Los Angeles Zoo
Park Urban zoo in Griffith Park housing diverse species
Zoo in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park housing a wide range of mammals, birds and reptiles and running conservation programmes; families and wildlife enthusiasts visit for exhibits, scheduled feedings and nearby hiking trails.
The Los Angeles Zoo is a major zoological park located in Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California. The current zoo site opened in 1966 and the institution operates conservation, education and animal-care programmes alongside public exhibits.
Exhibit areas present a range of mammals, birds, reptiles and other taxa in themed enclosures and the zoo is also noted for its botanical plantings across the site. The facility serves as a regional visitor attraction and as a centre for local wildlife education and conservation initiatives.
The zoo sits inside Griffith Park in central Los Angeles, with park roads and trails providing access; it is adjacent to other park attractions and is reachable by car and city transit from across the Los Angeles area.
- Location and opening date: Located within Griffith Park in Los Angeles and opened at its current site in 1966, it is the city's principal zoological garden.
How to Get to Los Angeles Zoo #
Located in Griffith Park; drive via the I-5 or US-101 and follow park signage to Zoo Drive. Public transit: Metro B Line to Vermont/Sunset with DASH and LA Metro buses connecting to the zoo entrance.
Tips for Visiting Los Angeles Zoo #
- Arrive at opening (10:00am) to see the big cats and primate enclosures before the midday heat and crowds.
- Use the zoo app or maps at the entrance to plan a clockwise route - the grounds are hilly and the layout rewards a plan rather than backtracking.
- If interested in behind-the-scenes or keeper talks, reserve a program in advance - those sell out on weekends.
Best Time to Visit Los Angeles Zoo #
Visit in spring or autumn to avoid peak summer crowds and enjoy moderate temperatures.
Weather & Climate near Los Angeles Zoo #
Los Angeles Zoo's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 7°C to 31°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 92 mm of rain.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).