THE OLD LOS ANGELES ZOOLocation: Griffith Park
Accessibility: Easy - Parking lot near site Built: 1912 |
|
Los Angeles has two zoos. The Old LA Zoo and the "New" LA Zoo. The difference? One houses animals and one houses the memory of animals. Found hidden behind the Merry-go-round area of Griffith Park, the Old Zoo is a collection of ruins that allows the viewer to see how the animals lived, and one can even climb into some of the cages and pretend to be a bear or giant tortoise.
The cages, cave enclosures, and irons bars left abandoned and wide open has put it on the map of unique sites around Los Angeles. The Old Zoo has also made memorable appearances in television and film including "Starchy and Hutch", "Aquarius" and the climactic scene of "Anchorman".
How did the Old LA Zoo become "old"? For starters, the zoo had a rough start. The structures were less than animal friendly and a shortage of meat in the US made it difficult to properly feed the animals. When it opened, only 15 animals lived at the zoo, so there was no visitor attraction. Once the New LA Zoo opened in 1966, the Old zoo was abandoned but not forgotten. It is now a favorite spot for tourist, picnickers, as well as LA natives. In addition, each year the Old Zoo is home to a free Shakespeare festival with several stage performances.
For more information, check out our episode where we spent the day at the Old LA Zoo.
The cages, cave enclosures, and irons bars left abandoned and wide open has put it on the map of unique sites around Los Angeles. The Old Zoo has also made memorable appearances in television and film including "Starchy and Hutch", "Aquarius" and the climactic scene of "Anchorman".
How did the Old LA Zoo become "old"? For starters, the zoo had a rough start. The structures were less than animal friendly and a shortage of meat in the US made it difficult to properly feed the animals. When it opened, only 15 animals lived at the zoo, so there was no visitor attraction. Once the New LA Zoo opened in 1966, the Old zoo was abandoned but not forgotten. It is now a favorite spot for tourist, picnickers, as well as LA natives. In addition, each year the Old Zoo is home to a free Shakespeare festival with several stage performances.
For more information, check out our episode where we spent the day at the Old LA Zoo.
