Los Angeles considers privatizing zoo

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that The Los Angeles City Council has moved forward on a plan to possibly turn over management of the Los Angeles Zoo to a private company or nonprofit.City officials say the change would save nearly $20 million over the next five years but opponents of the plan question the savings and warn that privatization could mean steeper ticket prices for the zoo's 1.5 mi

Aug. 15, 2011, 12:10 PM UTC

By Mish Whalen

A girl and a gorilla look at each other at the Los Angeles Zoo in Los Angeles, California August 12, 2011.Robyn Beck / AFP - Getty Images

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that The Los Angeles City Council has moved forward on a plan to possibly turn over management of the Los Angeles Zoo to a private company or nonprofit.

City officials say the change would save nearly $20 million over the next five years but opponents of the plan question the savings and warn that privatization could mean steeper ticket prices for the zoo's 1.5 million annual visitors and less transparency when it comes to animal welfare.

A gorilla tries to grab with his mouth a tree banch that he put on his neck at the Los Angeles Zoo in Los Angeles, California August 12, 2011.Robyn Beck / AFP - Getty Images

A pair of Nubian Ibex sit in the sun at the Los Angeles Zoo in Los Angeles, California August 12, 2011.Robyn Beck / AFP - Getty Images