The zoo was closed in 1966 due to poor conditions for animals and the opening of the larger, modern Los Angeles Zoo nearby.
Many of the animal cages were built into natural rock formations to simulate a more rugged, open-air environment for the captive animals.
The zoo site has been used as a filming location for numerous movies and television shows, including the 1966 Batman television series.
The park was originally established on land donated by Colonel Griffith J. Griffith in 1896.
The 'cages' remaining on-site are largely concrete and iron structures that were designed in the early 20th century to be viewed from above.
Some of the larger, multi-level structures were designed to house mountain lions and bears in separate, sunken tiers.
The Old Los Angeles Zoo, formally known as the Griffith Park Zoo, served as the city's primary zoological facility from 1912 until its closure in 1966. The site features original animal enclosures, including concrete grottoes and rusted iron cages, scattered across a hillside. Many of these structures remain accessible, allowing visitors to walk inside former tiger, lion, and bear dens. The area has been repurposed into a public hiking destination integrated into the Griffith Park trail system. Vegetation has reclaimed much of the space, creating a contrast between the graffiti-covered masonry and native California brush. It is a popular location for film shoots and urban exploration due to its unique architectural decay. The site is maintained by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
The main, large concrete grottoes located at the center of the ruins provide the most distinct visual perspective.
Wear closed-toe shoes with good tread, as the terrain around the cages is uneven, dirt-covered, and often slippery.
Bring water, as there are no drinking fountains or vendors within the immediate ruins of the old zoo.
Use the 'Old Zoo Picnic Area' as a base, as it provides shade and tables before heading up the trail to the cages.
Do not attempt to hike the surrounding trails during extreme heat, as the site has very little natural shade.
Do not climb on top of the precarious stone walls or enter areas marked as restricted by fencing.
