Los Angeles Zoo’s Legal and Financial Troubles

In 2022, Robert Ellis made a significant pledge of $200,000 to establish a garden at the Bird Theatre within the Los Angeles Zoo. However, by January, the city of Los Angeles had taken legal action against its nonprofit partner, known as Graza, due to ongoing tensions over finances and other concerns.

Ellis, a member of the Glaza board, redirected his donations because of the nonprofit’s legal expenses. Central to the contentious split between the city and Glaza is a substantial donation of nearly $50 million, which both claim is meant to support various zoo projects and capital improvements.

The contract between the city and Graza, which manages fundraising and events for the zoo, is set to end on Tuesday, leaving the zoo in a precarious state with no clear plans moving forward.

The LA Zoo, home to over 1,600 animals, is facing increasing deterioration. Many of its exhibits, such as those for lions, bears, and sea lions, have been closed for major renovations. Recently, the last two Asian elephants, Billy and Tina, were relocated to the Tulsa Zoo following a long-standing campaign by animal rights advocates regarding concerns over their living conditions.

This 59-year-old zoo, located on 133 acres within Griffith Park, is struggling to maintain national accreditation, with federal inspections noting concerns such as peeling paint and rust across several enclosures. Inspectors from the USDA and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums pointed out a significant lack of funds and staff to manage even basic repairs, as noted in a budget document from zoo officials.

Meanwhile, attendance at the zoo dropped to 1.5 million visitors from 2024 to 2025, down about 100,000 compared to the prior year, with the closure of exhibits partially to blame due to what the zoo described as “outdated infrastructure.” Karen Winnick, president of the city zoo committee, expressed concern, stating, “We’re not as lively as we should be.”

Since its inception in 1966, Graza has been crucial in managing fundraising, events, and member communications for the zoo. The zoo’s $31 million operating budget primarily comes from ticket sales, with only a small fraction directly from the association. However, the indirect contributions are likely higher, as Glaza generates revenue through memberships and special events, funneling some of that into the zoo’s budget.

In addition to operational funds, Glaza also aids in raising money for renovations and programs related to animal care and education. However, Ellis and other board members have opted not to comment on the ongoing situation.

Glaza’s lawyer, Devin Donohue, indicated in a statement that the nonprofit had always raised funds on behalf of the city, yet believed the city was now unjustly attempting to shift those funds to another charity.

Concerns about the relationship between the zoo’s leadership and Glaza surfaced, with insiders claiming that current zoo director Denise Verret has sought to consolidate control since taking on her role in 2019. Some sources indicate that zoo officials feel they could operate independently without Glaza’s involvement. Manuel Molynedo, a past zoo director, noted that financial power struggles and miscommunication have long plagued the relationship between the two entities.

Despite challenges, Glaza accused the city of failing to manage the funds it had raised effectively, leaving the zoo vulnerable to potential health and safety risks for the animals. Over two decades after Molynedo’s departure, city officials announced plans to invite proposals from other organizations to replace Glaza’s role.

As this unfolds, Glaza indicated it would not apply to continue its longstanding role and planned to withdraw its nearly $50 million donation. The situation showcases the city’s apparent lack of interest in maintaining the partnership.

The new fundraising approach remains unclear, though Verret expressed optimism about the zoo’s future, particularly in light of the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics. “With new structures and partnerships, La Zoo is currently in a very healthy place,” she stated.

Meanwhile, as the lawsuit progresses, the city is actively seeking to secure contracts with new organizations for various operational aspects that Glaza previously managed. While city staff performs core functions such as animal care, the role of volunteers has been critical to the zoo’s daily operations.

Richard Liechtenstein, a former Glaza commission member, lamented the loss of funding partnerships, emphasizing the need for first-class facilities for city residents. “Without funding partners, it’s tough to envision how the zoo can remain a world-class destination,” he remarked.