Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a 133-acre, City of Los Angeles–operated, AZA-accredited zoological park in Griffith Park serving 1.5+ million annual visitors with animal exhibits, membership programs, educational services, and global conservation programming.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1966
- HeadquartersLos Angeles, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Los Angeles Zoo does
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a 133-acre municipal zoological park located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Founded in 1966, the zoo houses 1,700+ animals representing 270+ species (60+ endangered) and welcomes 1.5+ million visitors annually. Denise M. Verret serves as CEO and Zoo Director, appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti in July 2019.
Revenue is generated through a portfolio of direct-to-consumer streams: daily general admission ($27 adult, $22 child), a five-tier annual membership program ($75 Individual to $450 Family Premium), food and beverage concessions (including Pink's Hot Dogs, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Reggie's Bistro), retail at the International Marketplace, accessibility and tram rentals, ticketed evening events (Zoo After Dark, Game Night), birthday-party and corporate event hosting, and tax-deductible donations processed through Mockingbird Incubator (a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor). Premier corporate sponsors include Pepsi, Hyatt Vacation Club, and Skechers. The 2021 Conservation Strategic Plan extended operational scope beyond Griffith Park into global field-conservation programming, and a 2023 partnership with LADWP added a ~6,300-panel solar carport and battery storage system — the largest municipal solar facility on city-owned land in Los Angeles. The zoo partners extensively with AZA institutions, NPS and CDFW (mountain lion rescue), FedEx (animal transport), and conservation NGOs such as GRACE, Pandrillus, and Limbe Wildlife Center.
Los Angeles Zoo firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Los Angeles Zoo
- Legal name
- Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- Website
- https://lazoo.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1966
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a 133-acre, City of Los Angeles–operated, AZA-accredited zoological park in Griffith Park serving 1.5+ million annual visitors with animal exhibits, membership programs, educational services, and global conservation programming.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Los Angeles Zoo industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- NAICS
- Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens (Educational Collections) (THAJADAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Parks, Gardens & Botanical Attractions (THAJACAH), Wildlife Sanctuaries & Rescue Centers (Visitor Operations) (THAAAFAA), Destination Theme Parks (Large-Scale, Multi-Attraction Parks) (THAJAEAA)
Keywords
Where Los Angeles Zoo is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Los Angeles
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Los Angeles Zoo business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Ticket Sales: The zoo generates revenue through daily admission tickets purchased at the box office or online. General admission is $27 for adults and $22 for children ages 2-12. Combo tickets with Aquarium of the Pacific are also available at $68 adult and $51 child.
- Membership Subscriptions: Annual membership tiers ranging from $75 (Individual) to $450 (Family Premium) provide recurring revenue. Members receive benefits including daytime admission, members-only entrance, discounts at gift shops and restaurants, and reciprocal admission to other zoos and aquariums.
- Donations and Support: The zoo accepts tax-deductible donations through Mockingbird Incubator, the 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. Donors can direct gifts to general support, Conservation Impact Fund, Learning & Community Engagement Fund, or Animal Wellbeing Fund.
- Food and Retail Operations: Multiple food venues including Pink's Hot Dogs, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Reggie's Bistro, Zoo Grill, Canopy Cafe, Churro Factory, Fork in the Road, and Mahale Cafe. Gift shops and retail at International Marketplace generate additional revenue.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Premier sponsors include Pepsi, Hyatt Vacation Club, and Skechers. The zoo offers customized sponsorship packages reaching 1.5+ million annual visitors, with year-round and targeted event sponsorship opportunities.
- Special Events: Ticketed evening events including Zoo After Dark summer series ($30 adult, $25 child, $20 members), Game Night events ($35 adult, $30 child), and private event hosting for birthdays and corporate functions.
- Accessibility Services: Revenue from rental services including strollers ($15/day), double strollers ($20/day), manual wheelchairs ($15/day with $25 deposit), and ECV/scooters ($40/day with $25 deposit). Safari Shuttle tram tickets at $9 adult, $5 child, $2 seniors/disabled.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Individual membership covers one adult with daytime admission benefits |
| Subscription | Annual | Individual Plus membership covers one adult plus one guest |
| Subscription | Annual | Family membership covers two adults and children ages 2-17 |
| Subscription | Annual | Family Deluxe membership adds a third adult and guest passes |
| Subscription | Annual | Family Premium membership adds additional guest passes and per-visit guest allowance |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | General admission tickets for day-time zoo visits |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Combined admission to Los Angeles Zoo and Aquarium of the Pacific |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Military personnel and family discount |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Game Night special evening event with interactive games |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Zoo After Dark summer evening event series |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Accessibility equipment rentals |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Safari Shuttle tram transportation |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels9 records
Marketing channels11 records
Los Angeles Zoo product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens operates as a 133-acre municipal zoo in Griffith Park, providing animal exhibits, conservation education, and visitor experiences to more than 1.5 million visitors annually. The zoo is home to 1,700+ animals representing 270+ species (60+ endangered) and offers daily admission tickets, membership subscriptions, special events, educational programs, food and retail services, and venue rentals.
Product overview
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a 133-acre zoo in Griffith Park offering a unified visitor experience combining animal exhibits, educational programs, and hospitality services. The core product is general admission tickets and membership programs (Individual, Individual Plus, Family, Family Deluxe, Family Premium tiers). The zoo's product portfolio spans: animal exhibits (Campo Gorilla Reserve, Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains, The Lair, Rainforest of the Americas, Red Ape Rain Forest); paid experiences (Zoo After Dark, Game Night, Flamingo Mingle, Safari Shuttle, Conservation Carousel); educational programs (Zoo Camp, school field trips, docent-led tours, Zoo School webinars, Betty White's Zoo PALS); food and beverage (Pink's Hot Dogs, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Reggie's Bistro, Zoo Grill, Canopy Cafe, Churro Factory, Fork in the Road, Mahale Café); retail (International Marketplace gift shop); accessibility services (wheelchair/ECV rentals, KultureCity sensory inclusion); and conservation/donation programs. The recent Grid Resiliency Project adds sustainable infrastructure with solar panels and EV charging.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- General Admission Tickets Daily admission tickets to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Griffith Park, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas). Available online at tickets.lazoo.org and at the box office.
- Membership Programs Annual membership program with five tiers (Individual $75, Individual Plus $115, Family $185, Family Deluxe $235, Family Premium $450) providing daytime admission, member-only entrance, discounts at gift shops and restaurants, and reciprocal admission to 150+ zoos and aquariums.
- Zoo After Dark After-hours summer event series featuring themed evenings of live music, silent disco, lawn games, food trucks, and full bars. Pricing: $30 adult, $25 child general admission; $20 members; $20 group rate (15+).
- Game Night Evening event featuring game shows, karaoke, Bingo, lawn games, and D&D role-playing adventures throughout the Zoo. Pricing: $35 adult, $30 child general admission; $15 adult member, $10 child member; $25 groups of 15+.
- Zoo Camp Summer camp program for children providing animal education and hands-on experiences at the Los Angeles Zoo.
- School Field Trips & Zoo School On-site and virtual educational programs for K-12 schools including field trips, Zoo School webinars, and Betty White's Zoo PALS scholarships for Title I schools (Kindergarten-5th grade).
- Docent-Led Tours Free guided tours for members offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access and early morning walks at the zoo.
- Private Events & Birthday Parties Event hosting services for private parties of 20 to 500 guests at various locations throughout the Zoo, including corporate functions and birthday parties.
- Food & Beverage Services Multiple on-site dining options including Pink's Hot Dogs, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Reggie's Bistro, Zoo Grill, Canopy Cafe, Churro Factory, Fork in the Road, and Mahale Café.
- International Marketplace Gift Shop Main on-site shopping destination featuring gift items, apparel, hats, books, music, and plush animals.
- Accessibility Equipment Rentals Wheelchair, electric scooter (ECV), stroller, and double stroller rentals ($15-$40/day with cash deposits) plus Safari Shuttle tram service to 5 locations ($9 adult, $5 child, $2 senior/disabled).
- L.A. Zoo + Aquarium of the Pacific Combo Ticket Combined admission ticket to both the Los Angeles Zoo and Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, priced at $68 adult (12+) and $51 child, available at tickets.aquariumofpacific.org.
- Shows & Activities Daily animal presentations including Flamingo Mingle, Bird Show, Gorilla Talk, Chimp Chat, and Conservation Carousel rides.
- Animal Exhibits Species-specific habitats and immersive biomes showcasing animals from around the world, including Campo Gorilla Reserve, Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains, The Lair, Rainforest of the Americas, and Red Ape Rain Forest.
- KultureCity Sensory Inclusion Sensory-inclusive certification with specialized sensory bags containing noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and weighted lap pads for visitors with sensory needs.
- Corporate Sponsorship Packages Customized corporate sponsorship packages reaching 1.5+ million annual visitors, with year-round and event-specific opportunities. Premier sponsors include Pepsi, Hyatt Vacation Club, and Skechers.
- Donation & Support Programs Tax-deductible donation options through Mockingbird Incubator (501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor) including General Support Fund, Learning & Community Engagement Fund, Conservation Impact Fund, Animal Wellbeing Fund, and Safari Society leadership giving program.
Quantifiable outcome
- 500+ California condors exist today with more than half in the wild - species saved from functional extinction
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Los Angeles Zoo
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Los Angeles Zoo technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Los Angeles Zoo partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
23 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- FedExminorFedEx transported harbor seal Walnut from LA Zoo to Blank Park Zoo in Iowa via FedEx Cares Delivering for Good initiative. The transport involved flights from Los Angeles to Omaha with a Memphis stop, followed by road transfer to Des Moines.
- SeaWorld San DiegominorSeaWorld San Diego provided a specialized transport crate for harbor seal Walnut's journey from LA Zoo to Blank Park Zoo.
- Blank Park ZoominorBlank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa received harbor seal Walnut from LA Zoo following coordination through AZA animal management programs.
- National Park ServicecoreNPS officials rescued orphaned mountain lion cub Crimson in Southern California after the mother abandoned the cub, then coordinated transfer to LA Zoo veterinary team.
- California Department of Fish and WildlifecoreCDFW officials collaborated on the rescue and removal of abandoned mountain lion cub Crimson from the wild for rehabilitation.
- Oakland ZoocoreOakland Zoo's Veterinary Hospital received mountain lion cub Crimson from LA Zoo for specialized bottle-feeding rehabilitation every three hours around-the-clock.
- Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)coreLADWP is constructing, owning, and operating the LA Zoo Grid Resiliency Project as part of its Distributed Energy Resources Program. The project will be the largest municipal solar facility on city-owned land in Los Angeles.
- Association of Zoos and AquariumscoreAZA coordinated the animal transfer between LA Zoo and Blank Park Zoo as part of species survival programs and animal management protocols.
- Mockingbird IncubatorcoreMockingbird Incubator is the 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor facilitating charitable support for LA Zoo programs. EIN: 83-1987515. Member of National Network of Fiscal Sponsors with Platinum Seal of Transparency on Candid.
- Gottlieb Native GardenminorLA Zoo partnered with Gottlieb Native Garden on the BiodiverCity Podcast focusing on urban conservation topics and wildlife awareness.
- Wildlife Trafficking AlliancecoreLA Zoo is platinum supporter of WTA and member of Southern California Wildlife Confiscations Network, working to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and trade.
- GRACE (Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education)minorLA Zoo partners with GRACE through conservation grants, advisory support, training, and hands-on assistance to promote human-wildlife coexistence for gorillas.
- Pandrillus FoundationminorLA Zoo partners with Pandrillus Foundation through conservation grants and community engagement to preserve habitat and promote conservation of native wildlife.
- Limbe Wildlife CenterminorLA Zoo provides ongoing support and emergency funds for Limbe Wildlife Center in Cameroon for wildlife rehabilitation and community education programs, including 275 parrots rescued from pet trade.
- American Association of Zoo Keepers - Los Angeles ChapterminorAAZK-LA Chapter provides professional development and resources for animal keepers at the LA Zoo.
- PepsicorePremier sponsor of LA Zoo with brand visibility reaching 1.5+ million annual visitors.
- Hyatt Vacation ClubcorePremier sponsor of LA Zoo with brand visibility reaching 1.5+ million annual visitors.
- SkecherscorePremier sponsor of LA Zoo and event sponsor for Zoo After Dark series with brand visibility reaching 1.5+ million annual visitors.
- Invisible Touch EventsminorProvides silent disco equipment and services for Zoo After Dark events with three live DJ channels and LED headphones.
- Let's Play LAminorHosts live game shows during Game Night events at the LA Zoo.
- Pink's Hot DogsminorIconic Pink's Hot Dogs operates at the LA Zoo in the Animals of the Drylands area serving famous hot dogs and burgers.
- The Coffee Bean & Tea LeafminorCoffee Bean & Tea Leaf purple truck stationed at Selig Plaza serving hot and iced coffee, teas, and food items.
- Seafood WatchminorLA Zoo partners with Seafood Watch to raise sustainable seafood awareness through consumer guides and educational displays.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Los Angeles Zoo competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Oregon Zoo: Another municipally-operated AZA-accredited zoo in the Western U.S. with comparable conservation, education, and event programming, though serving a different regional market.
- Santa Barbara Zoo: Smaller AZA-accredited zoo on the California coast with similar mission and membership model. Competes regionally for Southern California visitors but at materially smaller scale and reach.
Direct peers
- Bronx Zoo (Wildlife Conservation Society): One of the largest urban zoos in the U.S., also AZA-accredited, with similar conservation, education, and ticketed-event business models. Comparable scale of animal collection and visitor reach.
- San Francisco Zoo: California-based AZA-accredited zoo with comparable urban setting, membership structure, conservation mission, and event programming (ZooLights-style evening events).
- Aquarium of the Pacific: Long Beach-based aquarium and explicit combo-ticket partner of the LA Zoo. Directly comparable visitor experience and operates a reciprocal ticketing and conservation-education model.
- Smithsonian's National Zoo: Free-admission AZA-accredited zoo in Washington, D.C., operating conservation, education, and animal-breeding programs at national scale. Directly comparable in mission and exhibit-based offering, though free entry differentiates the revenue model.
- Oakland Zoo: Northern California AZA-accredited zoo with similar conservation programming, membership tiers, and educational outreach. Operates at a smaller scale but competes for the same California family audience.
- Chicago Zoological Society / Brookfield Zoo: Large AZA-accredited zoo near a major U.S. metro with similar educational, conservation, and membership-driven business model. Comparable institutional scale and revenue diversification.
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: The flagship comparable large metropolitan AZA-accredited zoo in California. Operates a similar membership/ticketing model, conservation programs, and species collection, making it the closest direct competitor for LA-area visitors and donors.
Broad incumbents
- Disney's Animal Kingdom: Theme park combining animal exhibits with entertainment at vastly larger scale and budget. Competes for the same Southern California leisure-spend and family audience, but with a fundamentally different business model (integrated resort vs. civic institution).
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Los Angeles Zoo social profiles
Digital presenceLos Angeles Zoo compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Los Angeles Zoo financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Los Angeles Zoo leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Los Angeles Zoo funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Los Angeles Zoo M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Los Angeles Zoo
What does Los Angeles Zoo do?
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens operates as a 133-acre municipal zoo in Griffith Park, providing animal exhibits, conservation education, and visitor experiences to more than 1.5 million visitors annually. The zoo is home to 1,700+ animals representing 270+ species (60+ endangered) and offers daily admission tickets, membership subscriptions, special events, educational programs, food and retail services, and venue rentals.
Is Los Angeles Zoo a public or private company?
Los Angeles Zoo is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Los Angeles Zoo founded?
Los Angeles Zoo was founded in 1966. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Los Angeles Zoo based?
Los Angeles Zoo is headquartered in Los Angeles, United States, in the North America region.
How does Los Angeles Zoo make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Ticket Sales are the primary driver. The others are membership Subscriptions, donations and Support, food and Retail Operations, corporate Sponsorships, special Events and accessibility Services.
Who are Los Angeles Zoo's main competitors?
Regional players on record are Oregon Zoo and Santa Barbara Zoo. Direct peers are Bronx Zoo (Wildlife Conservation Society), San Francisco Zoo, Aquarium of the Pacific, Smithsonian's National Zoo, Oakland Zoo, Chicago Zoological Society / Brookfield Zoo and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Disney's Animal Kingdom is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Los Angeles Zoo have an API?
No public API is recorded for Los Angeles Zoo.
What industry is Los Angeles Zoo in?
Los Angeles Zoo's product category is Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAJADAL, Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens (Educational Collections), with a secondary code of THAJACAH, Parks, Gardens & Botanical Attractions. Its NAICS code is 71213.