Los Angeles Zoo Entry Plaza and Sea Lion Exhibit

A vibrant and welcoming gateway to one of California’s most visited cultural destinations.

The Los Angeles Zoo Entry Plaza and Sea Lion Exhibit form a dynamic new arrival experience for the 1.5 million annual visitors to the Zoo. EHDD provided architectural services for the 22,500-square-foot public-facing project, which redefines the zoo’s threshold with a bold, flexible entry sequence and a signature animal habitat.

A striking 60-foot-tall entry structure—visible from the freeway—serves as an iconic marker and communication platform for the Zoo. Designed as a versatile framework, it accommodates graphics, banners, lighting, and electronic media. A graphically rich history wall along the entry promenade showcases the evolution of the Los Angeles Zoo, offering context and storytelling from the moment of arrival.

Past the gateway, visitors enter a lush plaza landscaped with native California flora and fauna, which flows seamlessly into a new Sea Lion Exhibit. Designed to immerse guests in naturalistic habitats, the exhibit anchors the entry experience while setting a high standard for animal care and interpretation.

The project also enhances visitor services and circulation with dedicated entries for groups and members, improved ticketing, bus loading, and security operations. This gateway was delivered as part of a larger Zoo Master Plan that includes future educational facilities.