Jungleland USA

Jungleland USA was a renowned private zoo and animal training facility in Thousand Oaks, California, famous for its pivotal role in Hollywood. It began in 1926 as Goebel's Lion Farm, supplying exotic animals for film and television productions. Over its four decades of operation, it evolved into a popular public attraction, offering visitors a unique blend of wildlife exhibits and thrilling entertainment.

At its peak, Jungleland was home to an impressive collection of over 1,800 animals, including majestic lions, powerful tigers, gentle elephants, towering giraffes, playful chimpanzees, and a variety of other exotic species. Many of its residents became animal celebrities, such as Leo the Lion, the iconic mascot for MGM Studios, Mr. Ed the talking horse from television, Bimbo the elephant, and Tamba the chimpanzee, known for roles in *Tarzan* films. Visitors could experience live animal acts, witness the bravery of trainers like Mabel Stark—the world's first female tiger trainer—and enjoy interactive attractions like elephant and tortoise rides, tram safaris, and a sky tram.

Though it closed its doors in 1969, Jungleland's legacy endures, having significantly influenced Southern California's landscape of amusement parks and animal attractions. Its unique blend of a working animal training center, zoo, and theme park cemented its place as a memorable and influential part of California's rich entertainment history. The site, now home to the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, is marked by a historical plaque commemorating this extraordinary past. Planning to visit? Download the Snappit app to identify the wildlife you spot in real-time.