Thanks for the memories. I walked that path numerous times as a child. The old bear grottos. I can especially remember the Grizzly and Polar Bears there, and how their huge claws would click, click, click across the rockwork. Probably some of the better exhibits of the old zoo. For several years after the opening of the new zoo in 1966, the old zoo was still used for animal holdings and breeding. I'm glad you can still walk through some of the old remnants.
Compare the previous zoo's size of about 17 acres, to the current 113 acres (including parking lot). Little talked about today, did you know the city supposedly put aside an additional 168 acres in the park for future zoo expansion? I have it from former mayor Sam Yorty's own quoted statement in an old ZOOVIEW magazine, the zoo's official publication. I think the issue is from 1972 or 73. In the future, I plan to share some of the history of the L.A. Zoo from some of those old ZOOVIEWS. I still have many very old back issues, dating from the 1960s.
Thanks for the memories. I walked that path numerous times as a child. The old bear grottos. I can especially remember the Grizzly and Polar Bears there, and how their huge claws would click, click, click across the rockwork. Probably some of the better exhibits of the old zoo. For several years after the opening of the new zoo in 1966, the old zoo was still used for animal holdings and breeding. I'm glad you can still walk through some of the old remnants.
Compare the previous zoo's size of about 17 acres, to the current 113 acres (including parking lot). Little talked about today, did you know the city supposedly put aside an additional 168 acres in the park for future zoo expansion? I have it from former mayor Sam Yorty's own quoted statement in an old ZOOVIEW magazine, the zoo's official publication. I think the issue is from 1972 or 73. In the future, I plan to share some of the history of the L.A. Zoo from some of those old ZOOVIEWS. I still have many very old back issues, dating from the 1960s.
Good question, because the then mayor of Los Angeles said that the city took measures to set aside the extra land should it ever be needed. And even stated in that old issue that other lands would be available if need be. I'm not at home at the moment, but I have the article. Surely some officials at the zoo must have something in the record books about it.
Over the years it has always puzzled me when someone states "the zoo just doesn't have the room to expand." I'm going to bring this up to someone one day. Can you imagine the L.A. Zoo being somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 acres? But as I said, I'm not home but can give the issue and quote from former Mayor Sam Yorty, no question about that. I'll do that in the very near future. I can even remember this quote from him concerning the new zoo, "Let's just be the best."
Yes, that has crossed my mind many times but then again, the neighboring golf course was in the original plans for part of the zoo grounds. But under much protest from the golfers, that plan was abandoned.
And back in the 1950s, when the city leaders realized that there was a great need for a new zoo, it was going to be called "The Los Angeles World Zoo," and was scheduled to replace the entire 700 acres of Elysian Park! L.A.'s second largest park, not too far from Griffith Park. But this plan was scrapped when concern was expressed about the new construction of Dodger Stadium nearby, and the possible stress to the animals from the noise of the loud crowds. Also the fact that the land in Elysian Park was way too hilly for a zoo.
But back to the current zoo's extra land, there are many canyons in the surrounding hills, years ago the San Diego Zoo expanded into the surrounding Balboa Park by the use of escalators. The first ever used in a zoo. Who knows where that land could be, or maybe even a certain agreement for the use of the golf course one day?
Good question, because the then mayor of Los Angeles said that the city took measures to set aside the extra land should it ever be needed. And even stated in that old issue that other lands would be available if need be. I'm not at home at the moment, but I have the article. Surely some officials at the zoo must have something in the record books about it.
Over the years it has always puzzled me when someone states "the zoo just doesn't have the room to expand." I'm going to bring this up to someone one day. Can you imagine the L.A. Zoo being somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 acres? But as I said, I'm not home but can give the issue and quote from former Mayor Sam Yorty, no question about that. I'll do that in the very near future. I can even remember this quote from him concerning the new zoo, "Let's just be the best."
This is taken from the "Zoo View" of March, 1970; volume IV, number IV and found on page 2.
"Projects Forecast Exciting Zoo Future."
"...A short three years ago at the Zoo's dedication, Mayor Sam Yorty said, 'Let's just be the best. Let us lead in zoological accomplishments as Los Angeles leads in so many other areas. Let's just be the best..."
"...A few years ago, anticipating Zoo growth, Recreation and Parks Commissioners, at the suggestion of the Zoo Association, set aside 158 acres (additional to the present 113 acres) for future expansion and indicated a willingness to consider more, should be necessary."
"Assured then, of space for expansion and the obvious support of key city officials for the program of growth, and recognizing certain definite structural needs..."
I was just a little off on how many additional acres were supposedly set aside, and that was by the Recreation and Parks Commisisioners, not Mayor Yorty. The zoo is no longer under the Dept. of Recreation and Parks but is now its own Dept. of the city of Los Angeles.
This is taken from the "Zoo View" of March, 1970; volume IV, number IV and found on page 2.
"Projects Forecast Exciting Zoo Future."
"...A short three years ago at the Zoo's dedication, Mayor Sam Yorty said, 'Let's just be the best. Let us lead in zoological accomplishments as Los Angeles leads in so many other areas. Let's just be the best..."
"...A few years ago, anticipating Zoo growth, Recreation and Parks Commissioners, at the suggestion of the Zoo Association, set aside 158 acres (additional to the present 113 acres) for future expansion and indicated a willingness to consider more, should be necessary."
"Assured then, of space for expansion and the obvious support of key city officials for the program of growth, and recognizing certain definite structural needs..."
I was just a little off on how many additional acres were supposedly set aside, and that was by the Recreation and Parks Commisisioners, not Mayor Yorty. The zoo is no longer under the Dept. of Recreation and Parks but is now its own Dept. of the city of Los Angeles.
