The Rise and Fall of Jungleland

Jungle Land in Thousand Oaks, California, was once a thriving exotic animal park and a major player in Hollywood’s Golden Age. Originally founded as Goebel’s Lion Farm in 1926, it housed dozens of lions and other wild animals, many of which starred in iconic films like Tarzan, Doctor Dolittle, and I’m No Angel. Over the decades, Jungle Land became a popular tourist attraction, offering animal shows, safari-style tours, and even Hollywood’s first female lion tamer, Mabel Stark. However, financial struggles and growing competition from larger amusement parks like Disneyland led to its decline. The tragic 1966 mauling of Jayne Mansfield’s son, Zoltan, further sealed its fate, and Jungle Land ultimately closed in 1969. While the park is long gone, its legacy lives on through the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, the Goebel Senior Center, and even a colony of wild peacocks—descendants of Jungle Land’s escaped birds. Join us as we explore the fascinating history of this forgotten landmark. 📜 Share your memories of Jungle Land in the comments! #JungleLand #History #ThousandOaks #LostLandmarks #AnimalParks