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Mission Statement

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

Zoo Director

John R. Lewis

• Denise Tamura, Executive Secretary

Zoo Administration

Denise M. Verret, Deputy Director

Dana Brown, Director of Human Resources
Michael Dee, General Curator
Curtis Eng, D.V.M., Chief Veterinarian
Jason Jacobs, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Mei Kwan, Director of Administration and Operations
Tom LoVullo, Construction and Maintenance Supervisor
Kirsten Perez, Director of Education
Darryl Pon, Planning and Development Division

Zoo Commission

President: Shelby Kaplan Sloan
Vice President: Karen B. Winnick

Members:
Kimberly Marteau
Bernardo Silva
Mark D. Persaud
Richard Lichtenstein, Ex-Officio Member

• Leticia Gomez, Commission Executive Assistant

Please click here for Zoo Commision meeting information

Former Zoo Directors

Edward Maruska	2002-2003
Manuel A. Mollinedo	1995-2002
Dr. Mark A. Goldstein	1992-1995
Dr. Warren D. Thomas	1974-1991
Chester E. Hogan	1971-1974
Dr. Nathan B. Gale	1968-1971
Dr. Wesley A. Young	1966-1968

Association of Zoos and Aquariums Accreditation

The Los Angeles Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, visit the AZA website at www.aza.org.