Los Angeles Zoo Griffith Park

There is always something new going on at the zoo, as it attempts to reinvent itself for the newer generation of zoo goers as well as keeping regulars coming back from more. The old reptile house has been closed, but an entirely new one is set to open this year. Among the rare reptiles and amphibians that will be on display there, are Giant Horned "Toad" Lizards, and Shovel-headed Tree Frogs. The Los Angeles Zoo was originally mostly arranged by continent and with map in hand, visitors can explore the many exhibits that are tucked away along winding paths. Among them are the Campo Gorilla Reserve, a new habitat that is home to seven western lowland gorillas, as well as an enormous breeding and interpretive center for Asian Elephants that was just opened, where visitors can actually get pretty close to these magnificent creatures via an observation deck. Other exhibits include Sea Life Cliffs, Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains Red Ape Rain Forest, Dragons of Komodo, and Australia –the home to the Zoo’s cuddly koalas, bouncing kangaroos, wallabies, and spiny echidnas. For a more up close and personal look at some of the zoo’s inhabitants, there is the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo, a place where kids get the opportunity to feed and groom goats and sheep while exploring caves, a desert trail or viewing prairie dogs through specially designed pop-up bubbles . Another interactive program you don’t want to miss, is the Animals and You Program, where park quests can have a close-up encounter with many of the Zoo’s critters, including the African Desert Hedgehog, California Desert Tortoise and a Vietnamese Walking Stick to name a few. One of the nice things about the L.A. Zoo is that it is also an accredited Botanical Garden. Visitors will feel refreshed after seeing all of the beautiful trees and flowers.

Los Angeles Zoo Botanical Gardens

Los Angeles Zoo Elephant Exhibit

Finally, the Neil Papiano Play Park located in the upper zoo along the perimeter road, blends animal-themed climbing sculptures in a large play area, with water misters, grassy landscaping, and a well-designed picnic area. It’s a great place to unwind and eat lunch during your visit. The best time to visit the Los Angeles Zoo is in the spring - Spring or Fall - the weather is cooler and the animals are active. It can get warm at Griffith Park in the summer and if there are promotions during the weekend, it can become crowded, so plan ahead. Admission to the zoo is very affordable for families and if you have an AAA card you get %10 off.. Hours are 10am to 5pm. The Zoo is open every day of the year except December 25. Plan on getting to the LA Zoo at 10 am and enjoy the cool mooring temperatures and no crowds. If you start early you will be leaving the zoo as a mass of people are pouring into the entrance. The Los Angeles Zoo is located at the northeast corner of Griffith Park at the junction of the I-5 (Golden State) and the 134 (Ventura) freeways. Parking is free. Open from 10:00am to 5:00pm daily, except for Christmas Day.

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