Snow at the Los Angeles Zoo? Apparently!

By Susan Gordon (Open Post)

No snowstorms are predicted for Southern California but the Los Angeles Zoo expects just such chilly conditions through the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, January 24 and 25, 2015, during SNOW DAYS AT THE LA ZOO.

The wintery fun features a rare opportunity to watch inquisitive animals exploring snowy wonderlands in several habitats, a snow play area for Zoo guests including a special sledding hill, elaborate ice-carving demonstrations, an inflatable snow globe in which guests can pose for family photo ops, a scavenger-style hunt through the Zoo for youngsters with snow-related animal facts and more.

All activities are free with paid Zoo admission, which is $19 for general admission (ages 13 to 61); $16 for seniors (ages 62+), and $14 for children (ages 2 to 12). No ticket is required for children under 2. Admission for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association members is free.

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The landmark Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, drawing 1.6 million visitors each year, is home to a diverse collection of 1,100 animals representing 250 different species, many of which are rare or endangered. Its lush grounds on 113 acres feature a botanical collection comprising over 800 different plant species with approximately 7,000 individual plants. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), whose members meet rigorous professional standards for animal welfare, the Zoo has achieved renown as an international leader in the preservation of endangered species and a conservation center for the care and study of wildlife.

Among its most popular habitats are the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles), Elephants of Asia, Campo Gorilla Reserve and Rainforest of the Americas.

The private, non-profit Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), which has supported the Zoo in partnership with the City of Los Angeles for more than five decades and provides funding for and operates seven essential Zoo departments, has 65,000 member households representing more than 240,000 adults and children.

As evidence of the Zoo’s popularity, GLAZA attracts one of the largest membership bases of any cultural organization in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Free parking is available.

For additional information, contact (323) 644-4200 or visit www.lazoo.org