Best Zoo Exhibits In Los Angeles
Many people are surprised to discover Los Angeles has a number of zoos. Sure, there are lots of wild animals running loose in the city (bears, coyotes, mountain lions, movie producers) but there are a handful of places you can visit and safely view them. While some would argue that they can't compare to the amazing San Diego Zoo a few hours away, these local LA animal attractions hold their own and each has some great exhibits. From reptiles to farm animals to all kinds of exotics, check out these LA zoos and their fabulous exhibits.
Hippopotamus Exhibit
Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 644-4200
www.lazoo.org
Among the studio tours, celebrity restaurants and Hollywood Blvd., The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a popular tourist attraction in its own right. Having opened in November of 1966, the zoo has grown in size to house more than 1,000 mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles. Of the 250 different species represented, 29 of them are on the endangered species list. In addition to the mysterious and exotic animals on display within the 133-acre property, the botanical gardens hold more than 800 different plant species and roughly 7,400 individual plants. But who's counting? Be sure to stop by and see the hippopotamus family exhibit. The baby was born almost two years ago and is still growing. He could reach 7,000 lbs at maturity.
Zeus The Western Screech
Wildlife Learning Center
16027 Yarnell St.
Sylmar, CA 91342
(818) 362-8711
www.wildlifelearningcenter.org
More than just a place to look at animals, the Wildlife Learning Center provides education about the animals, their relationship to us and to their environment. Kids and adults can learn about animals from North America (Arctic Fox, Bald Eagle, Canadian Lynx), Central and South America (Blue Poison Dart Frog, Kinkajou, Red-Footed Tortoise), Europe and Africa (Tawny Owl, Serval, Kenyan Sand Boa), Asia and Australia (Fennec Fox, Sugar Glider, Bearded Dragon). What's even better is some of the animals at this center have been rescued from various situations. There are also interactive sessions where you can pet a lynx, feed porcupines and hold a python. But one of the major highlights is Zeus, a blind Western Screech Owl. Found in central California on someone's front porch, Zeus was rehabilitated and brought to WLF to live out his days. His eyes are said to look like the "celestial scene."
Zeus The 800-Pound Pig
The Gentle Barn
15825 Sierra Highway
Santa Clarita, CA 91390
(661) 252-2440
www.gentlebarn.org
Set on six acres, with enormous horse and cow pastures, and surrounded by beautiful California mountains, The Gentle Barn stands as the ultimate petting zoo. While not actually a zoo, but more of a sanctuary, it's a wonderful place where abused and neglected farm animals are rescued from certain death and rehabilitated. From goats, sheep, cows, horses, pigs, chickens, turkeys, dogs, llamas and an emu, these animals become ambassadors and help emotionally heal inner-city and disabled kids by teaching them it's okay to be different and to forgive. It's also a popular outing for those who simply want to cuddle with cows and pigs instead of eating them. Zeus the 800-pound pig is a visitor favorite. He's known to go up to people and "flop" for belly rubs.
Chaco Golden Tarantula
STAR Eco Station
10101 Jefferson Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 842-8060
www.ecostation.org
While zoos may be controversial to some, there are many wonderful learning centers like the Environmental Science Museum & Exotic Wildlife Rescue Facility. STAR works with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services to take in confiscated animals that usually wind up becoming sick and/or injured during their illegally-trafficked journey. There are also many exotic animals that were once pets who now call the STAR Eco Station home. The facility uses an environmental education outreach program (reaching 40 California school districts) to teach respect, environmentalism and ecology. From exotic birds, reptiles, mammals and ocean creatures, it's a learning experience the entire family can grow from. If you're feeling courageous you can hold a chaco golden tarantula while a guide gives you some history on them. Oh, yeah, they have fangs.
America's Teaching Zoo
7075 Campus Road
Moorpark, CA 93021
(805) 378-1441
zoo.moorparkcollege.edu
America's Teaching Zoo, also known as Home of the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program at Moorpark College, may be on the small side, but is another facility big on environmental education and presentation. It's run by college students looking to have careers in the animal field (veterinary, zoology, conservation) and are extremely knowledgeable of the animals and their natural habitat. There are educational performances and opportunities to touch a few of the animals. You also have the privilege of getting very close to many of the 150 animals like monkeys, hyenas and Ira the lion to name a few. Because this facility isn't well known the crowds are smaller, which makes your experience here feel even more enchanted. There's a nice picnic and if you bring a lunch, make sure to pack some extra roughage for Clarence the 98-year-old tortoise from the Galapagos islands. He is a rare sight to see as there are only nine other tortoises his age in the world.
