A Little Bit About the LA Zoo

 

        In 1912 the Griffith Park Zoo was one of four parks to serve the city.  When it originally opened there were only 15 animals inside the zoo and it 1956 the zoo was expanding so they closed it to build a new one. In November 1966, the new Los Angeles Zoo had opened being the home to many animals. In 1972 the zoo becomes an accredited member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association because the zoo showed a great importance of conserving the wildlife and their natural habitats.Over the years the zoo has been sponsored by many people to build additional exhibits to expand the zoo. In 1988, Alice C. Tyler helped fund the Meerkat Exhibit which was the inspiration for Disney’s, The Lion King. In 2002, the zoo was accredited by the American Association of Museums named Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The propose of the zoo is to serve the community and help create an environment where people will be able to discover and appreciate wildlife. The zoo also supports and works with certain programs to help conserve animals and their natural environments.

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a place known to the Los Angeles community and it constantly being talked about in the media. For example E! News released an article comparing Angelina and Brad to the new “prideful couple” referring to Hubert and Kalisa the zoo’s new lion couple. The LA Times also released an article talking about how the San Diego Zoo has more fame than the Los Angeles Zoo and that’s because the zoo claims “we are not Sea World” and they want to provide animals with the best care while keeping them in captivity to help others understand the wildlife.

        What I saw at the zoo does reflect what the zoo’s mission statement says although I feel like some of the animal’s “new” homes don't resemble the ones they have in the wild and the animals are in captivity. Some animals look sad and lonely although they are being taken care of because some cages have signs explaining why the animals needed surgery or medical attention. (word count 359)

LA Zoo Analyses

         The Los Angeles Zoo is home to hundreds of different species and attracts hundreds of visitors everyday. Inside the zoo you can find lots of different species for example wild cats, African elephants, giraffes, even small rodents. The zoo also attracts different people such as friends, families, even couples.This suggests that zoo has a family friendly environment where everyone is allowed to come to the zoo. The zoo was created as a place to go observe and learn new facts about the animals living there with friends and family.

Everyone in the zoo has the same energy. when you walk past someone they smile at you, young kids look up and stare at you, and when you're in a small area looking at the animals you start conversations with the people next to you.This suggest that the zoo is a place where you are able to socialize with the different people you encounter. Its an open space for everyone to go and find something they enjoy and get to share their interests with another person who feels the same way. Its a place where people come together to have fun and create memories with their friends or family.The zoo was created to be family oriented where people from different cultures, genders, and age groups come to express their love or interest in animals. 

As you get further away from the entrance the zoo feels more like a jungle where all you see are trees and you begin to hear the sounds of the wild animals, like the elephants making noise with their trunks. This example suggests that the zoo was created to recreate the atmosphere of a “real” jungle. It also gives of the impression its trying to recreate the animal’s “natural habitat”. Its supposed to make you feel like you are actually hearing and observing the animals in their natural habitat.

         On the way back from your trip at the zoo all the visitors make a stop at the gift stores to look at the stuffed animals, necklaces, and other souvenirs where they buy something to make sure they are reminded about their trip to the zoo. The gift shops and concession stands all over the zoo also make it easy for families to buy lunch and snacks instead of leaving the zoo or carrying around their own lunch. It also allows the zoo to make more money and promotes their drinks in souvenir cups making every little kid want one to take home and remember their trip to the zoo. (word count 425)

LA Zoo Observations

• The Los Angeles Zoo is home to hundreds of different species and attracts hundreds of visitors everyday. 
• While waiting in line for the ticket booth to open you can see different people waiting in line, you see families, couples, groups of friends, even elementary school kids on field trips.
• As you stand in line the excitement is rising while everyone waits anxiously to go inside the zoo.
• As soon as you purchase your ticket you can see the shift in moods, everyone is smiling and you can hear everyone saying  “i love the zoo!”, “My favorite animals are the elephants!” or “I’m so excited to spend the rest of the day here!”
• In the entrance you are greeted by some otters and a small alligator in its own cage. You can also find gift shops and small concession stands where you can buy refreshments.
• As you continue walking you encounter different paths, each leading you to different animals.
• As you continue walking deciding which path to take you are surrounded by trees, small bushes, some flower beds, and you can feel the sun radiating heat.
• When you approach one side of the zoo you encounter small insects and rodents living in small cages. The small rodents are being fed while they are released for the day.
• Some of the kids are surprised to see the insects and rodents while others cant see them because they are too short and have to have their parents lift them up onto their shoulders so they have a better view.
• Everyone in the zoo has the same energy. when you walk past someone they smile at you, young kids look up and stare at you, and when you're in a small area looking at the animals you start conversations with the people next to you.
• As you get further away from the entrance the zoo feels more like a jungle where all you see are trees and you begin to hear the sounds of the wild animals, like the elephants making noise with their trunks.
• When the younger kids hear these noises they aren’t used to hearing everyday they act surprised and quickly recover by yelling at “ How cool was that!” or “i can hear the elephants!”
• Near the giraffes, you can hear the chimpanzees making noise in their cage while the bleachers in front of the cages are filled with kids, parents, teachers ,families, friends enjoying what they're seeing and commenting on how cute the chimps are.
• as the sun starts burning your skin and you're feeling tired and thirsty you find a snow cone stand where every kid id lined up with their money in their hand ready to buy their snow cone and they also take a break from exploring to cool off.
• On the way back from your trip at the zoo all the visitors make a stop at the gift stores to look at the stuffed animals, necklaces, and other souvenirs where they buy something to make sure they are reminded about their trip to the zoo.