Zoo Life

The Obscure Obscurus

Do you ever lie awake at night pondering the fate of Crotalus willardi obscurus? If so, you have something in common with Byron Wusstig, acting curator of ectotherms at the Los Angeles Zoo. Of course, most readers will never have heard of this little-known reptile, but Wusstig and his colleagues are hoping to change that.

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A rattlesnake with its body coiled and partly covered in dirt

Celebrated CA Condor Keepers Leaving the Nest

Storied L.A. Zoo California condor keepers Mike Clark and Chandra David are retiring after a life-changing and world-changing career. We’re catching up and saying goodbye with an epic recap of all the helicopters, climbing gear, cutting-edge science, and Advil it takes to save a species. Plus, discover the sounds, sights, sacrifices they will never forget and the eleventh-hour “hail Mary” that may help keep the condor program moving forward even as these two stalwarts are taking a well-deserved rest. Heads up: It’s going to be a literal cliffhanger.

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A woman in face mask tends to a newly hatched chick while a man in a face mask works nearby

Zoo Update with Zoo Director and CEO Denise M. Verret

As we welcome the month of October, I’m reminded of the beauty of autumn—the season of change, transition, and reflection. Just as the season turns and offers relief from the summer heat, we at the Los Angeles Zoo are experiencing some exciting changes as well. The end of summer brings with it a sense of excitement and anticipation, as our young visitors and paid interns return to school, bringing their stories from summer camps and

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closeup of a crab with red forelegs, brown and red body, and bright yellow eyes

Just Browsing

Did you know plants in the Zoo, around Griffith Park, and throughout many cities in Los Angeles County help feed your favorite animals at the Zoo? Cut branches with leaves, soft shoots, flowers, and fruit called are “browse” and are among the fresh food enjoyed by many species who call the Zoo home. Cutting, transporting, and managing browse is part of animal keepers’ jobs, and each animal in their care has special requirements and favorite browse.

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Juvenile rhino Marshall chomps on a thin leafy branch.