Welcome to the Jungleland Historical Marker, a portal to the past where Hollywood’s animal kingdom once reigned supreme. Established in 1926 by Louis Goebel, Jungleland began as Goebel’s Lion Farm, a unique blend of zoo, animal training facility, and theme park. Located in Thousand Oaks, California, it quickly became an essential support facility for Hollywood’s burgeoning film industry.
Goebel, a former Universal Studios employee, saw an opportunity when the studio closed its animal division. He acquired some of the lions and other animals from Universal, setting the stage for a new era of animal entertainment. Within a few years, Goebel’s Lion Farm evolved into a public attraction, later known as Jungleland USA, opening its doors to eager crowds in 1929.
During its heyday, Jungleland was a vibrant hotspot for movie magic. It was home to many famous animals, including Leo the Lion, the iconic mascot of the MGM studio, and Mister Ed, the talking horse from the beloved TV series. The park also hosted exotic animal shows featuring Mabel Stark, the renowned ‘lady lion tamer,’ who thrilled audiences with her daring performances.
Jungleland was more than just a tourist attraction; it was a key player in Hollywood’s golden age. Its animals starred in numerous films and television shows, including ‘Tarzan the Ape Man,’ ‘Doctor Dolittle,’ and ‘The Adventures of Robin Hood.’ The park itself served as a filming location, adding to its allure as an entertainment epicenter.
However, as the 1960s progressed, Jungleland faced increasing competition from larger amusement parks like Disneyland and struggled to maintain its place in an urbanizing Thousand Oaks. The park closed in 1969, and the site eventually became the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.
Though Jungleland is gone, its legacy lives on through the animals that became stars and the memories it created for countless visitors. As you stand here at the marker, imagine the roars of lions and the trumpets of elephants that once echoed across these grounds, a testament to a remarkable chapter in the history of entertainment.
