There are six visually stunning exhibit areas in The LAIR that include habitats for various unique and endangered amphibian, invertebrate and reptilian species. The world’s largest amphibian, the Chinese giant salamander, will inhabit a “mountainside” stream with underwater viewing for visitors. Several species of tiny brightly colored poison dart frogs will live in lush vivariums.
Lizards are represented by scaly and spiny giant horned lizards, neon green Fiji island banded iguanas and the only species of venomous lizards - gila monster and beaded lizard. Adaptations to its aquatic existence will be easily noticed on the Fly River turtles that have a pig shaped nose and flippers for feet. Visitors may get chills viewing scorpions and centipedes, or walking past “Crocodile Swamp” housing false gharials - an endangered species of crocodile found in Southeast Asia.
Finally, a dazzling array of snakes will include the Mang Shan viper from the mountains of China, the green mamba, a fast slender arboreal snake from Africa and the Bushmaster, the largest venomous snake of the Americas.
The “Care and Conservation Room” will be dedicated to the reptiles and amphibians part of the Zoo’s conservation programs. Here, Zoo guests can also look “Behind the Glass” where many behind-the-scenes activities (reptile egg storage, nursery, food prep, etc.) will take place.
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways, where it hosts over 1.5 million visitors each year. The Zoo is home to a diverse collection of 1100 animals, many of which are rare or endangered. Exhibit highlights include Elephants of Asia, Campo Gorilla Reserve, Komodo dragon, koala and more.
Admission is $16 for adults and $11 for children ages 2 to 12. The Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For information, call (323) 644-4200 or visit the L. A. Zoo website at www.lazoo.org.
