Family Values
Swan Lake—the newest habitat to debut at the Zoo—owes its existence to some very special donors. The Lowy family, one of the habitat’s major funders, has been involved with the L.A. Zoo in myriad ways for more than 60 years.
Zoo Update with Zoo Director and CEO Denise M. Verret
Springtime is always a time of change and renewal, and as spring represents change and new beginnings for us, this year it is also true of the Los Angeles Zoo elephants, Billy and Tina.
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Honk, Honk: Meet Webby and Dewey
Trumpeter swans are the largest waterfowl in North America. The name of these iconic swans comes from the deep “trumpet” tones they can make when they forcefully exhale.
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Volunteer Milestone: Serving 50+ Years
We’re celebrating the extraordinary service of a special group of volunteers who’ve been with the Zoo for 50+ years! These dedicated docents have seen it all—from pith helmets to polar bears to pandas for the ‘84 Olympics—and they’re sharing the memories and moments that have made it all worthwhile to them for five decades.
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Field Notes: Bats in Florida and Jamaica with Cortney Vargas
Venture into the field with Cortney Vargas as she assists with bat acoustic monitoring program and learns about the challenges facing bats.
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A Ssseriously Close Look at Snake Venom
The Zoo is home to 38 snake species, 27 of which are venomous, like this Durango Rock Rattlesnake. We’re taking a look at why some snakes are venomous and what makes snake venom so powerful. The explanations might surprise you.
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Zoo Update with Zoo Director and CEO Denise M. Verret
Red-bellied piranhas are native to South America. Their signature gold flecks become especially iridescent during mating season—usually the rainy season of wherever they are located. In Los Angeles, the rainy season lasts through April, so be sure to visit these flashy fish soon. Photo by Jamie Pham
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Celebrate the Year of the Snake
This year’s Lunar New Year celebrations are ushering in the Year of the Snake—fang-tastic news since the Zoo is home to an especially wide variety of vipers, boas, pythons, and more. For a sneak preview of the snakes you’ll see in the Zoo’s LAIR, as well as some fun facts, check out the photos in our gallery. These reptiles are nothing to hiss at!
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Student Trip Diary: Conservation Education in Brazil
The opportunity to apply to the Duttenhaver Conservation Field Program was given to me through my high school. I had learned this program allowed students to participate in environmental conservation studies around the world, and in 2024 they were sending students to Brazil. The scientific question being studied: Are animals reinhabiting reforested areas? When I was accepted to the program, I was in complete disbelief.
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Zoo Update with Zoo Director and CEO Denise M. Verret
Normally, this time of year fills me with anticipation and excitement for the year ahead, as I reflect on the holiday season and hope everyone enjoyed restful moments with friends, family, and loved ones. However, this year has been different. Our city, our communities, and our neighbors have been deeply impacted by the devastating wildfires that have ravaged Southern California.
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