ZooCalifornia, US

Luna Park Zoo

Luna Park Zoo, an early 20th-century zoological park in Los Angeles, holds a unique place in the city's history, intertwined with the burgeoning film industry.

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Luna Park Zoo, an early 20th-century zoological park in Los Angeles, holds a unique place in the city's history, intertwined with the burgeoning film industry. Originally known as Selig Zoo, it served as a significant animal supplier for silent films before transitioning into a public attraction that captivated visitors with its diverse collection of exotic animals. The zoo was renowned for its elaborate entrance, featuring impressive statues of elephants and lions, some of which have been rediscovered and are now on display at the modern Los Angeles Zoo. During its operational years, Luna Park Zoo offered Angelenos a chance to encounter hundreds of animals, including big cats, giraffes, and performing elephants, providing a popular leisure destination.This historical venue was more than just a zoo; it was a testament to the entertainment culture of early 20th-century Los Angeles, where animal interaction and theatrical performances were commonplace. Visitors could witness "Leopard Lady" Olga Celeste perform with panthers and marvel at the exotic creatures housed in Mission-style cages and dedicated pavilions. While the zoo faced challenges, including financial difficulties and public safety concerns, it left an indelible mark on the city's recreational landscape.Although Luna Park Zoo no longer exists in its original form, its legacy continues through historical records and the preserved entrance statues. Exploring its past offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of zoological parks and their role in early Hollywood. Be ready to snap and learn! Get the Snappit app to identify any nature species you find here.

Luna Park Zoo began its life as Selig Zoo, established in 1915 by film producer William Selig. Selig initially accumulated a large menagerie of animals for use in his Selig Polyscope Company films, particularly for "animal pictures" and jungle scenes. To offset the expenses of maintaining these animals during downtime, Selig opened the zoo to the public, drawing significant crowds, with over 700 animals by September 1915. The zoo, located at 3800 N. Mission Road in Lincoln Heights, became Luna Park Zoo around 1925 after Selig's company faced bankruptcy and the studio's assets were sold off. It operated under the Luna Park name for approximately seven years, maintaining the same layout and functionality.The Luna Park Zoo era was marked by continued popularity, but also by incidents such as animal maulings, including a tiger killing a child in 1930. Financial difficulties, exacerbated by the Great Depression, led to its closure in 1932. The site then underwent several ownership and name changes, becoming L.A. Wild Animal Farms, California Zoological Gardens, and finally Zoopark, before officially closing in 1940. Many of its animals were eventually relocated to the Griffith Park Zoo, a precursor to the current Los Angeles Zoo. The iconic entrance gates stood until the 1960s before being dismantled, with some of the original lion and elephant sculptures rediscovered in 2000 and subsequently restored and installed at the Los Angeles Zoo.

What to do here

Today, you can visit the Los Angeles Zoo to see some of the restored lion and elephant statues from the original entrance. You can also visit Lincoln Park in Los Angeles, the area where the zoo was located, and reflect on its historical significance.

Seasonal info

Not applicable for a former venue.

Accessibility

Not applicable, as the original zoo structures are gone. The modern Los Angeles Zoo is wheelchair accessible, and its paths are paved.

Don't miss

Historically, the elaborate entrance gates adorned with statues of elephants and lions by Italian sculptor Carlo Romanelli

The Lion House with its 44 cages arranged around a central patio

Various outdoor enclosures

Animal performances, such as those by "Leopard Lady" Olga Celeste

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Ant

African Lion

Tiger

African Elephant

Giraffes

Hyacinth Macaw

California Condor

Snap map for this place

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Good to know before you go

Visit the Los Angeles Zoo

To connect with the legacy of Luna Park Zoo, seek out the restored lion and elephant statues from its original entrance on display at the modern Los Angeles Zoo.

Explore Lincoln Park

Take a stroll through Lincoln Park (formerly Eastlake Park), the adjacent area to where the zoo once stood, to get a sense of the historical location.

Delve into Historical Archives

For an in-depth understanding, explore online archives of the Los Angeles Public Library or local historical societies for photographs and documents related to the zoo.

Read Up on Early Hollywood

Learn about the Selig Polyscope Company and its role in early filmmaking to understand the zoo's unique origins as an animal supplier for movies.

Consider Other Defunct LA Animal Attractions: Research other early animal-focused attractions in Los Angeles like the Alligator Farm or Ostrich Farms for a broader historical context of animal entertainment in the region.

Frequently asked questions

: Luna Park Zoo was an early 20th-century zoological park in Los Angeles, California, that operated from approximately 1925 to 1932. It originated as the Selig Zoo, primarily housing animals for film productions, before becoming a public attraction known for its diverse animal collection and elaborate entrance gates.
: Luna Park Zoo was located at 3800 N. Mission Road, across from Eastlake Park (now Lincoln Park) in what is now Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles. After its closure and subsequent transformations, the grounds were redeveloped in the 1950s and later served as a speedway and amusement park. Today, the area is largely redeveloped, but some historical markers or remaining artifacts might be present in Lincoln Park.
: Yes, some of the concrete lion and elephant sculptures that adorned the elaborate entrance gates of the Selig/Luna Park Zoo were rediscovered in 2000. They were restored and installed at the current Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park in 2009, offering a tangible link to the historic venue.