As a LA area resident for the last 21 years, I have seen the Zoo existing in a "cramped, almost bankrupt, animals dying left and right mode" in the 1980's and 1990's" and now, in the few last years as a totally different, expanding, and exciting place. We just came back today (2006-11-10) with my 5&9-year-old boys and grandparents for their 40th anniversary. Although there still are cramped quarters for many birds and some mammals, there is a LOT of new construction. Evidently they have raised a lot of money, because the new “Red Ape” (Orangutan) and Chimpanzee areas are very exciting, as is the small but nice “sea cliffs” sea lion area. Also all the signs and literature are in English and Spanish, so at least they know their clientele.

This weekend they were selling annual family passes for $55 plus giving out two complimentary day passes (for the grandparents, no doubt). The admission line was enormous, but we jumped out of that line, bought our memberships, and marched on in. The entry plaza is nice (almost like a Disneyland Main Street) with separate gift shops for animals of Asia, Africa, North America, South America, and Australia. The walking paths are modest but the trees and bushes are almost jungle-like. This is in sharp contrast to the San Diego (Escondido) Wild Animal Park where you can walk for almost a mile in the scorching heat with no shade. You can pretty much see the LA Zoo in a single day. We really enjoyed the fact that in many cases, you got extremely close to many animals.

The Zoo is located in Griffith Park (largest municipal park in the US), which also has 100 miles of horse trails, a real train yard of antique trains, pony rides and mini-train rides, carousel, polo grounds, hiking trails and even small caves, the Griffith Observatory (by reservation only for 2006-2007) and across from the Zoo, the Gene Autry Museum. The adjacent Forest Lawn Cemetery is world-famous for its chapels and artwork.

If you have a week to spend in LA, give Griffith Park 2-3 days and be sure to include the Zoo. You should not spend more than 2 hours on the Hollywood Strip.

Located off the I-5 north and 134
The LA Zoo was a great treat for the entire family.
We arrived early to avoid any crowds and parking problems.

Ticket line was quick and once inside the facilty we noticed how lush and green the grounds were.
Zoo map made it easy for us to navigate and we certainly found the park a wonderfull place to stroll and see all the animals and plants. I only wished that I had taken my family here years ago.

No problems with crowds once Lunch time came around either.

A must visit if you haven't already.

Visited in March. Weather was great and lots of lush vegetation to enjoy while taking the zoo in; however, most of the animal exhibits were small and literally looked like cages. A lot of construction is going on. Went hoping to take lots of pictures but overall experience was uninspiring and kind of sad.

I recently visited the LA zoo but left the zoo saddened by the horrid conditions of the animals. I understand its a zoo and the animals arent going to be free, but when HUGE birds of prey (hawks, etc) are in cages 10 feet high, such that the top of their heads are touching the chain link roof, not enough is being done for these animals! The coyotes were isolated and cramped in small enclosures. I just hope funding for this zoo decreases so that the animals can get different homes. Go to San Diego Zoo instead. Its worth the extra bucks and wont leave you feeling helpless and sad.