Regardless of it's fading glory, Los Angeles zoo always had special place in the zoo enthusiasts hearts and it is easy to say why, after you visit them. I am regularly browsing through the late Stephen's Romo, RIP, facebook pictures of the 80's LA zoo with regret, that could not turn back the time. Zebra Duiker and Giant Eland breeding groups, Harnessed bushbuck, Japanese Serow and the Sumatran Rhino Emi are just part of the former LA fantastic hoofstock collection.
It is bid sad that this Californian facility, which has all the prerequisites to be second to San Diego, slowed down their development in the last decades. They probably been one of the world's leading zoological gardens in the 80's, but are barely in top 30 nowadays. Nevertheless, LA still have what to show, especially, when it comes to the exclusivity of the collection. Many of the exhibits are unfortunately outdated, but the great climate conditions, beautiful landscape and strong husbandry traditions keeps them among USA's bests.
It is nothing new, that zoo is specializing with Duikers and I saw three Black Duikers, two Yellow-backed Duikers and one Red-Flanked Duiker. Even SDZ and SDZSP had only one spieces each on-show. They are keep breeding Gerenuk and three new babies came to the world few months ago. The Gerenuk keeper, who was feeding one of the babies in the Nursary pen, told me that, when they gave the Gerenuks to Berlin, they suspected they not going to do well, because of the cold temperature. The lacking of body fat, make them extremely vulnerable to a harsh conditions, she added.
I believe the zoo still holds breeding group of their biggest draw-card the Mountain Tapirs. I saw three individuals. Two in their permanent exhibit and one in the former Rhino pen. There were two Calamian Deers also, another unique species for the zoo world.
Few of the non-Australan zoos can mach their Marsupial collection.It includes Tasmanian Devils, Koala, Short-nosed Echidna,Western gray kangaroo,Yellow-footed rock wallaby and great Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat nocturnal house.
There are even more rarities, especially from European stand point. Brazilian Ocelot,Ringtail, American Badger, Desert Bighorn Sheep, Speke's gazelle, Proghorn, Massai giraffe, Coquerel's sifaka, Geoffrey’s spider monkey, Califronian Condor,Blue-billed curassow and s.o, and s.o.
The last addition Rainforest of America didn't impress match , but holds species, like Baird's Tapir, Harpy Eagle, Giant Otters and almost hidden Red Uakari.
LA have some very up to date areas also.The Elephants of Asia and Gorilla reserve can easily meet the modern standards and there will be a newborn attraction in the last one soon.
The Lair is one of the best Echoterm complexes , i have ever seen, but if you want to see it properly need to be there early on the morning.
I wish, I can come back in California in near future and will follow the new Master plan with great interest, hoping the LA zoo will soon restore their world class reputation