A Guide To Los Angeles Zoo

Los Angeles Zoo
Celeste
Celeste  
Published
| 4 min read

Founded in 1966, Los Angeles Zoo is one of the best family-friendly attractions in this vibrant city. It is home to more than 250 animal species and 800 plant species. The zoo also has an Education Division that delivers programs like zoo camps, sleepover adventures, family and kid-friendly initiatives and more. Being committed to conservation efforts, Los Angeles Zoo has several projects in place that aims to preserve some of the world’s most critically endangered species. In this article, we will look specifically into the highlights of Los Angeles Zoo, what to eat, things to buy, tips and more. Here is a guide to Los Angeles Zoo, Los Angeles.

Things to do / Highlights

Campo Gorilla Reserve window LA Zoo
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Junkyardsparkle used under CC0

Watch a free show

Learn more about the animals from the experts who know them best - the animal keepers, education specialists and guides. There are different talks and activities available each day. To view the full schedule, you may head over to their official website to check the timetable. From seal demonstrations to learning about otters and chimpanzees, you will find your visit to Los Angeles Zoo an enriching experience.

Take on a special experience

Want to see what really goes on behind the scenes? Go for a weekend insider’s view where you can see the zoo in a different light. If you love to go camping, then experience sleeping in a tent under the stars while listening to the nighttime sounds of the zoo.

Upgrade with fun add-ons

Spice up your visit with unique add-ons offered by the zoo. You can mingle with the flamingos, have a chance to feed them and learn more about this bird species with an additional payment of 25 USD. Alternatively, you can head to the giraffe exhibit for a feeding experience from 11 am to 1 pm or 2 pm to 4 pm. Add-on tickets are available at 5 USD during feeding time and you can pay with cash or credit card.

Adopt an animal

Adopting an animal does not mean that you will get to bring the animals home. The ADOPT (Animals Depend On People, Too) program allows you to be part of Los Angeles Zoo’s wildlife conservation efforts. The funds you contribute will aid in the zoo’s international conservation programs that help endangered species. To adopt, you may do so online or mail a filled-up form to Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association.

Visited this place?

What to eat


Zoo Grill

Zoo Grill serves hot and cold sandwiches, chicken tenders, salads and drinks. They also offer healthy kids’ meals, and you have the choice to dine indoors or outdoors. You can locate them at the entry to Winnick Family Children’s Zoo.

Reggie’s Bistro

Reggie’s Bistro is named after the zoo’s famous North American alligator, Reggie. You will be able to catch a glimpse of Reggie by opting to sit outdoors, next to the gift shop International Marketplace. Fresh salads, wraps, burgers and sandwiches are on the menu. Craft beers and California wines are available for purchase too.

Mahale Café

Mahale Café features pizzas, grilled chicken and burgers. Hot dogs, salads and deli sandwiches are also available. To catch a glimpse of the giraffes, head to their outdoor seating area.

Churro Factory

For dessert, you don’t want to miss out on visiting Churro Factory. Get your hands on their famous hot cinnamon sugar churros or churro sundae with chocolate sauce and whipping cream. Apart from churros, the eatery also sells pretzels, popcorn and beverages.

Visited this place?

Things to buy


International Marketplace

There is only one place where you can shop while touring Los Angeles Zoo: International Marketplace. As with most gift shops, you will spot fashionable apparels, trinkets, plush animals and books. Don’t leave without getting a memorable souvenir from this place.

Visited this place?

Travelers tips

LAzoo
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Geographer used under CC BY 1.0

Accessibility

Those with mobility issues or have wheelchairs, Los Angeles Zoo is accessible everywhere except the aviary. If you require special assistance, you can always give them a call before your visit to let them know. Standard and electric wheelchairs are available for rent at International Marketplace. However, do note that there is a limited number of electric wheelchairs available, so should you be keen to rent one, make sure to arrive early.

Items not allowed on zoo grounds

Do take note that pets (except service animals) are not allowed to enter. Plastic lids, straws and glass bottles are also not allowed inside the zoo. You will not be able to bypass checks if you’re carrying alcohol.

Parking

Planning to drive to Los Angeles Zoo? Parking is free except during holiday weekends and special events. For these days, limited free parking is available in designated areas and you will be charged a nominal fee at other parking areas as part of their Preferred Parking Program.

Visited this place?

How to get there

Cabs in Los Angeles
Source: Photo by user Boris Dzhingarov used under CC BY 2.0

Taxi or private car

You can get a cab, Uber or Lyft ride to the zoo, which is located at 5333 Zoo Drive, at the junction of Interstate-5 and Interstate-134. It is situated directly across Autry Museum of Western Heritage. There are specific driving directions available on their website.

Train and bus

The nearest train station is Burbank. After you alight, hop on to bus number 96 and step out at LA Zoo bus stop (Stop ID: 12591).

Visited this place?

How to get tickets

Los Angeles Zoo
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [Unknown] used under CC BY 2.0

You may purchase your tickets from the attraction’s official website. The general one-time admission ticket for children aged 2 to 12 costs 17 USD. Seniors 62 years old and above will need to pay 19 USD while adults pay 22 USD. Tickets are valid for a period of one year from the date of purchase. A family combo package consisting of two adults and two children with two carousel ride tickets are available for purchase at 84 USD. For more information on add-on prices and programs, you may browse their website.

Visited this place?

Los Angeles Zoo information

Big kitties at The Los Angeles Zoo
Source: Photo by user Karen Borter used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Los Angeles Zoo

Address: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 17 - 22 USD

Official website: Los Angeles Zoo

Department of tourism: Visit LA

News & updates for Los Angeles Zoo: The Los Angeles Zoo’s first baby gorilla in more than 20 years is a girl

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Celeste, a writer and traveler, embraces the transient nature of life. She believes that life is a fleeting mist that lingers briefly and then dissipates. Celeste also encourages savoring every...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Los Angeles Zoo
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.