The Los Angeles City Council’s Budget and Finance Committee is set to vote Tuesday afternoon on a proposal that would allow the Los Angeles Zoo to increase general admission prices by an additional $2. The measure follows a unanimous approval by the Arts, Parks, Libraries and Community Enrichment Committee last week.
Current and proposed ticket prices
Effective August 2025, the zoo raised admission by $5, bringing adult tickets to $27, children’s tickets (ages 2‑12) to $22, and senior tickets (62+) to $24. Group rates for parties of 15 or more stand at $24 for adults and $21 for children.
If the $2 increase is authorized, prices would rise to $29 for adults, $24 for children, and $26 for seniors. Group rates could climb to $26 for adults and $23 for children.
Rationale behind the increase
Zoo officials argue that even with the combined $7 increase over two years, admission remains affordable compared with similar attractions. They note that the zoo operated without a fee increase from 2019 through 2025, despite rising costs for animal care, staffing, and facility maintenance.
Revenue from tickets funds daily operations, animal welfare, and essential upkeep. Officials also point out that discounted tickets are periodically offered through GroupOn, allowing families to purchase tickets at pre‑2025 rates of $22 for adults and $17 for children.
City budget context
Last year, Mayor Karen Bass and the full City Council approved the $5 increase as part of a broader effort to address an estimated $1 billion deficit in the municipal budget. The proposed $2 hike is presented as a modest measure to continue supporting the zoo without placing undue burden on residents.
Next steps
After the Budget and Finance Committee votes, the proposal will move to the full City Council for consideration at a future meeting. Council members have not yet indicated their positions on the additional increase.
The Los Angeles Zoo, a major cultural and educational asset for the region, draws millions of visitors each year. Any change in pricing will affect families, tourists, and school groups who rely on the zoo for recreation and learning.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
