Los Angeles Zoo Returns to a Civilized State

Re “L.A. Zoo Anticipates Swift Renewal of Accreditation,” Jan. 4: Growing up in Los Angeles, I fondly remember my visits to the glorious L.A. Zoo as a young child when it opened in 1966. Imagine my shock when I returned to the zoo 22 years later with my nephews, only to find that it had decayed into a sad remnant of its former beauty. The exhibits looked rundown, the landscaping needed work and the entire place had a sad atmosphere. No wonder the zoo had trouble getting its accreditation in 1995.

Since then the situation has really turned around, and the L.A. Zoo has regained its former glory and beauty. Thanks to new leadership and support from the voters who approved needed bond construction funds, new exhibits have been built, the animals appear healthier and happier and the whole atmosphere is much more vibrant and festive.

On behalf of my children and all those who love visits to our revitalized zoo, I want to thank zoo director Manuel A. Mollinedo and his staff for all their hard work and wish them good luck in the accreditation process.

Adi Liberman

Encino