LOS ANGELES ZOO “ZooLAbrates” 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF OPENING DAY IN 1966 WITH 50 precedent off ADMISSION/MOST FOOD AND BEVERAGE, 50TH BIRTHDAY CAKE-STYLE TREATS FOR ANIMALS, AND BIRTHDAY PARTY FEATURING BIRTHDAY CAKE, WALK WITH ANIMALS AND MORE

Monday, November 28, 2016, 10 am to 4 pm
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Los Angeles, Calif. –The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens marks 50 years from the day it opened in 1966 with an extra-special discount of 50 percent off admission/food and beverage purchases (except alcohol and Reggie’s Bistro dining) and a “ZooLAbration” Birthday Partyon Monday, November 28, 2016.  A “walk with the animals” begins the day at 10 am when guests are led from the front of the Zoo to the party by costumed characters and keepers with animals from the Zoo’s “walk-about” program.  From 10 to 10:30 am, the Birthday Party, which takes place at the “ZooLAbrate” stage near the Eucalyptus Grove, features a themed birthday cake served to visitors, a gigantic birthday card for guests to sign with their best birthday wishes, and presentations by John Lewis, L.A. Zoo Director, and Connie Morgan, President of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, as well as other special guests.  Throughout the day until 4 pm, a slate of animals receives special enrichment birthday cake-style treats.  As part of the “ZooLAbration,” a new microsite at www.ZooLAbrate50.org provides opportunities for the public to submit Zoo memories and offers special content including L.A. Zoo milestones, upcoming events and more.

“ZooLAbrate” encompasses not only the L.A. Zoo’s key role as a world-class destination and an important community asset but also its critical successes in conservation, quality of life and premier care for animals.  Having recently completed a $172 million master plan which significantly improved the Zoo facility, the 50th anniversary coincides with the early planning stages of a new Master Plan for the future.

Admission purchased in person at the L.A. Zoo is 50% off on November 28 ONLY: $10 for general ages 13 to 61 (regularly $20); $8.50 for seniors ages 62+ (regularly $17), and $7.50 for children ages 2 to 12 (regularly $15).  Children under two are free.  Birthday Party activities are free with paid L.A. Zoo admission.  Admission for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association members is free.  See www.lazoo.org for details.

The landmark Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, drawing nearly 1.8 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, as well as 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.  The L.A. Zoo’s lush grounds on 113 acres feature Rainforest of the Americas, an extraordinary collection of endangered and exotic mammals, reptiles, fish and amphibians living in spaces that exemplify their natural habitat in the rainforest biosphere; Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains, home to one of the largest troops of chimpanzees in the United States; Red Ape Rain Forest, where visitors can walk among orangutans; the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles); Elephants of Asia; Campo Gorilla Reserve; and one of the largest flocks of flamingos in any zoo in the world.  Among other highlights are an extraordinary, hands-on Hippo Encounter; the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo and Muriel’s Ranch animal contact area; the Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel; a variety of daily opportunities to learn more about animals, including close-up visits, special feedings and intriguing talks; and much more.  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 60,000 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 is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways.  Free parking is available.  5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA  90027, (323) 644-4200.  For tickets and more, visit lazoo.org and ZooLAbrate50.org.