The Los Angeles Zoo is owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles. From its opening in 1966 until 1997, the Zoo operated as a division of the City’s Recreation and Parks Department. On July 1, 1997, the Zoo became its own city department, with a clearer and direct voice to the City Council and more direct control over its operations. The Mayor of the City of Los Angeles is Antonio R. Villaraigosa who began his first term on July 1, 2005. Located within the 4th City Council District, the Zoo is represented by Councilman Tom LaBonge. Since June, 2003, John Lewis has served as General Manager and Zoo Director. Mr. Lewis served as director of the John Ball Zoological Garden in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from 1986 until his appointment to the Los Angeles Zoo. Lewis has also served as president of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums AZA Board of Directors from 2001 to 2002.

Address: 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Telephone: 323/644-4200
Website: http://www.lazoo.org/