Celebrate the memory of your furry friends at the Los Angeles Zoo’s annual Beloved Pets Ofrenda, a heartfelt tribute to the animal companions who have passed away.
For the sixth year in a row, the Los Angeles Zoo is inviting guests to honor their beloved animal companions at the Beloved Pets Ofrenda, a colorful tribute held in celebration of Día de los Muertos.
Created in partnership with Plaza de la Raza Cultural Center for the Arts & Education, the special altar gives visitors a chance to remember the pets who brought love and joy into their lives.
Who’s behind the event
The L.A. Zoo is once again partnering with Plaza de la Raza Cultural Center for the Arts & Education, an established community art school serving Lincoln Heights, Boyle Heights, and East Los Angeles.
The collaboration brings together the Zoo and local community members to create a meaningful tribute that celebrates Hispanic heritage while honoring the special bond between people and their animal companions.
What is an ofrenda?
An ofrenda, meaning “offering” in Spanish, is a traditional altar created to honor loved ones who have passed away. These colorful displays often feature photographs, flowers, and other meaningful objects that celebrate the lives and memories of those being remembered.
The Beloved Pets Ofrenda brings this tradition to the animal companions who are also an important part of many families.
How to participate
All L.A. Zoo guests are welcome to contribute to the Beloved Pets Ofrenda. On Saturdays and Sundays from October 3 through November 2, the Zoo’s Learning & Engagement team will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help visitors add their own tributes to the altar.
Guests can print photos of their pets directly from their phones or draw portraits using the art supplies provided. The Zoo will also supply frames that visitors can decorate before placing their pet photos on the ofrenda.
Even when staff aren’t on-site, the altar will remain accessible during regular Zoo hours, so guests can contribute throughout the event.
The Beloved Pets Ofrenda offers a touching way to celebrate the lives of cherished animal companions while taking part in a meaningful cultural tradition.
📆 When: October 3 through November 2, 2026 (staffed weekends, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
📍 Where: L.A. Zoo (5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027)
