Civil grand jury finds that the Los Angeles Zoo is in crisis

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A troubling grand jury report for the Los Angeles Zoo points to financial and other problems.

The L.A. Zoo is the last major American zoo still run by city government, and the grand jury says that's part of the issue.

The civil grand jury discusses some harsh realities in it's report -- declining membership and facilities in need of repair. It even points to signage that's out of date, sometimes identifying animals that aren't even in the zoo.

The grand jury recommends new leadership urging some type of public/private partnership if the zoo wants to survive.

The grand jury found almost all zoos across the U.S. have turned to public private partnerships.

Household memberships dropped from 36,000 in April of 2025 to 28,000 this past February -- representing a 23% drop in less than a year.

The grand jury says exhibits show wear and tear with no maintenance or repair program, until a crisis occurs.

Keep in mind, the zoo is a department within the City of Los Angeles and new funding is not likely.

Financial issues, described as complex, became more challenging this past December when the zoo entered into litigation with it's primary funding partner, GLAZA, the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, describing that relationship now "in ruins."

Despite this report, one zoo visitor had few complaints.

"From what we saw, everything was nice, yes some animals are no longer available but we understand that also. I see everything as normal."

On the positive side, the grand jury found the zoo does have a praiseworthy record in animal care, conservation and education. It generates enough revenue to cover basic operating expenses, but beyond that, is where it's falling short.

The Los Angeles Zoo told ABC7 that it "appreciates the civil grand jury’s interest in the future success of Zoo operations... We will review their recommendations and participate in the City’s response."

Mayor Karen Bass' Office also responded, saying that the mayor "looks forward to exploring these options."