Diverse Habitats and Lush Landscapes at Los Angeles Zoo

Walk through an Indonesian pagoda or stand before a glass observation window where western lowland gorillas roam among palms and pomegranates. The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens offers a sprawling 133-acre sanctuary where the dense, humid atmosphere of a Southeast Asian jungle meets the arid textures of local desert landscapes.

Immerse Yourself in Diverse Ecosystems

The grounds are designed to transport you into distinct environments. In the Red Ape Rain Forest, you can navigate a mesh enclosure shaped like a horizontal donut, where Bornean orangutans climb artificial sway poles and vines amidst bamboo and rubber trees. You will cross over a stream on a deck bridge and pass through traditional Indonesian-inspired architecture to reach viewing pavilions.

For a different climate, the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles) provides an indoor-outdoor experience for herps and terrestrial arthropods. Here, you can see poison dart frogs in the Damp Forest or witness keepers caring for animals behind glass in the Care and Observation rooms. The area transitions into Arroyo Lagarto, where Madagascar radiated tortoises and desert lizards inhabit outdoor spaces, before concluding at Crocodile Swamp.

The grounds also feature:

• The Campo Gorilla Reserve, a specialized complex housing western lowland gorillas.
• Chimpanzees of the Mahale Mountains, featuring a hillside exhibit with boulders, palm trees, and an artificial termite mound.
• The Rainforest of the Americas, home to species from the tropical regions of North, Central, and South America.

Explore the Botanical Collection

Beyond the animal habitats, you can wander through a certified botanical garden. The grounds contain 15 different plant collections featuring over 800 different species. These curated landscapes provide a lush backdrop to your visit, showcasing thousands of individual plants across the zoo's expansive acreage.

Experience the Scale of the Grounds

To make the most of your visit, allow yourself ample time to navigate the various zones, from the specialized "herp" habitats in the LAIR to the expansive primate enclosures. A highlight not to miss is the Red Ape Rain Forest, where the unique layout allows you to move through the mesh enclosure and view the orangutans from multiple vantage points.