Know Before You Go

Los Angeles Zoo Code of Conduct

The Los Angeles Zoo takes great pride in its facilities, staff, and animals. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all of our guests, and the safety of our animals and staff, all guests must abide by these Rules and Code of Conduct. At the discretion of Zoo management and staff, any guest in violation of these Rules and Code of Conduct, or any other applicable rule or law, may be subject to declined admission, ejection, arrest, and/or loss of ticket privileges for future visits with no refund or compensation provided. By entering the Los Angeles Zoo, you agree to follow all applicable laws and Zoo rules.

1. Code of Conduct

Zoo Guests are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful of other guests, staff, animals, and the Zoo facility and shall not engage in unsafe, illegal, disruptive or offensive behavior.  Zoo Guests are responsible for their own conduct, as well as the conduct of their guests and/or persons using their tickets. Prohibited behaviors or circumstances include:

• Intoxication.
• Throwing projectiles of any kind.
• Littering.
• Displaying affection not appropriate in a public or family setting.
• Fighting of any sort.
• Not showing common courtesy to other guests, staff and our animals by using profanity or engaging in unsafe, illegal, disruptive or offensive behavior. This includes threatening, abusive or insulting words or behavior or any act which provokes a breach of the peace.
• Feeding or attempting to feed/contact any of the animals (including wild animals on Zoo property such as squirrels, peacocks, ducks, etc.), except for where such feeding/contact is part of an organized event or experience.
• Refusing to remove a service dog when asked to do so by staff.
• Harassment in any form toward the animals including wild animals on grounds, other guests, or our staff.
• Failing to follow written or verbal instructions of our staff or directions of each area or attraction at the Zoo, or behaving in a manner that may endanger the safety of any person, other guests, staff or animals at the Zoo.
• Removing anything from Zoo grounds that belongs to the Zoo such as décor items, plants, signage, Zoo strollers and wheelchairs.
• Distributing or displaying unapproved printed or recorded materials.
• Unauthorized sale (or display) of goods or services.
• Swimming, wading, or engaging in activities on Zoo ponds or any other bodies of water on grounds.
• Cutting, picking, damaging or disturbing any tree, shrub, flower, planting or flower bed.
• Making a fire in any area or facility.
• Using any portion of any facility for toilet or sanitary purposes except the public restrooms provided.
• Digging, burying, erecting, building, uncovering, placing or removing any object or excavation of any kind.
• Vandalizing, marking or carving graffiti on any tree, shrub, planting, or other physical property of the Zoo.
• Storing any materials or equipment of any kind without the approval of the Zoo.
• Parking in unmarked areas or blocking driveways in the parking lot; vehicles will be towed at owners’ expense.

If the behavior of guest or guests around you become disruptive or violates the Zoo Rules and Code of Conduct, the incident should be reported to the nearest employee or security person. 

The Zoo has recycle bins located throughout the venue and actively recycles plastic, aluminum, and glass products. We thank you in advance for helping keep our venue clean and free of debris.

2. Personal Items

Limit the items you bring on grounds to those you will need for your visit.

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks to consume during their visit; however, any glass containers or bottles are prohibited. All persons, bags, parcels, clothing, and other items may be subject to screening/security checks or search at upon entry and also within the grounds at the discretion of Zoo Management. We reserve the right prohibit any bag, parcel, or other item to be brought into the Zoo, and to deal with unattended object in a manner we consider appropriate.

3. OUTSIDE OBJECTS

Some outside objects are prohibited on Zoo grounds because they are restricted by federal or state statute or regulation, and/or because they may pose a threat to our animals and/or guests and staff. For safety reasons, guests are refused entry if they are in possession of prohibited items. Illegal items will be confiscated and turned over to the police. If a guest is found inside the Zoo with a prohibited item, the item will be confiscated, and the guest may be ejected from the facility.

The following items are not permitted on Zoo grounds:

• Recreational devices such as drones, remote control toys, flying discs, balls (balloons, beach balls, etc.), kites, skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, inline skates, bicycles, or shoes with built-in wheels.
• Animals.
• Consumption of marijuana or any illegal drug is not permitted on Zoo grounds.
• Handouts or flyers of any kind.Laser pens/pointers, unless used for meetings contracted through our private events department.
• Weapons of any kind (i.e., guns, knives, pepper spray, tear gas, handcuffs, stun guns, etc. unless otherwise permitted by these guidelines).
• Objects that appear to be weapons, including toys.
• Confetti, piñatas, silly string, glitter, streamers, or any other similar materials that may become airborne.
• Noisemaking devices (e.g., whistles, air horns, etc.).
• Any illegal substances or other items that the Zoo determines, in its sole discretion, may be harmful or disruptive to guests, staff or animals. This list is subject to change at any time by management.

4. DRESS CODE

Dress appropriately for the weather. Guests can expect to spend a substantial amount of time standing and walking outdoors.

Proper attire, including shoes and shirts must be worn at all times. Refrain from wearing clothing or accessories which contain profanity, convey membership or affiliation with street gangs, or other similarly oriented group, or association prone to violence, criminal acts, or hate- and racially biased-based beliefs. We reserve the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that we consider inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other guests. Specific costume guidelines for special events such as Boo at the L.A. Zoo are provided on the Zoo website.

5. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE

No outside alcoholic beverages are allowed.

No alcohol may be brought into the Zoo. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased by persons 21 years of age or older with legal identification. Sales terminate at any time at the sole discretion of Zoo management. Guests who consume alcoholic beverages must do so in a responsible manner. The Zoo reserves the right to deny entrance or eject anyone who appears to be intoxicated.

6. Smoking/Tobacco products

Smoking is not permitted in the Zoo. Restrict smoking to designated spaces outside of the Zoo (i.e., Zoo parking lot only).

By state law and for the comfort of all guests and animals, smoking of any kind (including e-cigarettes or other products that produce vapor or smoke) is not allowed. Guests may leave the Zoo to smoke; however, re-entry will be permitted only if exiting guests obtain hand stamps provided at the exit.

7. Pets

Leave pets at home.

Dogs (except for service dogs as described below) or other animals of any kind (including emotional support or service animals, see Section 5 for exceptions) are prohibited on grounds. Please be mindful of the danger of leaving pets in your vehicle while visiting the Zoo.

8. Service Animals

Service animals are allowed on Zoo grounds with the exceptions indicated on the List of Restricted Access Areas for Visitors with Service Animals.

Check in at the Guest Services window to review specific requirements regarding your service animal and to register your service animal if qualified under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA defines a service animal as any dog, such as a guide dog or signal dog that is individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability). Under certain circumstances, we reserve the right to prevent a service dog from entering the Zoo, to limit the locations within the Zoo where the service dog may accompany a guest, or to require that a service dog be removed (although the guest may remain without the dog). Other dogs or animals providing emotional support are not permitted. Service dogs must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times. A Guest whose service dog poses a threat to the safety of other guests and employees, or whose dog is not housebroken, may be asked to escort the dog off the premises. If you have questions, please contact the Zoo prior to your visit.

9. BArriers and fencing

Remain on public pathways at all times. Never cross barriers, climb fencing or attempt to enter exhibits, planters, or landscaping.

Sticking arms/fingers through fences or other barriers, climbing on or over exhibit handrails or fencing (including holding children in such a manner), or enter planters or landscaping is absolutely prohibited and may result in expulsion from the Zoo.

10. Photography

Let us know if you have concerns about being included in Zoo photography/videography.

By visiting the Zoo, you acknowledge and consent to our photographing, filming, videotaping, recording or otherwise reproducing your image and/or voice (or that of any minor for whom you serve as legal guardian) and using the same for any purpose without payment.

Take pictures and video for personal use in public areas using natural light and in a way that does not interrupt the Zoo experience for other guests or cause alarm or injury to our animals. Commercial photography and commercial use of photographs or video taken by you during your visit are prohibited without prior written consent of the Los Angeles Zoo. Contact (323) 644-4200 for more information.

11. Rules and information relating to COVID-19

Guests voluntarily assume all risks incidental to visiting the Los Angeles Zoo, including all hazards related to COVID-19 exposure. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness or death, and an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present.

The Zoo complies with all state and local policies and orders as prescribed by government and health authorities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all guests must comply with the following:

• Guests may not be admitted to the Zoo if they are exhibiting flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing).
• Guests must stay 6 feet away from other guests and staff as much as possible.
• Guests must wear a face covering in accordance with the current government and health regulations while on Zoo grounds.

The Los Angeles Zoo may from time to time, without prior notice and without refund, liability or compensation, change the operating hours of the Zoo or attractions, close the Zoo or any part of it temporarily, restrict the number of persons having access to the Zoo, and/or suspend or cancel any attraction or entertainment program if we consider that the circumstances so require. Not every animal listed when you visit the Zoo may be able to be seen, and their locations are subject to change. The Zoo does not issue rain checks or refunds.