PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The proposed Project involves long-term implementation of the proposed Vision Plan, which would fundamentally guide Zoo development and operations over the next 20 years. The Vision Plan would result in comprehensive redesign and redevelopment of the Zoo’s existing 133-acre site to replace outdated buildings and infrastructure and upgrade animal care and guest amenities Improvements would include new and revitalized immersive exhibit space, new support visitor-serving buildings, expanded and modernized administrative and services facilities and circulation improvements, for access roads, pedestrian walkways and paths, an enhanced entry way and plaza, and new parking facilities. Vision Plan implementation and improved exhibits, visitor experience and new visitor serving facilities (e.g., event rental spaces), is projected to substantially increase visitation by approximately 1.2 million visitors per year. This projected growth in visitation and expansion of facilities within the Zoo property would have commensurate increases in employment, including Zoo staff and vendors. See Chapter 2, Project Description of the Initial Study/Environmental Checklist for a detailed description of the proposed Vision Plan. You can download the Initial Study/Environmental Checklist and learn more about the EIR process for the proposed Project here: www.visionplan.lazoo.org.

PROJECT LOCATION AND SETTING: The proposed Project area lies in the northeastern portion of Griffith Park at the base of the eastern foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. Griffith Park is bordered by the cities of Burbank and Glendale to the northwest and northeast, respectively, as well as communities within the City, including Los Feliz, Hollywood Hills, and Cahuenga Park to the southwest. The Project area encompasses the entire existing 133-acre Zoo, located at 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027. The Zoo is roughly bound by the Golden State Freeway or Interstate 5 (I-5) to the east and the Ventura Freeway or California State Route 134 (SR-134) to the north. The Los Angeles River also borders the north and east boundaries of Griffith Park before continuing south and eventually flowing into the Pacific Ocean at Long Beach. Regional vehicular access to the Zoo is provided via I-5, located approximately 0.2 miles east of the Zoo entrance, as well as SR-134, which is located approximately 0.35 miles north of the northern boundary of the Zoo. Local access to the Zoo entrance within Griffith Park is provided by Zoo Drive from the north and west and via Crystal Springs Drive from the south.

PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD: The Notice of Preparation and Initial Study/Environmental Checklist will be circulated for a forty-five (45) day public review period, beginning on January 24, 2019 and ending on March 11, 2019. 

Copies of the document are also available for review at the following locations:

• Los Angeles Central Library, 630 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
• Los Feliz Branch Library, 1874 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027
• Atwater Village Library, 3379 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90039
• Cahuenga Branch Library, 4591 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029
• Burbank Central Library, 110 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank, CA 91502
• Glendale Downtown Central Library, 222 E. Harvard St., Glendale, CA 91205
• North Hollywood (Amelia Earhardt Regional) Library, 5211 Tujunga Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91601
• Buena Vista Branch Library, 300 N. Buena Vista, Burbank, CA 91506
• LA Zoo Administration Offices, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
• City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Engineering, 1149 S. Broadway, Suite 600, Los Angeles, CA 90015

A copy of the document may also be obtained by contacting Amanda Amaral of the Bureau of Engineering at (213) 485-5733 or by visiting the office address listed below.

All comments must be submitted in writing no later than 4:00 p.m. on March 11, 2019 by mailing, emailing (please include “LA Zoo Vision Plan EIR Comments” in the subject line), or hand delivery to:

Amanda Amaral, Environmental Specialist III
Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering, Environmental Management Group
1149 S. Broadway, Suite 600, Mail Stop 939
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Amanda.Amaral@lacity.org

PUBLIC MEETINGS: Two (2) public meetings will be held during the public review period to solicit comments from interested parties on the content of the EIR. These meetings will be held at the following dates, times, and location:

Thursday, February 7, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Los Angeles Zoo
Witherbee Auditorium
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, California 90027

Saturday, February 9, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Los Angeles Zoo
Witherbee Auditorium
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, California 90027

The City will consider all comments, written and oral, in determining the scope of the analysis in the Draft EIR.