Beloved Pets Ofrenda

Through November 2, 2025

OPEN WEEKENDS

October 4 – November 2
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Child placing his remembrance in the ofrenda

For the fifth straight year, the L.A. Zoo is partnering with Plaza de la Raza Cultural Center for the Arts & Education to bring the award-winning Beloved Pets Ofrenda back to the Zoo. The Beloved Pets Ofrenda is designed to honor the memory of cherished animal companions that have passed away, and all Zoo guests are welcome to participate.

Staff from the Zoo’s Learning & Engagement team will be available at the ofrenda on Saturdays and Sundays Oct. 4 through Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to facilitate the co-creation of the altar. During staffed hours, guests will be able to print pet photos from their phone or draw their pet using available art supplies. Participants will also be able to decorate their own frames, provided by the Zoo, and place their pet photos on the ofrenda. While staff will be there to assist only on weekends, the altar will be accessible to the public during all hours that the Zoo is open so that guests can contribute any time.

The Zoo has a long partnership history with Plaza de La Raza, an established community art school that serves systematically excluded communities of Lincoln Heights, Boyle Heights, and East Los Angeles. Resident folklorist artist America Madrigal-Herrera led a team of Plaza de la Raza parents and students in co-creating the altar at the L.A. Zoo’s Sea Life Cliffs.

Meaning “offering” in Spanish, an ofrenda is an alter created to honor loved ones who have passed away. These displays are a colorful mix of symbols, pictures, flowers, and other meaningful items, and are an essential part of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, which Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx cultures observe on November 1 and 2.

Pets form a very important part of a family, and an ofrenda full of pet pictures is a wonderful way to celebrate their lives. The Beloved Pets Ofrenda is a special way to celebrate both Hispanic heritage as well as honor the connection between humans and animals and express empathy for all living things.