Los Angeles Zoo

Founded in 1966, the Los Angeles Zoo is substantially supported by the City of Los Angeles, with assistance from the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, a charitable non-profit organization founded for the purpose of supporting the Los Angeles Zoo. The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens opened on November 28, 1966. The Zoo is home to more than 1,400 mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles representing more than 270 different species of which 58 are endangered. In addition, the Zoo’s botanical collection comprises several planted gardens and over 800 different plant species with over 7,400 individual plants. The Zoo receives nearly 1.8 million visitors per year. The City of Los Angeles owns the Zoo, its land and facilities, and the animals. Animal care, grounds maintenance, construction, education, public information, and administrative staff are City employees. The Mayor of the City of Los Angeles is Eric Garcetti who began his first term in 2013. Located within the 4th City Council District, the Zoo is represented by Councilman David Ryu. The daily management of the Zoo is overseen by Interim Zoo Director Denise M. Verret. The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) was created in 1963 as a private, nonprofit, fundraising organization to support the new Zoo. Today, GLAZA provides support through fundraising, membership, 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, and public relations. GLAZA President Connie Morgan was appointed by the Board of Trustees in October 2002.