Old Los Angeles Zoo

Category: Historical landmark in Los Angeles, California

Address: 4801 Griffith Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

Phone: +13239134688

Opening hours

Sunday: 5:30AM–10PM

Monday: 5:30AM–10PM

Tuesday: 5:30AM–10PM

Wednesday: 5:30AM–10PM

Thursday: 5:30AM–10PM

Friday: 5:30AM–10PM

Saturday: 5:30AM–10PM

Reviews

Melystikal

Aug 11, 2022

Classic LA spot to check out the abandoned old LA Zoo. Nice little hike up the hill and open space to hang out. Located near the Merry go round and Shane's inspiration park. Restrooms near by but parking is limited on weekends.

D LC

Jul 28, 2022

Get there early for parking. We got there around 330 pm on a Saturday and it was packed, but at least it's free! Kids were excited to explore the old zoo. We had a 3 yr old and opted to not take the stroller. It sucked because there are a few big hills you have to walk up to see the old zoo, which we discovered that's where the hiking trails start too. If you do bring a stroller, you might have to leave it to hike the dirt trails. We didnt get that far so not sure if there are paved walkways further in. There are some cool cages you can explore when you get to the entrance area, but I was a little worried to let my 7 yr old go by himself. There was a lot of broken glass near one of them. But he enjoyed looking around. We only lasted 30 min because of the heat but I would have loved to explore this area more.

RetroUproar

Apr 1, 2022

I love the Old L.A. Zoo! Used to go there a lot with my friends pre-pandemic. It’s a bit of a walk uphill from the parking lot but certainly worth it. There’s a nice grassy area to hang out in, and picnic tables in bear enclosures. You can head into the bear caves to get some shade on a hot day. A big reason people come here is for urban exploring and photo opportunities, it’s one of the few abandoned places that’s fully open to the public. The best places for photos are in front of the bear caves, then head up another smaller hill and you’ll make it to the back side of the bear enclosure. Each has a long stairway going down, definitely makes for a creepy shot with how steep and dark they are. A bit further up the path, there is a lone metal cage, the door is open. This place must have been absolutely terrible for the animals living there, it’s much better now being used as a recreational area.

Dara Nicole

Mar 14, 2022

Nice place with lots of green areas and interesting infrastructure. Perfect to explore with family and friends. The hikes around are not too hard but make sure to bring your phone if you’re going off the big paths so that you don’t get lost. There are many animals like rabbits, snakes and birds so be careful and walk with a stick if you’re going off the paths. Super busy on Sundays. It was pretty fun. The abandoned cages are super fun to explore.

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Questions & Answers

This is place haunted?

Bree K | Aug 21, 2019
Larry Mekus | Aug 21, 2019

There exists a spooky, errry feeling as you go thru it. The cold breezes that happen suddenly. From nowhere. The weird sounds, you cant tell where they are coming from. Be careful

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Why did they close down

Kevin Arevalo | Aug 21, 2018
sirmazinger | Aug 20, 2021

They outgrew these facilities. There was definitely a need for a new site in order to accommodate both the number of exhibits and the amount of people coming to visit.

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Is it dog friendly

John Doe | Aug 21, 2018
Jay Hussein (Jayzakh) | Aug 21, 2018

Yes it is

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Wheelchair accessable? At the abandon zoo?

Terry Bowman | Aug 21, 2019
Brian Bowhan | Aug 21, 2019

That depends on what area. Some of the trails are dirt , not good for wheels. G Street view may be a good guide.

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Is a student Filming there alright? For short movies and independent Film? Free? No permits? That alright?

Owen Galicia | Aug 21, 2018
Mr michael moore | Aug 21, 2018

Research permits in la county. I believe as long as there is no tripod and no fixed lights, you're good. I have also seen student films shot here. Keep your crew small, ask for forgiveness not permission. Be kind to people and they won't complain, there's no film police actively looking for students without a permit. Good luck with your project

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What animals that they used to have?full list please

Cayetano Flores | Aug 21, 2019
Daniel Macias | Aug 21, 2019

Caveman Hyenas Iguanas

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Are there dead people there

Stephanie Mayeaux | Aug 21, 2019
aael .21 | Aug 21, 2019

It’s Griffith Park many deaths happen there all the time

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Are there bathrooms?

T_coffee 12 | Aug 21, 2019
Lauren Simpson | Aug 21, 2019

Yes

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How much is it to buy

Romeo Adams | Aug 21, 2019
Old Email Storage | Aug 21, 2019

The Abandoned Zoo is free

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How you guys get to to the shed place?

Smokes Tokes | Aug 21, 2018
Frank Vasquez | Aug 21, 2018

Follow the dirt trail

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Is there a tras passing issue ? Or is it public ? Or how may I acquire to go here and investigate ?

Chris Corona | Aug 20, 2021
Jean Medina | Aug 20, 2021

Public

Where did they transfer animals too?

RutherfordClan | Aug 20, 2021
Naomi Martell | Aug 20, 2021

The old LA Zoo closed in 1965. The animals are at the existing Zoo just down the road.

What happened to the place?

knight_killer 300 | Aug 20, 2021
Jeff Plamenig | Aug 20, 2021

It was abandoned in the 60's. Lack of funding and inhospitable animal habitat. Just curious ruins now with a few hiking trails. Still a fun place to get some exercise.

What is it like?

Ellie Hales | Aug 20, 2021
The Witchy Gypsy | Aug 20, 2021

It's kinda creepy but really cute, amazing for pictures

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How much is admission

Mario Calderon | Aug 20, 2021
burger king | Aug 20, 2021

its free, its basically a park

Do I need an appointment

sandra valenti | Aug 20, 2021
Lupe Armas | Aug 20, 2021

No you dont

Do they charge?

Maria Flores | Aug 20, 2020
S. Andy2457 | Aug 20, 2020

Beautiful area of the Park. Picnic tables and restrooms are available in the area.

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Is it an actual haunted house attraction

Anthony Garcia | Aug 20, 2020
Perla Minera | Aug 20, 2020

Only during Late September through Early November

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How much do they charge the entrance?

Martin Alvarez | Aug 21, 2019
Jackson Buddingh | Aug 21, 2019

Free

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How did they move the animals

Diego Moyotl | Aug 21, 2019
Conan the Barbarian | Aug 20, 2020

In the Ark

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Where the animals abused

Don’t watch any videos From this account | Aug 21, 2019
Hawkeyes Johnson | Aug 21, 2019

Rumors of it. Which helped lead to the closure of it.

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Is there security late at night? Can you go hiking up there at night also and is it dangerous to go at night? New to Los Angeles and have heard rumors of people going at midnight.

Leonard Tornow | Aug 21, 2019
Chasing Different Adventures | Aug 21, 2019

It is dangerous not recommended especially if you are going alone. It is currently raining and muddy trail, though have to be aware of mud flows, as well or erosion.

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Is the abandoned zoo/trails still accessible after the fire?

Lauren Simpson | Aug 21, 2018
Patricia Tin | Aug 21, 2018

Yes very accessible

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How's the parking?

Vanessa Zeravla | Aug 21, 2018
Selma Rocha | Aug 21, 2018

Parking is free you don't have too pay nothing Enjoy your hiking happy Monday !!!!

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Is it stroller friendly

bryna dupuis | Aug 21, 2018
Ikkyyn | Aug 21, 2018

Yes

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How much is paid for the entrance?

Jennifer Medina | Aug 21, 2018
rose dumrong | Aug 21, 2018

Free

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So if it's free entry can you go in at anytime?

Kevin Pacheco | Aug 21, 2018
Alfredo “Al” Nava | Aug 21, 2018

Because of coyotes and a mountain lion that visit that area, I advise not visiting "any time" because visiting during the night will be dangerous.

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What is the entry fee

Shayal Dutt | Aug 21, 2018
Jay Hussein (Jayzakh) | Aug 21, 2018

Free parking and free entry. Sunscreen not included

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