About

Our Mission

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.

Saving Wildlife.
Enriching Our Communities.
Creating Connections to Nature.

Our Vision

Creating a just and sustainable world where people and wildlife thrive, together.

Overview

The City of Los Angeles owns the Zoo, its land and facilities, and the animals. Animal care, grounds maintenance, construction, learning and engagement, public information, and administrative staff are City employees. The Mayor of the City of Los Angeles is Karen Bass, who began her first term in 2022. Located within the 4th City Council District, the Zoo is represented by Councilmember Nithya Raman. Denise M. Verret was appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti as CEO and Zoo Director in July 2019.

The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) was created in 1963 as a private, nonprofit fundraising organization to support the Zoo. Today, GLAZA provides support through fundraising, membership, marketing, and public relations, organizing special events and travel programs, producing award-winning publications, coordinating one of the largest zoo volunteer programs in the country, administering the contract for visitor services concessions within the Zoo, and supporting community relations.

Fact Sheet

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens opened on November 28, 1966. The Zoo is home to more than 1,700 mammals, birds, amphibians, fish, and reptiles representing more than 270 different species, of which more than 60 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).