A trip to the Los Angeles Zoo is about to get a bit pricier. The City Council has voted to increase ticket prices, which will take effect on July 1. This decision was made unanimously by council members on Friday.
Starting next month, general admission fees will rise by $5. This means that tickets for children aged 2 to 12 will cost $22, while adults aged 13 and older will pay $27. Seniors, those 62 and older, will now pay $24 for admission.
The price hike comes as part of a broader effort to address the city’s budget crisis. Recently, the council approved a $14 billion spending plan aimed at managing financial challenges for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The increase in zoo ticket prices is one way the city hopes to raise revenue amid these budget constraints.
Historically, this is not the first time ticket prices have gone up at the zoo. In 2012, the cost for adult tickets increased by $2. At that time, a single-day adult ticket was $16, a stark contrast to current prices. For context, a ticket to the San Diego Zoo now costs $76 for adults.
The Los Angeles Zoo, which opened in 1966, was built to replace the old Griffith Park Zoo. The initial funding for the zoo came from a bond measure approved by voters in 1956, aimed at creating a better facility for animals and visitors alike.
Zoo officials have expressed concerns about budget cuts that could affect staffing and the overall visitor experience. The recent price increase is seen as a necessary step to maintain operations and support the zoo’s mission.
As the zoo prepares for this change, visitors will need to adjust their budgets if they plan to enjoy a day with the animals.