The Los Angeles City Council committee approved a draft ordinance on Tuesday, August 11th, to raise the regular admission ticket to the Los Angeles Zoo by an additional $2, following last year’s $5 increase.
According to the city news agency, the “Arts, Parks, Libraries, and Community Enhancement Committee,” composed of three members, unanimously passed the draft, without any discussion during the meeting.
The draft is expected to be reviewed by the five-member “Budget and Finance Committee” before being voted on by the full City Council.
Last August, the $5 ticket price increase went into effect. It is currently unclear when the new $2 increase, if passed, will be officially implemented.
Since the $5 price hike took effect, the regular admission prices are as follows: $22 for children aged 2 to 12, $27 for adults aged 13 and above, and $24 for seniors aged 62 and above. Group rates for 15 people or more are $24 for adults aged 13 and above, and $21 for children aged 2 to 12.
If the proposed price increase is approved, the ticket prices will rise to $24 for children, $29 for adults, and $26 for seniors. Group rates may increase to $26 for adults and $23 for children.
Zoo officials stated in an email to the city news agency that even with the proposed $2 increase and last year’s increase, the ticket prices remain relatively affordable compared to similar venues. Officials noted that zoo admission prices have not been raised from 2019 to 2025, but various goods and services costs, including zoo operations, have increased. Ticket revenue will be used for zoo operations, animal care, and daily expenses.
Zoo officials mentioned that regular admission tickets and member discount tickets are occasionally offered on Groupon. These tickets are sold at pre-2025 price levels, which are $22 for adults and $17 for children.
Last year, Mayor Karen Bass and the City Council approved the $5 increase in the regular admission ticket price at the zoo as one of the measures to address approximately $1 billion in budget deficit.