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 objects in a manner we consider appropriate.

*Except at nighttime ticketed events that specify otherwise.

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, at its sole discretion, may be harmful or disruptive to guests, staff, or animals.
• This list is subject to change at any time by management.

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 that  contain profanity or that 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.

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.

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 note, it is illegal to leave a pet unattended in a motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of the animal under California Penal Code Section 597.7 PC.

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.

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.