The Los Angeles Zoo opened in 1966, as the citys third zoo, the previous city zoos of which included the Eastlake Zoo and Griffith Park Zoo. The Los Angeles Zoo encompasses 113-acres and is home to over 1200 animals. There are over 1.4 million visitors annually. In 1972, the Zoo became an accredited member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA).

The zoo has many public programs that aim to teach the public about animals and natural conservation. Continual shows and activities include Adventure Theater, Kids Korner, Animal Encounters, Muriels Ranch and World of Birds Show. The Zoo also provides many special monthly events and programs for children and adults. The Zoo strives to educate people on wildlife conversation and animal knowledge. There are also school programs, city volunteer programs, outreach programs and Rascals Recycling Club.

The Botanical Gardens
Although the zoo itself has received recognition for endangered animal conservation, the botanical gardens are also gaining recognition for plant conservation. The Gardens also have different plant collections: Geographical Collections that represent indigenous plant life from all the continents; Distinctive Landscape Collections that reveal the Southern Californian terrain; Special Collections of Medicinal, Culinary, Poisonous and Economic plants.

Safari Shuttle
While you're here, hop aboard Safari Shuttle for a quick trip from one end of the Zoo to the other. All day long, seven days a week (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the Safari Shuttle picks up passengers, circles the Zoo, and returns to the main flamingo exhibit near the front entrance. You can get on and off the tram as often as you like at six different stops.

Food
Safari Cafe (at the Zoo entrance) offers Starbucks coffee, fresh-baked cookies, muffins, bagels, and ice cream. The Grill at Winnick Family Children's Zoo serves charbroiled hamburgers, Dole Whip, deli sandwiches, salads, soft-serve ice cream, iced drinks, and cold beer. Gorilla Grill is the spot for grilled favorites, kids meals, refreshments, and ice cream. La Casita serves a variety of Mexican food and refreshments. Silverback's Cafe offers freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, salads, bread bowls, cold beer, and refreshments. Mahale Cafe serves charbroiled burgers, snacks, and other refreshments.

Hours
The Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year except Christmas Day. Special summer extended hours are until 6 p.m. from July 1 through Labor Day in early September. Please note the Zoo starts putting animals in for the night at 4 p.m. during regular hours, and at 5 p.m. during summer hours.