Photo of the Hollywood sign taken from Flickr Creative Commons.
This next Los Angeles hot spot is an awesome attraction for hikers. Many out-of-towners think of the famous Hollywood sign when they think of LA, but not too many visitors get the opportunity to see the sign up close. The Hollywood sign has surfaced in nearly a hundred films dating back to the 1930s. Another fun fact about the sign’s history is it was actually created as an advertisement for a housing development known as “Hollywoodland” back in 1923. Located on Mt. Lee, the Hollywood sign can be easily spotted from many areas in Los Angeles.
My boyfriend and I decided to take the Hollyridge Trail for a closer look at the Hollywood sign.
To learn more about which trail to take to the Hollywood sign, I recommend watching this informative YouTube video:
One of my favorite places in Los Angeles, if not the world, is the LA Zoo. If you love animals as much as I do, I know you’ll get a kick out of this famous LA attraction. I decided to compile a list for my readers of the most active, attention-grabbing animals to visit at the zoo.
This mammal is part of the mongoose family and is housed near the entrance of the zoo. These furry little guys are always standing guard watching for predators, including hawks and jackals. If the meerkat feels that its friends are in danger, it will alert members of the gang by barking or whistling.
Chimps having an important discussion. (photo by J.B. Roberts)
The chimpanzees may be the most interesting animals to visit, and they are definitely the loudest. These mammals communicate with each other by using hand gestures, facial expressions and a number of hilarious vocalizations. The chimp troop is hands-down the most entertaining group to watch, and chimps are incredibly intelligent. In fact, humans and chimps are over 98 percent genetically identical (this must be why my boyfriend always calls me “monkey”). By learning through observing, chimpanzees are capable of creating tools out of rocks, sticks and other materials in the vicinity.
She must have been one good-looking zebra. (photo by J.B. Roberts)
Grevy’s Zebras are a specific specimen of zebras that are endangered. These zebras are different from other species because the females do not stay with their families; they come and go as they please. Another interesting fact is when a baby zebra is born, the mother will walk around it so that it can remember her stripes. This ritual is quite important because if a baby loses its mother, no other zebra will adopt it.
Lions are my favorite land animals of all. I am one of those crazy people who views hours upon hours of YouTube videos starring these beasts. Maybe it’s because lions are the king of the jungle or because I myself am a Leo, but I cannot get enough of these massive cats. Lions and I also have a lot in common: we can both sleep for 20 hours of the day, we love eating meat and we are both very social. Despite what you may think, lions actually work really well with other members of its pride. In fact, they are the only species of cats that goes hunting together.
I’m a hungry, hungry hippo! (photo by J.B. Roberts)
Although the hippopotamus lives in rivers and swamps, it actually can’t swim. The hippo uses its body weight to walk underwater. Since the hippo’s nostrils and ears are located on the top of its head, it is able to keep most of its body underwater while still able to breathe and listen for predators. Despite its size, the hippo is capable of running at 35 miles per hour.
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