Spring is a season synonymous with renewal, hope, and rejuvenation. As the communities of Los Angeles emerge from a winter marked by unprecedented devastation from fires and storms, this season offers a fresh opportunity to reset and begin anew—just as the sun shines once again on our city.
A year ago, the Los Angeles Zoo proudly launched Project Pollinator, an initiative led by our Conservation Committee in partnership with dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, and community partners. Today, the native gardens created through this project are flourishing, providing vital habitats for birds, bees, butterflies, and other native wildlife. Notably, the California Gateway Garden near the parking lot is thriving, and we’ve recently installed beautifully designed signage that educates visitors about the program and its environmental importance.
In a similar spirit, the Zoo is excited to announce the upcoming launch of the Oak Woodlands Restoration Project, in partnership with Outward Bound Adventures (OBA). Set to begin in the coming weeks, this project goes beyond conservation—it also serves as a career pathways initiative. Together, we will restore six acres of degraded coast live oak woodlands on Zoo property. OBA, based in Pasadena, is the oldest nonprofit in the nation dedicated to outdoor education for BIPOC youth and families, and this project aligns with both the Zoo’s and the City of Los Angeles’s commitment to the historic 30×30 conservation initiative, which seeks to protect 30% of land and coastal waters by 2030.
As we celebrate the season of renewal, we are thrilled to share that the California condor breeding season is underway. Last year, we celebrated a record-breaking season with the successful hatching of 17 condor chicks. This year, we are hopeful for another successful season and are excited to announce that 11 viable condor eggs have already been laid. We remain optimistic for a healthy cohort of chicks that will contribute to the ongoing recovery of this majestic, critically endangered species in the wild.
Finally, I warmly invite you to visit the newly opened Cape vulture exhibit at the Zoo. This exciting addition has been years in the making, and the impressive birds are now visible in their new habitat, delighting guests. The exhibit, designed with sustainability in mind, repurposes the foundation of an unused former exhibit space. It now offers the vultures a space that mirrors elements of their native South African range, featuring a rocky cliff wall with crevasses for nesting, room for free-flight, natural perching areas, foliage, and even a pond for bathing. This habitat will foster natural behaviors and hopefully encourage breeding.
As we embrace the beauty and vitality of spring, it’s important to remember that while nature provides us with so much, it is a resource we must protect for future generations. Together, we can continue to further our mission of saving wildlife, enriching our communities, and creating connections to nature.
Thank you for your unwavering support of the Los Angeles Zoo.
