Behind-the-Scenes Moore Lab of Zoology Tour

Tucked within a small liberal arts college in Northeast Los Angeles, the Moore Lab is a hidden gem that houses over 65,000 vintage bird and mammal specimens. Founded by Robert T. Moore, the specimens were kept in his Pasadena home before it became Occidental College’s Moore Laboratory of Zoology in 1951. With the help from an Angeleno collector and a team of researchers in Mexico, our museum specimens largely represent Mexican birds from over 300 sites across the country.

Discover L.A. bird diversity, morphological adaptations, rare extinct birds, a painstakingly-collected hummingbird collection, and see specimens that represent a snapshot in time of Mexico’s bird diversity prior to major habitat change.

Tours are free and intended for ages 10+.* For student group tours, contact us here!

*Masks are optional, vaccination is encouraged.

Parking & Directions

For weekday tours, street parking is available all along Campus Road. We’re closest to the entrance near Armadale Avenue and Campus Road. Head north on American Way, right on Weller Road, left on Bird Road and take a right up the hill.

For weekend tours, you may park in any campus parking lot.

We’re located on Bird Road within Occidental College (1600 Campus Road) and can be found on Google Maps (click here for a campus map).

Accessibility

Tours are scheduled for one hour, and seating could be made available. There are two spaces for disabled parking permit vehicles located in front of the lab and our building is elevator-accessible. Feel welcome to contact us before the tour for accommodations.

Stay Connected

Follow along at @mlzbirds for Moore Lab happenings and bird-y news, and join our mailing list!

Host or Publisher Moore Laboratory of Zoology