As already established, I adore abandoned buildings. I love the spookiness that is created when nature begins to reclaim man-made structures, and it is this that sparked my interest in visiting the old Los Angeles Zoo at Griffith Park, which we went to after our turn about the Merry-Go-Round.

The zoo opened in 1912, but most of the structures that are visible today were built in the 1930s by County Relief workers and Works Progress Administration crews (gotta love the ol’ WPA!). In 1965 the zoo moved to its current location, which is still within Griffith Park, just two miles from its original location. When the zoo moved all habitats and cages were left behind, vacant. Over the years portions of the area have been overrun by taggers, but the main, larger structures have remained free of being defaced (or frequently get cleaned), and the place used as a filming location for movies (scenes from one of my guilty pleasure films, Anchorman filmed here) and television shows from time to time. Today, these structures also play a historical role in understanding the development of zoology, and also provide a spooky backdrop for the annual L.A. Haunted Hayride each fall.

Walk among the ruins of the old L.A. Zoo at 4801 Griffith Park Drive in Griffith Park in Los Angeles.

What’s Near By?

Other Griffith Park Attractions

Various Hollywood Boulevard Attractions

Outfit
Blouse: Jet Rag, Los Angeles, California
Pink Jeans: Old Glory Antique Mall, Vancouver, Washington
Mocassins: Minnetonka
Purse: Found by my dad
Scarf: ???
Bangles: Here and there
Robin Hood Pin: Disneyland