The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens at 5333 Zoo Dr, Griffith Park, is home to over 2,200 animals across 270 species on 133 acres. Tickets cost US$22 for adults, US$19 for seniors, and US$17 for children aged 2–12. Infants under 1 enter free. The zoo is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm (last entry 3:45 pm) and is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Free parking is available on site.
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens sits within the sweeping green expanse of Griffith Park in eastern Los Angeles — the same urban park that is home to the Griffith Observatory, the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum, and miles of hiking trails leading up toward the Hollywood Hills. With over 2,200 animals representing 270 species, including 58 currently classified as endangered, the LA Zoo is one of the most significant zoological institutions in Southern California.
What makes the LA Zoo stand out beyond its animal collection is the quality and thoughtfulness of its exhibits, the richness of its daily programming — keeper talks, giraffe feedings, the World of Birds show, Flamingo Mingle encounters — and its 134-acre botanical gardens setting, which makes even the walking between enclosures a pleasant and attractive experience. With approximately 1.8 million visitors annually, it is one of the most popular family destinations in Los Angeles.
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The LA Zoo organises its animal collection across three major themed exhibit zones, plus a range of additional habitats, botanical gardens, and visitor experiences spread throughout the 133-acre grounds.
The Elephants of Asia is a sprawling 6.56-acre exhibit — the largest in the zoo — housing the zoo’s Asian elephant family in an environment designed to support their natural behaviours. More than three acres of outdoor space includes bathing pools, a 20-foot waterfall, sandy hills, and four separate viewing areas that allow visitors to observe the herd from multiple angles and distances.
A richly immersive 2.2-acre multi-species exhibit that brings together the birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish of the world’s tropical rainforests. Accessed through a two-story Amazonian stilt house, the exhibit features lush foliage, intricate sculptures, and architectural elements that recreate the layered complexity of a real rainforest ecosystem.
The LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles) houses over 60 species of Earth’s rarest reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates across two buildings and 49 habitats. It is divided into six themed sections — the Damp Forest, Betty’s Bite and Squeeze, Care and Conservation, Arroyo Lagarto, Crocodile Swamp, and the Desert LAIR. Do not miss the Tomistoma, Painted River Terrapins, and Indian gharial in the freshwater pools outside.
Zoo tickets are timed — you must select an entry time slot when booking. Arrive within 30 minutes of your selected time. E-tickets are delivered by email and shown on a smartphone. Free parking is available for all visitors.
| Ticket Type | Price |
| Adult (13–61 years) | US$22 |
| Senior (62+ years) | US$19 |
| Child (2–12 years) | US$17 |
| Infant (under 1 year) | Free |
The Safari Shuttle is a must-do experience that circles the zoo once, stopping at six different locations where guests can hop on and hop off at will. It departs from the Flamingo exhibit near the main entrance, runs from 10 am to 5 pm (last departure 3:30 pm), and is not included with standard admission — book on arrival.
| Safari Shuttle Ticket | Price |
| Adult (13–59 years) | US$5 |
| Child (2–12 years) | US$2 |
| Senior (60+ years) | US$2 |
| Infant (up to 2 years) | Free |
One of the most popular experiences at the LA Zoo — hand-feeding the zoo’s giraffes using three acacia leaf stems (US$5 per set, purchased on site). Sessions run daily at 11 am and 2:30 pm. Even as the giraffes use their 14-inch tongues to take the leaves directly from your hand, a keeper stands nearby to share facts about these extraordinary animals.
Running for nearly 40 years, the World of Birds Show at the Angela Collier World of Birds Theater is a free-flight performance highlighting the natural behaviours of more than 20 species — starring macaws, parrots, and hawks. The 15-minute show runs on weekdays (except Tuesdays) at 12 pm and 2 pm.
An intimate encounter in the Flamingo habitat for groups of up to six guests. During this 15-minute experience, you hand-feed Greater Flamingos krill — the shrimp-like crustacean that gives them their brilliant pink colouration. Available daily (except the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month) at 11 am and noon. Cost: US$25 per person, over and above zoo admission.
Two behind-the-scenes tour options are available for visitors who want a deeper understanding of zoo operations: Wild Adventures Behind the Scenes (US$75 per person, 90 minutes) and Wild Adventures Keys to the Zoo (US$150 per person, 90 minutes). Both focus on habitat design, food storage, medical facilities, and the zoo’s conservation programmes. Book in advance through the zoo’s website.
A dedicated children’s play space within the zoo grounds, offering a playground and interactive exhibits for younger visitors.
The best time to visit the Los Angeles Zoo is at opening (10 am) on a weekday. Animals are most active in the cool of the morning, temperatures are lower, crowds are thinner, and you can attend the giraffe feeding at 11 am and the World of Birds show at noon in quick succession. Weekends and school holidays are significantly busier. Free parking is available throughout.
An early start on a weekday delivers all the zoo’s best experiences in their most favourable conditions. The 4 advantages of arriving at opening: animals are most active, temperatures are comfortable before the midday heat, crowds are minimal, and you can plan your day around the scheduled keeper talks, feedings, and shows. Ask for the day’s activity schedule at the entrance.
With children, allow approximately 3 to 4 hours, particularly if you want to attend the giraffe feeding, World of Birds show, and a keeper talk. Adults without children can cover most of the main exhibits in approximately 90 minutes. Families who stop for lunch may need 4 to 5 hours.
| Day | Hours |
| Daily (Mon–Sun) | 10 am – 5 pm |
| Last Entry | 3:45 pm |
| Animals retire | From 4 pm |
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed |
| Christmas Day | Closed |
The Los Angeles Zoo is at 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027 — at the northeast corner of Griffith Park, at the junction of the I-5 (Golden State) and 134 (Ventura) freeways, directly opposite The Autry Museum of the American West.
Metro Bus line 96 runs from Downtown Los Angeles and Burbank, stopping directly at the zoo entrance. The journey from Downtown LA takes approximately 40 minutes.
Free parking is available for all visitors at the zoo’s on-site car park. Use Google Maps for directions.
Yes. Free on-site parking is available for all zoo visitors.
No. The Safari Shuttle is an additional purchase, bookable on arrival at the zoo. Tickets start from US$2 for children.
Giraffe feeding sessions run daily at 11 am and 2:30 pm. Acacia leaf stems cost US$5 per set, purchased on site.
The last entry to the Los Angeles Zoo is at 3:45 pm. Animals begin returning to their indoor enclosures from 4 pm onwards.
Yes. The Los Angeles Zoo is fully wheelchair accessible throughout. Wheelchair rental is available at the main entrance.
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We left be LA Zoo ‘ can we order from the gift shops like zoo animals face masks please get back to us hank you!
can you take in a wagon for a special needs child.