Spooky Spaces: Old LA Zoos
Today, I was researching stories and images of the old LA Zoo, (which I'll get to in a second) and I serendipitously rediscovered another far grander private zoo that used to be in Lincoln Heights.
Old LA Zoo - Griffith Park
First off. The Old LA Zoo has a long and sorted past. It started in roughly the late 1920's until it closed in the late 1960's when the modern zoo opened. All of the animals ceremoniously moved up the road to the current site.
The reason for the big move was the old zoos enclosures were considered sad even by old-timey standards. An influx of animals from the Selig Zoo when it closed, and public outcry over the animals living conditions, got the needed funds to improve the zoo. When determined that a whole new concept in zoo enclosures was the only solution, the new LA Zoo was constructed and the animals moved. The ruins sat abandoned for many years until the area was converted to a very surreal walking trail and park. Enclosures made vaguely safe, picnic tables and bbq's added.
We went to explore the ruins and take a few shots years ago. The area is still there, and is more well known these days. There are even one of those haunted hay-rides there around Halloween.
Selig Zoo - Lincoln Park
The Seilg Zoo opened around 1910 by one of the very first movie studios in town. The entrance (Now a 711) was at the corner of Mission Rd, and Selig Pl. There was an elaborate front gate with amazing statues sculpted by a famous Italian sculptor. Next door was the then beautiful European style, Lincoln Park with meandering gardens, lake and boat house. Over the years an ostrich and alligator farm opened next door, and the area was a resort area of sorts.
The zoo then went through the familiar pattern stricken on places like these. Times change. The original owner sold it, and it was renamed Luna Park Zoo. A flood caused the zoo portion to close for good. Most of the animals sent to the already crowded Old LA Zoo. The site became an amusement park and "Jallopy Speedway." It changed hands several times until it ultimately closed. The main gate, however, stood for years haunting over the area in spooky disrepair until finally destroyed in the 1960's.
The statutes were unknowingly salvaged and sat in a junk yard in Fontana for decades until rediscovered in the early 00's. All but the elephants were restored and are now on display through out the current LA Zoo. Rumor has it the elephants will be returning soon.
I have been thoroughly fascinated by this topic today. I had heard of the Luna Park Zoo, but was rarely able to find cromulent articles or pictures to understand the scope of the place.
I love that there are little historical "mysteries" all around. Even today, there are so much rad stories just forgotten enough to uncover. Thanks for Reading!
-Mike
