Dad and Daughter’s Unforgettable Adventure in Creepy Griffith Park

LOS ANGELES, CA – A father’s quest to entertain his daughter during the pandemic led to an unexpected and thrilling adventure inside the abandoned Los Angeles Zoo at Griffith Park. Danny Ricker, an Emmy-nominated writer, took his then-6-year-old daughter to the park to escape the confines of home. What started as a simple outing quickly spiraled into a daring exploration of a creepy historical site.

Griffith Park is famous for its scenic views and local history, but also features the remnants of a forgotten zoo, which closed in 1966. Ricker recalls how, during their hike, they stumbled upon a section of the chain-link fence that had been pulled back, revealing an opening wide enough for them to enter.

Despite internal warnings about possible dangers, Ricker was persuaded by his daughter’s enthusiasm, who exclaimed, “Don’t be sthcared, Dad, leth’s go!” Once inside, the pair encountered a scene that felt straight out of a horror movie — empty cages, mysterious graffiti, and an eerie atmosphere.

“The place felt like a cross between a Russian gulag and Rob Zombie’s guesthouse,” Ricker described, noting that their surroundings included everything from mummified animal droppings to beer cans littered throughout the site. Yet, amid the unsettling environment, the father and daughter found joy and laughter, bonding over their shared adventure.

Reflecting on the experience, Ricker expressed that despite the risks of entering such an unsanitary location, seeing his daughter’s excitement made it worthwhile. “While I’m not a religious man, I like to believe that Griffith J. Griffith smiled down upon us as we created this adventurous memory,” he said, drawing a humorous connection to the park’s founder.

The adventure serves as a reminder of the unexpected and sometimes reckless escapades parents engage in to foster creativity and excitement in their children’s lives.