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Old Los Angeles Zoo

Old Los Angeles Zoo
Photo: Burton Frasher, Public domain

Before the current zoo was built in 1966, this spot a couple of miles to the south had served as Los Angeles' zoo since 1912, built at a time when small iron bar cages were common in zoos. Today, the rusting cages and stone grotto enclosures are still standing and are open for exploration alongside a picnic area, making this a popular spot for urban explorers. However, the cages are now closed off with iron bars.

Getting there
park at the merry-go-round and follow trail to the Old Zoo Picnic Area

Listing from Wikivoyage: Los Angeles/Northwest, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 10 Oct 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.