Through the passion of our team, the Los Angeles Zoo is leading the way in saving wildlife and connecting Angelenos to the natural world by providing exemplary animal care, delivering distinctive and diverse learning opportunities, and creating unforgettable experiences.
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens opened on November 28, 1966. The Zoo is home to more than 2,100 mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles representing more than 270 different species, of which more than 58 are endangered. In addition, the Zoo’s botanical collection comprises several planted gardens and over 800 different plant species with approximately 7,000 individual plants. The Zoo receives nearly 1.8 million visitors per year and is owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles. The daily management of the Zoo is overseen by Chief Executive Officer & Zoo Director Denise M. Verret. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).