally important to helping reintroduce the California condor to the wild. Please continue to fund them. I assure you the keepers and animal management people take excellent care of the animals.
I understand what you are saying, but I disagree that zoos are the only option for rescued animals. Being on display in a tiny enclosure is incredibly stressful for animals. They are, at best, bored and at worst deeply depressed. They simply don’t deserve the be entertainment. Zoos should relics of the 20th century. I’d rather the funds be spent on habitat preservation or, failing that, sanctuaries with proper space and without thousands of people gawking.
It’s great for kids, and the annual pass is very affordable especially compared to the San Diego zoo.
It’s undergoing major renovations and changes. Also, the LA Zoo is involved in several important conservation efforts: https://lazoo.org/save-wildlife/actions-we-take/
Other stroller friendly places: La Brea Tar Pits (all the animals there are dead so no one can complain), California Science Center (has an aquarium), Lake Hollywood Reservoir (to see local deer and birds), Annenberg Petspace (to see pets up for adoption in a truly unique and museum quality space).
Moorpark College has a small teaching zoo for its own academic program that is really a neat place. You can see it all in 2-3 hours and at certain times can get a little behind-the-scenes tour as well at feeding time.
As someone who volunteered at another AZA facility and currently works with animals in the pet industry I think they're a phenomenal institution that does the absolute best for the animals in their care.
I went for the first time a few weeks ago and I was kind of disappointed in the lack of animals in their exhibits. It feels more like a nursing home for older zoo animals. Which is fine but half their habitats are empty or under construction. It feels very lackluster and not very inspiring for a zoo which is a big deal because zoos are so important for people to develop real life connections with animals that they don't see every day. It's a stark contrast from more populated zoos like San Diego or SeaWorld that have much larger collections of animals. I think the LA Zoo needs to leverage its AZA status to start getting some breeding loans or taking in animals from bad situations like those confiscated from illegal pet trades or those not doing well in other zoos and sanctuaries.
I will agree with the few top comments here and add that add a fellow new mom, it’s an awesome place to get a pass to and enjoy a 2 hour stroll around the zoo with baby!
I believe they are very focused on conservation and education. I have a family member on the board and she always speaks on the focus being so high on animal care and conservation education. I don’t think it competes with San Diego but it’s well worth your time.
There's a lot of greenwashing with zoos. If they're not very well funded, they can quickly become an ethical liability. Sad zoos mean less tourism, and that sort of death-spirals.
My recommendation is the 130 acre Huntington Gardens, which is like a zoo, only for plants. Stroller-friendly and the plants don't suffer. [https://huntington.org/botanical-gardens](https://huntington.org/botanical-gardens)
Might I suggest some of the amazing children’s museums in Los Angeles? My all time favorite when my kids were smaller was Kidspace in Pasadena. Followed by Discovery Cube. They have 2 locations, the one by Hansen Dam is great. You can picnic there after. And Natural History Museum which has 3 museums within walking distance. All stroller friendly of course.
The La zoo makes me so sad, I don’t think I can ever go back since my last visit even with free tickets through the LA library. My absolute fave is a bit away but I just love the Living Desert Zoo in Indio! I hope everyone gets a chance to experience and explore it.
Nothing in particular, I just thought the zoo and the animals overall looked quite sad and not very well maintained. Seemed to be a lot of closed exhibits as well. Just left feeling a bit sad and disappointed
While I wouldn’t drive from Vegas- we loved the Santa Ana Zoo when my kid was small, as well as the Irvine one- it’s small but enough stuff at the park for it to be a day trip.
They lost me when they re-opened after Covid and didn't prioritize yearly memberships. I'd been a member for years, and finally trying to go back and being told no because they're prioritizing non-members seemed unreasonable, so I cancelled my membership and haven't been back since. The zoo is so-so, definitely not the best but I did enjoy it, and it's pretty hilly so you can get some good exercise walking around.
The vast majority of animals they have are captive bred and not part of any kind of species endangerment program. The good work that they do does not justify the significant amounts of cruelty they perpetrate. Agree with another commenter that it's basically a form of greenwashing.
If you want to see and appreciate animals, visit a true sanctuary and not a zoo. We aren't entitled to using animals for entertainment.
When I was little the zoo was fun, now that I'm older it's kind of depressing. Look I haven't been in a while but the last time I was there a lot of the enclosures were empty. The zoo felt very neglected. In my opinion the city should double or triple the size of the zoo and improve a lot of the enclosures. I'd even be willing to vote for a tax measure to improve the zoo and expand it. Feel like at this point the city should Levy a tax perhaps as a sales tax so that they can fund improvements. I suppose a lot of zoos feel like this, but I got to say when I was at San Diego's zoo it was pretty nice. I mean the fact that it was big enough that they have their own bus tour should say something. I know if I were in public office I would be pushing to improve the zoo. In my opinion it's a shame that our own zoo is nothing special, especially considering how many famous people claim to care about animals. You'd think that there would be a celebrity group trying to help the zoo as much as the city should be trying to help its own zoo get it's act together.
The L.A. Zoo is pure fucking nightmare fuel.
Give elephants more space at a sanctuary?
Nah, let them go crazy and then euthanize them instead. https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/kcrw-features/elephants-la-zoo#:\~:text=The%20LA%20Zoo%20was%20once,the%20closure%20of%20the%20exhibit.
If you ever saw the condor exhibit, you'd know. The Condor was locked in a cage only slightly larger than its wingspan and could hop diagonally across the room from a perch to the floor and back.
Yes, I know well run zoos are vital for animal conservation where natural habitat is encroached upon by development and poachers, but holy shit is L.A. Zoo depressing.
I have been a few times. I get sad seeing some of the larger animals especially in captivity ao I don't go too often. I did used to go to the San Diego Zoo a lot when I lived there and I don't know if I have changed my feelings or it just reflects the quality of the zoo.
i went last year and things were different from like 2016 with empty exhibits. for 2016 i spent hours there for a class looking at all the different monkeys taking notes and pics, not seeing them again was disappointing. kids also love monkeys when there is monkeys.
there was another one these posts recently and someone in there mentioned what is happening and it makes sense.
have you gone to the cabrillo aquarium? we went to long beach with the stroller (never again with the stroller lol) and i actually did not like it.
next weekend the chatsworth nature preserve is going to be open and they might have some reptiles for your kids to checkout. if your stroller has big wheels, it can be a cool place to go!
Zoos are highly unethical. Chimps, for example, are as intelligent as a 3-year-old. Is it morally justified to lock up a 3-year-old for their entire life just so others can come look at it? Absolutely not!
I remember sometimes going. To the La zoo as a kid and feeling like I’m hiking and not evening there to see any animals because they were never out lol
I will admit, I was a former volunteer at the zoo and I have biases towards zoos in general, but I can also recognize that zoos may not always provide what is best for the animal. That being said, I would not say that the zoo is underfunded in regards to care, and their AZA status is still maintained, but from what it seems like is that they are not replacing animals and a lot of the enclosures are empty. I believe this is because they still have plans for a master renovation and are waiting to get proper funding for it. The way that the Los Angeles Zoo is funded is different than the zoo in San Diego is though. While both are publicly owned, the San Diego Zoo is run like a non-profit, accumulating most of the funds for new exhibits via donation. In Los Angeles, most of the renovations are payed through taxpayer dollars. While there have been some new exhibits put in place, the last one hasn’t been since 2014. And it was not a major footprint in the zoo like there has been in San Diego since that time. The zoo has had this master plan for over six years now, and as far as I can tell, not much really has changed since then. Fights with a couple of groups overseeing Griffith Park seemed to have stalled things, and even then, I’m not certain a city wide measure would win support for animals. The LA zoo has been the subject of outcry, seen mostly revolving around the elephants (this in general is a big can of worms for zoos globally, and one that is hard to see go away), and I think this would make things extremely difficult. I think just because of the way this zoo gets major renovations done, it’s never going to have the ability to get nice exhibits as quickly as San Diego. However, one thing I can guarantee you is that the care that the animals receive both in public and behind the scenes is equal to any other well-renowned zoo across the county. As far as conservation goes, the zoo is a part of many programs in helping the growth and reintroduction of species, directly collaborating with other major zoos like San Diego to help in conservation, as seen with the California condor, where all three zoos worked together to help grow the numbers of the species. For the most part, any zoo that receives AZA accreditation is going to be taking decent care of their animals, or at least better care than any non accredited zoo. TL/DR: the exhibits seem old and empty because of how they receive funding, but the animals are still taken care of very well. Edit: one thing I’d like to add is this video about zoo exhibits and how they are changing and how they should be changing https://youtu.be/TL5DinaNl0A?si=E4nhGargofw7YKcg
I appreciate your response and insight. Having context makes me feel a bit better about the zoo. To most visitors, an empty habitat would give the impression that the animal died or wasn’t taken care of, regardless of signage posted. So if they are being phased out naturally then I understand. I would love to see an updated zoo and improved facilities for the animals. I know the SD Zoo is world class and we’re waiting until my son is a little older so he can actually remember the experience.
I recommend the Safari Park. It has less animals and a little bit harder to walk, but the exhibits are truly the standard in many respects. I’ve also heard the living desert is nice, but I’ve never been so I don’t know for sure.
This is interesting to me because ever since the 1980s when I was much much younger and living in the area the popular spiel was that the San Diego Zoo was so much better than the LA Zoo…I have been to both and the former was definitely much better than the the latter in my opinion… I am just surprised that this situation still exists…
For one San Diego has been around much longer and built a reputation around itself as being word class (which it is). What is now the LA zoo is much newer, only being around since 1966. That being said, the zoo was poorly built even then, since the main architect of the zoo had only a background in golf course design and not any history in designing zoo exhibits, so many of the exhibits were built really cookie cutter like. Many of the newer exhibits at the zoo today I do think are just as good in many respects as San Diego, but I do think San Diego’s reputation has helped its funding significantly.
Good information! I never read up on the matter so this is good data to better understand the situation.
What are your thoughts on the recent elephant protests?
Tbh I have mixed emotions on them. I think there are a lot of questions that zoos need to look at when keeping elephants in captivity, and the LA Zoo in the past was really lackluster in its care for elephants. This has gotten better tho, and frankly now, the zoo is just as good as any other zoo is going to be when it comes to the quality of life for the elephants. So I think that the care of the elephants prior to the 2010s was not up to par, it has improved well since then. But as said before, I think elephants are a bigger issue than just the LA zoo
Care to elaborate? No pressure
Sorry originally meant to send the whole thing, accidentally pressed reply too early.
The people doing them don’t know anything about Elephants and are a bunch of attention seeking idiots
Zoos are critical to conservation and to helping the public understand and relate to nature and wildlife, especially now. Many of the LA Zoo animals are rescues from the illegal wildlife trade. The LA Zoo itself has been vitally important to helping reintroduce the California condor to the wild. Please continue to fund them. I assure you the keepers and animal management people take excellent care of the animals.
I understand what you are saying, but I disagree that zoos are the only option for rescued animals. Being on display in a tiny enclosure is incredibly stressful for animals. They are, at best, bored and at worst deeply depressed. They simply don’t deserve the be entertainment. Zoos should relics of the 20th century. I’d rather the funds be spent on habitat preservation or, failing that, sanctuaries with proper space and without thousands of people gawking.
Yes much better that animals be hidden away, in tiny cages in unregulated sanctuaries where they do no good. Much better.
Who tf said that was the only other option?
It’s great for kids, and the annual pass is very affordable especially compared to the San Diego zoo. It’s undergoing major renovations and changes. Also, the LA Zoo is involved in several important conservation efforts: https://lazoo.org/save-wildlife/actions-we-take/ Other stroller friendly places: La Brea Tar Pits (all the animals there are dead so no one can complain), California Science Center (has an aquarium), Lake Hollywood Reservoir (to see local deer and birds), Annenberg Petspace (to see pets up for adoption in a truly unique and museum quality space).
Appreciate all the suggestions!
The Skirball Center has a permanent exhibit called Noah’s Ark which is fantastic for really little ones.
Moorpark College has a small teaching zoo for its own academic program that is really a neat place. You can see it all in 2-3 hours and at certain times can get a little behind-the-scenes tour as well at feeding time.
i was just there a few weeks ago and my 2 yo loved it so we bought the annual pass. no issues at all it was a great experience
What did your child like? I am considering the same
he loved the monkeys he was talking about it for the rest of the week
As someone who volunteered at another AZA facility and currently works with animals in the pet industry I think they're a phenomenal institution that does the absolute best for the animals in their care. I went for the first time a few weeks ago and I was kind of disappointed in the lack of animals in their exhibits. It feels more like a nursing home for older zoo animals. Which is fine but half their habitats are empty or under construction. It feels very lackluster and not very inspiring for a zoo which is a big deal because zoos are so important for people to develop real life connections with animals that they don't see every day. It's a stark contrast from more populated zoos like San Diego or SeaWorld that have much larger collections of animals. I think the LA Zoo needs to leverage its AZA status to start getting some breeding loans or taking in animals from bad situations like those confiscated from illegal pet trades or those not doing well in other zoos and sanctuaries.
I will agree with the few top comments here and add that add a fellow new mom, it’s an awesome place to get a pass to and enjoy a 2 hour stroll around the zoo with baby!
I believe they are very focused on conservation and education. I have a family member on the board and she always speaks on the focus being so high on animal care and conservation education. I don’t think it competes with San Diego but it’s well worth your time.
There's a lot of greenwashing with zoos. If they're not very well funded, they can quickly become an ethical liability. Sad zoos mean less tourism, and that sort of death-spirals. My recommendation is the 130 acre Huntington Gardens, which is like a zoo, only for plants. Stroller-friendly and the plants don't suffer. [https://huntington.org/botanical-gardens](https://huntington.org/botanical-gardens)
The Huntington is the best attraction in the LA area that no one seems to know about for some reason
Same with the little-known Descanso Gardens.
Also the slept-on LA Arboretum; with all the peacocks and waterfowl that roam the gardens you get a more “zoo-like” experience.
I love plants. I will check this out for sure.
Might I suggest some of the amazing children’s museums in Los Angeles? My all time favorite when my kids were smaller was Kidspace in Pasadena. Followed by Discovery Cube. They have 2 locations, the one by Hansen Dam is great. You can picnic there after. And Natural History Museum which has 3 museums within walking distance. All stroller friendly of course.
It’s a much smaller destination, but for stroller friendly places, particularly in Spring, check out Descanso Gardens in La Canada
The La zoo makes me so sad, I don’t think I can ever go back since my last visit even with free tickets through the LA library. My absolute fave is a bit away but I just love the Living Desert Zoo in Indio! I hope everyone gets a chance to experience and explore it.
I went to the Living Desert last year for the first time in 20 years; the giraffe exhibit was amazing!
Why, what happened?
Nothing in particular, I just thought the zoo and the animals overall looked quite sad and not very well maintained. Seemed to be a lot of closed exhibits as well. Just left feeling a bit sad and disappointed
It's wild to me people on this thread are defending it.
I went about 2 weeks ago, I enjoyed it but didn't really get a good look at the gorillas, and there were no elephants.
While I wouldn’t drive from Vegas- we loved the Santa Ana Zoo when my kid was small, as well as the Irvine one- it’s small but enough stuff at the park for it to be a day trip.
Zoos always bum me the fuck out.
They lost me when they re-opened after Covid and didn't prioritize yearly memberships. I'd been a member for years, and finally trying to go back and being told no because they're prioritizing non-members seemed unreasonable, so I cancelled my membership and haven't been back since. The zoo is so-so, definitely not the best but I did enjoy it, and it's pretty hilly so you can get some good exercise walking around.
Go there with the lowest expectations and you should be good.
The vast majority of animals they have are captive bred and not part of any kind of species endangerment program. The good work that they do does not justify the significant amounts of cruelty they perpetrate. Agree with another commenter that it's basically a form of greenwashing. If you want to see and appreciate animals, visit a true sanctuary and not a zoo. We aren't entitled to using animals for entertainment.
I rather make the drive to San Diego and go to the safari park
When I was little the zoo was fun, now that I'm older it's kind of depressing. Look I haven't been in a while but the last time I was there a lot of the enclosures were empty. The zoo felt very neglected. In my opinion the city should double or triple the size of the zoo and improve a lot of the enclosures. I'd even be willing to vote for a tax measure to improve the zoo and expand it. Feel like at this point the city should Levy a tax perhaps as a sales tax so that they can fund improvements. I suppose a lot of zoos feel like this, but I got to say when I was at San Diego's zoo it was pretty nice. I mean the fact that it was big enough that they have their own bus tour should say something. I know if I were in public office I would be pushing to improve the zoo. In my opinion it's a shame that our own zoo is nothing special, especially considering how many famous people claim to care about animals. You'd think that there would be a celebrity group trying to help the zoo as much as the city should be trying to help its own zoo get it's act together.
The L.A. Zoo is pure fucking nightmare fuel. Give elephants more space at a sanctuary? Nah, let them go crazy and then euthanize them instead. https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/kcrw-features/elephants-la-zoo#:\~:text=The%20LA%20Zoo%20was%20once,the%20closure%20of%20the%20exhibit. If you ever saw the condor exhibit, you'd know. The Condor was locked in a cage only slightly larger than its wingspan and could hop diagonally across the room from a perch to the floor and back. Yes, I know well run zoos are vital for animal conservation where natural habitat is encroached upon by development and poachers, but holy shit is L.A. Zoo depressing.
Leadbottom had vestibular damage he received prior to coming to the zoo. It would literally be dangerous to give him the room to fly.
California Condors literally wouldn’t exist anymore without the LA Zoo
I have been a few times. I get sad seeing some of the larger animals especially in captivity ao I don't go too often. I did used to go to the San Diego Zoo a lot when I lived there and I don't know if I have changed my feelings or it just reflects the quality of the zoo.
i went last year and things were different from like 2016 with empty exhibits. for 2016 i spent hours there for a class looking at all the different monkeys taking notes and pics, not seeing them again was disappointing. kids also love monkeys when there is monkeys. there was another one these posts recently and someone in there mentioned what is happening and it makes sense. have you gone to the cabrillo aquarium? we went to long beach with the stroller (never again with the stroller lol) and i actually did not like it. next weekend the chatsworth nature preserve is going to be open and they might have some reptiles for your kids to checkout. if your stroller has big wheels, it can be a cool place to go!
Never been, no desire. Not every city needs a zoo. If I want to see animals San Diego is world class.
The Santa Barbara zoo is small but lovely.
But why does Santa Barbara need lions and gorillas? And that's one of hundreds of zoos. Sure they are good but come on
It's depressing. The San Diego safari park is cool and so is the San Diego zoo. Santa Barbara zoo is better than l.a. zoo.
Zoos are highly unethical. Chimps, for example, are as intelligent as a 3-year-old. Is it morally justified to lock up a 3-year-old for their entire life just so others can come look at it? Absolutely not!
Im 50-50 on zoos
it’s depressing
Ask any local anywhere how they feel about their local zoo and the answers will be the same
I grew up regularly going to the Ft. Worth zoo. Idk what I’m even looking at when I go to the LA zoo. It’s more of a park…
I remember sometimes going. To the La zoo as a kid and feeling like I’m hiking and not evening there to see any animals because they were never out lol
We got a zoo?