Los Angeles Nature Adventure #62: The LAIR Exhibit at the Los Angeles Zoo

Just for kicks, I counted how many posts I’ve written about places to explore nature in Los Angeles. This adventure is #62 (and yes, I’ll be counting from now on). You’ll find the rest under the “L.A.-Area Day Trips” heading in the column to the right.

I know not everyone’s a fan of creepy crawly critters, or things that slither and sting. But since I’ve got two boys under the age of 10, there’s no way we were going to miss the opening of the Los Angeles Zoo’s newest exhibit, which puts these animals front and center.

Check out that cool roof!

The LAIR – which stands for Living Amphibians, Invertebrates and Reptiles – features more than 60 species of animals in 49 separate exhibits. Each is meant to resemble the natural ecosystem of its inhabitants while also making viewing optimal for visitors.

The LAIR exhibit features six diversely themed areas spread out across two buildings linked together by an outdoor viewing area. There are hand-painted murals of damp and misty forests, rainforest canopies, red rock formations, mountain ranges and vistas, and dry arid deserts to exemplify the natural environments of each of the inhabitants.

Several of the exhibits feature floor-to-ceiling glass, making for great “I Spy” viewing fun for kids. Aside from contending with lots of people (which I should have anticipated since the LAIR just opened this month), the kids were able to see inside each of the exhibits without needing any lifting help from mom (yay!).

We weren’t able to find each and every critter on display. But believe me, we tried. We found it especially helpful to go through the LAIR twice. The second time around we were rewarded with an up-close encounter with the world’s largest amphibian and the feeding of two false gharials. Good stuff!

Two thumbs up for an ample supply of friendly staff to answer questions and encourage kids’ curiosity.

Of course, the LAIR is just one exhibit at the Los Angeles Zoo. I’ve written before about the Elephants of Asia and the Campo Gorilla Reserve. The kids also love riding the Carousel and playing in the park at the top of the Zoo.

Chinese giant salamander

Date of most recent visit: Tues., March 13, 2012

Who: Mom & The Explorers

Weather: Low 60s, sunny

Highlights

• Getting an up-close and personal view of the Chinese giant salamander (the world’s largest amphibian)
• Trying to spot each & every critter – which isn’t easy!
• Watching two false gharials (crocodiles) eat quail (yum!)
• Climbing on the oversized animal structures outside the exhibit

Practical Matters

• The LAIR exhibit features 6 diversely themed areas: the Damp Forest, Betty’s Bite and Squeeze room named after Betty White, co-chair of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, Care and Conservation room, Behind the Glass, Arroyo Lagarto & the Desert LAIR
• Exhibits were kid-friendly, many featuring floor-to-ceiling glass (no parental lifting needed)
• Admission to the Los Angeles Zoo is $16 for adults ages 13+, $11 for children ages 2 through 12, children under 2 are FREE
• Admission to the LAIR exhibit is included in the Zoo entrance fee
• The Los Angeles Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except December 25; ticket sales end an hour before closing
• Ample free parking available

The Los Angeles Zoo is located at:
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Looking for more fun family nature adventures in Los Angeles? Check out the Big List of Outdoor Adventures for Los Angeles Kids.

Note: This review is based on my family’s personal experience. We did not receive any incentive to visit (i.e. no free tickets), nor any compensation for sharing my opinions. If you have any questions, read my full disclosure policy.