Free Shows & Activities

Different talks and activities are available each day. Click on the event title for more information.

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At the Angela Collier World of Birds Theater

The World of Birds Show has been delighting audiences for nearly 40 years. This free-flight show spotlights the natural behaviors and amazing abilities of its stars.

More than 20 species of birds perform in the show, including macaws, condors, vultures, crane, hornbill, hawks, owls, and eagles. Phoenix, the Harris’ hawk, preforms the most notable behavior by flying off the hill, through the turret at a tremendous speed, and landing on a trainer’s glove stationed in the stands.

Launched by a major gift from the Angela Collier Foundation in memory of Angela Collier, the new Angela Collier World of Birds Theater re-opened to the public in 2014.

Visit the Wasserman Family Thai Pavilion at the Elephants of Asia habitat to discover how we keep towering six-ton pachyderms happy and healthy at this fascinating demonstration presented by expert animal care and education staff.

Visit the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo to get up close with our goats and sheep in the animal contact area known as Muriel’s Ranch, made possible by a generous gift from the Max H. Gluck Foundation. Fifteen sweet-tempered baby Nigerian Dwarf goats were added to the Ranch in late 2012, and the Zoo has seen newborn additions to the family of goats in the years that have followed. This species only reaches a height of around two feet, and the adults weigh in between 20 and 50 pounds. These colorful and curious species are a kid-friendly size and a must-see for the young and young-at-heart! We have brushes available for you to groom these fun domestic animals!

Because of the sensitive nature of our work with California condors, they are not currently exhibited to the public. But Zoo guests can get incredible views of these iconic birds via live webcam feeds at the California Condor Rescue Zone, an educational, engaging interactive play space located in our Entry Plaza.

The CCRZ is a fun, facilitated play space designed for children ages six and up. In an exciting immersive environment, children discover what it takes to protect California condors and the important role the L.A. Zoo plays in saving this amazing species.

You’re sure to have a wild time during these close-up creature encounters! These 20-minute long animal close-ups take place at stations in the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo. Particular animals vary and are not listed for a certain day or time. The program consists of the following animals that rotate through the Animals & You stations:

Come enjoy the exciting updates to Neil Papiano Play Park! The play park recently received enhancements like more shade and upgraded play structures thanks, in part, to a grant from the Georgina-Fredrick Children’s Foundation.

The Neil Papiano Play Park (located in the upper Zoo along the perimeter road) incorporates animal-themed climbing sculptures, large play structures, a toddler area, water misters, grassy landscaping, and a large picnic area. It was specially designed to be accessible to all children visiting the Zoo, including those with medical and physical challenges.