L.A. City Council Panel Suggests Zoo Ticket Price Increase

An L.A. City Council panel has proposed a $2 increase in ticket prices at the Los Angeles Zoo. The suggested price change would raise adult general admission to $29, pending approval from the full City Council.

The Arts, Parks and Libraries Committee voted in favor of the increase, which would affect all ticket categories, resulting in a 7% to 9% rise depending on the ticket type. The decision now moves to the council’s Budget Committee, and it requires final approval from the full City Council.

If granted, ticket prices for the 133-acre zoo in Griffith Park will increase to $29 for adults, $24 for children, and $26 for seniors. The city’s budget for fiscal 2026-27 already anticipates this change.

Last year, zoo tickets rose by $5 as the city aimed to address a budget shortfall. Prior to that, the last increase occurred in 2012, which was also a $2 hike.

Challenges Facing the Zoo

The Los Angeles Zoo has faced various legal and financial challenges. The city, which manages the zoo, filed a lawsuit against the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) in 2024. They accused GLAZA of withholding $50 million from an endowment fund and breaching agreements.

GLAZA, which had been the zoo’s fundraising and event partner since 1963, saw its operating agreement with the city end last year. A court injunction prevented GLAZA from handling the endowment fund. Additionally, GLAZA’s bankruptcy case was recently rejected after claims that it was a tactic to postpone the lawsuit.

With a collection of 1,600 animals, the zoo has struggled due to inadequate funding and staffing. Elephants Billy and Tina were relocated to the Tulsa Zoo following advocacy from animal rights groups. Other exhibits remain closed because of necessary renovations and maintenance issues.

The zoo’s accreditation has also been under scrutiny. Federal regulators noted rust, peeling paint, and other maintenance issues. They highlighted urgent funding and staffing needs.

Seeking Solutions

With the departure of its main partner, an L.A. County grand jury advised the city to pursue a new private-public partnership to support the zoo.

Despite the challenges, the L.A. Zoo remains competitively priced compared to other attractions in Southern California. The San Diego Zoo, housing 12,000 animals, charges $78 for an adult one-day pass.