As we approach the holidays and wrap up another year at the Los Angeles Zoo, I find myself reflecting on the many blessings we’ve experienced over the past year and the feeling of accomplishment and hope that comes with the new year on the horizon. This year has me feeling particularly grateful for family, friends, and colleagues and an inspiring sense of renewal as we approach 2025. I am excited for new opportunities and continued growth in our mission as we embark on the new year together.
The holiday season will always be a special time at the Zoo, and we are thrilled to welcome back one of our most beloved events—L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow, presented by The Angela Collier Foundation. It has been ten years since the inception of this spectacular holiday tradition, which was borne out of an idea and dream brought to us by our beloved former City Councilmember Tom LaBonge, and it’s hard to believe how much it has grown since its humble beginnings. As you stroll through, you’ll encounter blooming flowers, towering trees, and vibrant scenes from the natural world made up from thousands of thoughtfully arranged LED lanterns. Beyond the beautiful animals, be sure to look out for the larger-than-life pollinator gardens, marine life-filled aquatic scenes, and the serene alpine forest. This year, we’ve infused even more holiday spirit into the experience with merry decor and photo opportunities including the return of Santa Claus! Zoo lights is a City tradition that has created cherished memories for families for a decade and will continue to make even more memories well into the future.
Reflecting on the amazing accomplishments of 2024, none is more significant than the strides made in the Zoo’s conservation work. Thanks to the ingenuity and innovation of our Animal Care team, the California condor breeding program had a record year and successfully bred and reared 17 chicks – more than any year to date. This achievement came as a result of introduction and brooding techniques perfected at the L.A. Zoo and we congratulate each of the talented members of the team on their work on behalf of one of our nation’s most iconic and critically endangered species.
Additionally, we are celebrating the launch of a new conservation program with the L.A. Zoo as a founding member of a partnership focused on bolstering depleted populations of the threatened New Mexico ridge-nosed rattlesnake. The partnership is led by The Rattlesnake Conservancy and includes government agencies in the U.S. and Mexico, nonprofit organizations, and AZA accredited zoos. Together, we have established breeding groups at three zoos as part of a head-start program that we hope will eventually see the release of offspring into their native habitat.
These are just a couple of examples of the work the L.A. Zoo staff is doing every day to further our mission to save wildlife, enrich our communities, and create connections to nature. I am so proud to be a part of the ensemble of Zoo staff and volunteers, who are supported by Zoo members and donors who make our shared mission come to life. WE ARE creating a more just and sustainable world where both people and wildlife can thrive, together. I am very much inspired by all of you, and I am looking forward to our work together in the new year and beyond.
I wish you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful holiday season, and I look forward to sharing more exciting news with you in the coming year. Thank you for being a vital part of our Zoo family.
