After authorizing a $5 dollar increase to general admission for the Los Angeles Zoo last year, a City Council committee Tuesday approved a draft ordinance to raise the cost by another $2.
The three-member Arts, Parks, Libraries and Community Enrichment Committee voted unanimously to approve the draft ordinance. There was no discussion on the matter.
It is expected to be considered by the five-member Budget and Finance Committee before heading to the full City Council for a vote.
The $5 increase took effect in August 2025. It was unclear when the $2 increase would take effect, if it’s approved by elected officials.
Since the $5 increase took effect, general admission costs $22 for children age 2-12, $27 for adults age 13 and over, and $24 for seniors 62 and over. Group rates for 15 persons or more stood at $24 for adults age 13 and over, and $21 for children age 2 to 12.
Prices could go up to up to $24 for children’s tickets, $29 for adult tickets, and $26 for senior tickets. Group rates could increase to $26 for adults and $23 for children.
In an email to City News Service, zoo officials said that even with the proposed $2 increase and last year’s increase, fees remain comparatively affordable.
The zoo went without a fee increase from 2019-25, although the cost of all goods and services, including those needed to operate the zoo, increased, according to officials.
Zoo officials noted that general admission and membership discounts are periodically available on GroupOn. These tickets are at the pre-2025 rate of $22 for adults and $17 for children.
Ticket revenue goes to fund zoo operations, animal care and day-to-day expenses.
Last year, Mayor Karen Bass and the City Council approved the $5 increase to the zoo’s general admission as part of efforts to address a roughly $1 billion deficit.