Facts below are drawn from the linked sources.
Real history
The zoo opened in 1912 and closed in 1966 when the new Los Angeles Zoo opened. It is a city-owned ruin with animal enclosures, picnic areas and hiking trails (Wikipedia).
The Los Angeles Times reported in 1986 on the city turning the old bear grottos into a picnic area (Los Angeles Times, 1986).
Ghost stories
We found no well-sourced ghost legends for this place. It is listed for its abandoned history.
Then and now
.jpg){kind=link}
Public access
Open to the public The ruins are inside Griffith Park, a city park (Wikipedia). Last checked: Oct 31, 2026.
Explore more
- More places in Los Angeles and California
- More haunted & abandoned ruins
- Nearby: Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel (Los Angeles, CA), Greystone Mansion (Beverly Hills, CA), Murphy Ranch (Pacific Palisades, CA), RMS Queen Mary (Long Beach, CA)
⚠️ Please read: This information may be outdated and conditions change. Verify access with the owner or operator before you go. Spook Atlas does not encourage trespassing. Entering private, closed or condemned property can be illegal and dangerous. Report a correction.
Reader experiences
Not yet accepting submissions. Reader stories are coming later; this form is switched off and sends nothing. All stories are moderated before they appear. Posts describing trespassing, break-ins or how to get into closed areas are removed.