LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Families gathered at the Los Angeles Zoo, located at 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027, over the weekend for Zootoberfest, a community celebration. The event combined Oktoberfest-inspired food and drinks with live music, family activities, and animal keeper presentations.
The event took place Saturday, September 19, through Sunday, September 20. It brought visitors to the zoo for a weekend of entertainment and educational programming. Presence News reporter Maria Cornejo covered the event on-site, documenting the weekend’s activities, live entertainment, and visitor experiences.
Oktoberfest-themed decorations could be seen throughout the Rose Garden and Picnic Area. This included beer-themed displays in the background of the event area.
The celebration featured area brews available for purchase from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also, Bavarian-inspired bites and non-alcoholic beverages were available from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Families could also participate in games and take photos at themed photo backdrops throughout the event area.
Animal Keeper Presentations
In addition to the Oktoberfest-themed activities, Zootoberfest gave visitors opportunities to learn more about animals. This was done through keeper presentations held at different locations and times throughout the weekend.
Presentations included talks featuring kangaroos, Chacoan peccaries, giraffes, rhinos, and Cape vultures.
The Kangaroo Keeper presentation was scheduled for Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the Australia area.
The Rhino Keeper presentation was scheduled for Saturday at 12:30 p.m. in the Africa area.
On Sunday, visitors could attend the Chacoan Peccary Keeper presentation at 11:30 a.m. in the Drylands area. Also, the Giraffe Keeper presentation took place at 12:30 p.m. in the Africa area.
A Cape Vulture Keeper presentation was also part of the weekend programming.
The keeper presentations provided visitors with an opportunity to hear information about the animals and their care. In addition, this took place while visiting the zoo.
Live Music at Treetops Terrace
Live entertainment was another part of the weekend celebration.
On Saturday, Hammerstein Band performed at Treetops Terrace from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
On Sunday, Saur Sam and the Oktoberfest Band performed at Treetops Terrace during the same hours.
During the Sunday performance, families gathered to listen to the live music, with some visitors dancing and enjoying the entertainment.
The crowd cheered during the performance as the band played for visitors attending the celebration.
A Weekend for the Community
Zootoberfest brought together several elements of a community festival while remaining connected to the Los Angeles Zoo’s educational mission.
Visitors could enjoy live music, food and drinks, family activities and Oktoberfest-themed decorations. At the same time, they could take part in animal keeper presentations.
For families, the weekend offered an opportunity to spend time together at the zoo. They could also experience a seasonal celebration with entertainment and educational programming.
Zootoberfest demonstrated how community events at the Los Angeles Zoo can combine family-friendly activities with learning opportunities. In particular, visitors learned more about the animals in the zoo’s care.
Sources:
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens — Zootoberfest Details
Editor’s Disclaimer: This article is based on information from the Los Angeles Zoo and observations from the event. Event details, schedules, and activities are subject to change.
