Los Angeles Zoo

Mission Statement

To serve the community, the Los Angeles Zoo will create an environment for recreation and discovery; inspire an appreciation of wildlife through exhibitory and education; ensure the highest level of animal welfare; and support programs that preserve biodiversity and conserve natural habitat.

Vision Statement

We will leverage the diverse resources of Los Angeles to be an innovator for the global zoo community, creating dynamic experiences to connect people and animals.

Overview

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 Councilperson Nithya Raman. Denise M. Verret was appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti as Chief Executive Officer & Zoo Director in July 2019.

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 Tom Jacobson was appointed by the Board of Trustees in July 2019.