LA Zoo teeters on edge of crisis facing crumbling facilities and budget strain
The Los Angeles Zoo is facing a crisis as membership dwindles and costs skyrocket, according to a recent report by the Los Angeles County civil grand jury. The report highlights deteriorating facilities, declining membership numbers, and financial strain as key issues threatening the future of the city-run zoo.
Unlike many major zoos in the United States, the Los Angeles Zoo is fully operated by the city, which has led to a complex system of oversight involving various city departments and officials. The grand jury report suggests that this model is no longer sustainable and recommends transitioning towards a public-private partnership to ensure the zoo’s survival.
Membership at the zoo has dropped significantly, with a 23% decrease from April 2025 to February 2026. This decline in membership has put additional strain on the zoo’s already tight budget, which has faced a $1 million shortfall this year.
The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), which has historically provided critical funding for the zoo, is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with the city over a $50 million endowment. This dispute has further exacerbated the financial challenges facing the zoo.
Exhibits for several animals, including lions, bears, sea lions, and pelicans, have been closed due to renovation needs, while the zoo’s last two elephants were transferred to the Tulsa Zoo following concerns about their living conditions. Federal regulators have also flagged maintenance issues, such as rust and peeling paint in animal enclosures.
Despite receiving $34 million in funding from the city, including $10 million earmarked for animal care, the zoo continues to struggle to maintain its facilities and attract visitors. The grand jury report emphasizes the need for significant changes and a new approach to zoo management to ensure its long-term viability.
As Los Angeles grapples with the challenges facing the zoo, broader questions about the city’s institutions’ health have also emerged. Downtown Los Angeles was recently ranked among the deadest downtowns in the world, highlighting the need for proactive measures to revitalize and support key cultural and recreational assets like the zoo.
