Accessibility & Services
The Los Angeles Zoo welcomes all guests. We are happy to help make your visit to the Los Angeles Zoo a safe, memorable, and enjoyable one. The following information is provided to assist you in planning your visit.
Accessibility Information Map
Our accessibility map indicates the various types of terrain (flat/gentle slope/hilly) found at different locations in the Zoo. Although some pathways feature some grades that are steeper than others, the Los Angeles Zoo is wheelchair accessible. The map also notes the location of shuttle stops. A large print version of the Accessibility Information Map may be requested at the Admissions ticket window at the front entrance or at the Zoo Administration Building Reception Desk (Monday–Friday) on the day of your visit. You may also request a copy of the large print map to be sent to you in advance by emailing: lazoo.admissions@lacity.org. Please include your name and mailing address in the email.
Parking
Accessible parking spaces are available in the Zoo’s visitor parking lot. A valid Disabled Person (DP) parking placard is required.
Wheelchairs and Strollers
Strollers and wheelchairs (manual and electric) are available to rent at the Zoo’s International Marketplace (inside the front entrance). You may request at the Admissions ticketing window that a wheelchair be brought to the Zoo entrance gate. Strollers and wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted.
- Stroller: $15/day
- Double stroller: $20/day
- Manual wheelchair: $15/day*
- ECV (electric scooter): $40/day*
*All wheelchair rentals require a $25 cash deposit.
The minimum age to rent an electric wheelchair is 18. There is no age restriction for manual wheelchair rentals.
Safari Shuttle
The Zoo offers its Safari Shuttle tram for an additional fee. The tram is not a guided tour of the exhibits, but it will take you to five different locations throughout the Zoo. Guests may use their ticket to disembark and board the shuttle at any location throughout the day. The tram is wheelchair-accessible. Please be aware that staff are neither trained nor permitted to lift guests in or out of his/her mobility device or wheelchair. Tickets may be purchased at any Safari Shuttle stop.
- Adults: $9.00
- Children: $5.00
- Children under 2 years of age: Free
- Senior: $2.00
- Physically disabled: $2.00
Service Animals
Service animals are allowed in many parts of the Zoo. When you arrive, we require that you and your service animal check in at Admissions Window 11. If you plan to bring your service animal to the Zoo, please read the Service Animals Guidelines and Map to learn more about what you’ll need to be aware of to make your trip a safe one for yourself, your service animal, the Zoo’s animals, and other guests. Be advised that there are certain restricted areas in the Zoo where service animals cannot go. However, we do provide clean and safe kennels to board your service animal should you want to visit those restricted areas. Please download a copy of the Service Animals Guidelines and Map indicating the restricted areas for service animals.
Please note that pets, comfort animals, and emotional support animals are not permitted to enter the Zoo.
KultureCity Sensory Inclusion
The Los Angeles Zoo is a KultureCity-certified sensory-inclusive venue. The Zoo offers specialized sensory bags, provided by KultureCity, at the International Marketplace. The bags are equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads. Prior to visiting the Zoo, families should download the free KultureCity App from the App or Google Play Stores where they can view what sensory features are available at the Zoo and where they can access them. Also, on the app is the Social Story, which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying a day at the L.A. Zoo. For more information on Sensory Inclusion at the Zoo, visit the Zoo’s KultureCity page.
Los Angeles Zoo’s Mobile Sensory Support Room
Located in the Neil Papiano Play Park, the L.A. Zoo Sensory Support Room (SSR) provides a safe, quiet space for guests with sensory needs.
For individuals with sensitivity to loud and crowded places, the SSR offers a quiet and calm space. “These rooms are important to those needing sensory support because they allow the individual to take a break from an event or outing, decompress, and rejoin the activity again,” explains Jess Kohring, Curator of Community Inclusion. “This is a part of the Zoo’s continued commitment to be a welcoming and supportive space for all of the communities of Los Angeles.”
Designed in partnership with KultureCity, a leader in sensory inclusivity, all components assist visitors, with features like manipulative touch panels, hurricane tubes, sensory bean bags, a bench with lights that roll through assorted colors and patterns, and textured walls. It also has AC/heat.
The mobile sensory support room is open Friday through Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances.) Learning & Engagement staff or Zoo volunteers will be present during open hours. Stop by and see how we are working to make the Zoo a place where everyone can feel welcome!
The SSR was made possible through the generous support of the Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation and the Georgina Fredrick Children’s Foundation.
Requests for Accommodation
At the Los Angeles Zoo, we want to ensure that all guests have an enjoyable experience. To help provide the best experience possible, the following auxiliary aids and services are available upon request:
- A docent-led guided tour
- A sign language interpreter
- An assistive listening device for meetings or lectures
Auxiliary aids and services are provided at no cost. Some requests, such as a guided tour, require at least 14 days’ advance notice. Requests to secure a Sign Language Interpreters require five or more business days’ notice. We encourage guests requesting special accommodations to submit a completed ADA Accommodation Request Form.
Your completed ADA Accommodation Request Form may be submitted via:
E-Mail: lazoo.admissions@lacity.org
Fax: (323) 644-6087
Mail: Los Angeles Zoo, Attn: ADA Coordinator, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
For questions, please call (323) 644-4200 (Voice) or (323) 644-6045 (TTY).
Special Needs Outreach Program
The Special Needs Outreach program was specifically created to connect the Zoo with members of the community who cannot easily visit and enjoy the Los Angeles Zoo in person.
Special Needs Outreach visits include classroom, acute care and adult day care centers, senior homes, Metropolitan State Hospital, convalescent homes, and memory care units.
Using our outreach van, our trained docents bring numerous biofacts and touchable items–like ostrich eggs, elephant teeth, giraffe jaws, opossum skulls, kangaroo pelts, snakeskin sheds, and so much more—that our audience can see and touch during our engaging, interactive, educational program.
Our knowledgeable Docents share animal stories, information, and pictures about numerous amazing animal species. Participants will enjoy learning about animals’ adaptations, behaviors, diets, habitats, and exceptional abilities.
For more information, please email DocentOutreach@lazoo.org.