The Los Angeles Zoo is opening a unique space for reflection, inviting Southern Californians to commemorate their departed pets. Zoo officials announced Wednesday that a community ofrenda, a traditional altar to honor loved ones who have passed, will open this Saturday at the zoo. This marks the latest observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month and the upcoming Día de los Muertos.
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a significant cultural observance held annually on November 1 and 2. During this time, families traditionally create ofrendas—the Spanish word for "offering"—to welcome the spirits of their deceased family members home. The zoo’s rendition extends this tradition to include the animal companions who are so often considered part of the family.
The altar, a collaborative effort with the Plaza de la Raza Cultural Center for the Arts & Education, will be situated at the zoo’s Front Entrance Plaza, positioned near the Sea Life Cliffs exhibit. It provides a dedicated spot for zoo guests to engage with this practice of remembrance.
Coral Barreiro, the zoo's manager of community programs, said she was "thrilled we get to share this Mexican tradition with our guests" for another year. Barreiro noted the growing engagement from guests and members over the past six years, highlighting how the ofrenda "grows larger each year," which she described as a testament to the universality of grief experienced when losing a pet.
Visitors looking to honor their own animal companions can contribute to the ofrenda. The zoo welcomes guests to place photos, drawings, and other small mementos of their pets on the altar. This personal touch allows for a direct and heartfelt connection to the tradition.
For those planning a visit, the display will be accessible on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., continuing through November 2. This includes Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 12, offering an extended opportunity for participation. Guests who visit on weekdays during regular zoo operating hours are also welcome to bring their own printed photos to add to the evolving display.
To assist visitors, zoo staff will be available during weekend hours at the ofrenda site. They will be on hand to help guests print photos, ensuring that everyone has the chance to contribute to the collective tribute, even if they don't arrive with a photo in hand.
The pet ofrenda at the Los Angeles Zoo offers a poignant way for the community to share in a cultural tradition while acknowledging the profound bond many Southern Californians have with their pets. The altar will continue to gather remembrances throughout its run, culminating with the Día de los Muertos observances.