Growing up in Syracuse, NY we were without some of the attractions that larger metropolitan cities and outside communities have to enjoy. Fewer shopping districts, museums, and general attractions, but what we did have was an exceptional zoo. As a family of six, the zoo seemed to check all the boxes for each family member, parent to youngest child. Even though the animals did not change frequently, our quarterly visits were always a hit. Nowadays, as I have a family of my own, I was shocked when I realized that we had yet to visit the LA Zoo and immediately set to change that.
Being just over one hundred miles from the #1 ranked zoo in the world, the San Diego Zoo, the LA Zoo is unfairly overlooked. It is located on the backside of Griffith Park (where I proposed to Khrista circa 2021), on a picturesque plot banked into the mountain with lush trees and colorful vegetation. The zoo is also the perfect halfway point between my cousin and I, and were fortunate enough to catch her between filming shoots to join us on our adventure.
We hit all the zoo staples: flamingos, reptiles, tigers, rhinoceroses, but the hands-down favorite were the Orangutans and their growing family. Born just a day after my daughter, we got a front row view of the new baby Orangutan, watching her interact with her mother and aunts. While less hairy, the similarities between baby Kate and the yet-to-be named baby Orangutan provided some belly-laughs. The faces made when trying/experimenting new foods, erratic and flailing arms into family members’ faces and the natural curiosity of this new world was special for us all.
Feeling so satisfied with the day and experience, we signed up for membership as we did each year as a family in Syracuse. So beware, if you reach out to get together when visiting Los Angeles (which I beg you do), there is a good chance I propose we meet at the Zoo café, ranked #1 for business lunches by Tom Schulte.
