komododragon
Member
hey yall, I'm heading to AZ for Christmas, and I just wanted to ask if there were any good zoos or animal exhibits to go to? thanks!
Best Zoos in Arizona?
- Thread starter komododragon
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The Phoenix Zoo is the largest AZA accredited zoo in Arizona, and is mostly of average to good quality. The native animals area is pretty extensive and has some nice species, and the zoo is pretty complete in terms of collection.
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, and Safari Park on the western side of the Phoenix metro is one of the most polarizing zoos out there- some exhibits and enclosures are excellent, while others are horrendous. The place is massive, and you won't run out of new exhibits or species to see, including quite a few rare ones. They're always building or getting something new, like the Giant Red and White Flying Squirrel they just acquired.
The remaining 'major' zoo in AZ is the AZA Accredited Reid Park Zoo in Tucson. While I haven't been myself, and it is on the smaller side (Certainly in comparison of the massive two mentioned above), it seems to be generally well-regarded.
Apart from these three, there are a number of smaller and specialized facilities around the state, especially for reptiles and native species, and the OdySea and SEA LIFE Arizona aquariums.
biggest_dreamer
Well-Known Member
Whoa, thanks for sharing this! I'm planning to visit the southwest next year and had started considering limiting the scope of my trip a bit, but this is like a top 5 species I want to see and I never imagined I'd have an opportunity to see it in the US. Arizona is definitely a hard lock for me now.
Arizona is a pretty big state, can you share where you will be?
Phoenix metro is awash with some great institutions:
Phoenix Zoo
Wildlife World Zoo
OdySea Aquarium
SEALIFE Aquarium
Butterfly Wonderland
There are also some minor places like Rattlesnake Ranch and Phoenix Herpetological Society, but if your time is limited they are probably not the best options.
OdySea and Butterfly wonderland are both great attractions, and based in the same development - so seeing them together is super easy. OdySea is a good aquarium if that is your thing. Butterfly Wonderland has the butterflies and insects, but also a selection of herps and aquatics.
Out of the two major zoos I like Wildlife World better - it is a full day experience and packed with species. It has the advantage of also having a large aquarium along with the zoo parts. As CMP said, some of the exhibits leave a lot to be desired. They just opened a new tiger, African wild dog, giant red and white squirrel, and iguana habitats. They are also currently renovating the small mammal house, so that may be closed if you go this month.....construction tends to take a long time since they are private and don't have millions of dollars to spend right away. I think it took three or four years to do the new tiger habitat.
Phoenix Zoo is fine, but a rather standard AZA zoo. The Arizona area is the highlight for me, and they just opened the Big Cats of Arizona addition. The Phoenix Botanical gardens are right next door, and are really nice...no animals other than wild natives and one desert tortoise in the kids area.
Phoenix metro is awash with some great institutions:
Phoenix Zoo
Wildlife World Zoo
OdySea Aquarium
SEALIFE Aquarium
Butterfly Wonderland
There are also some minor places like Rattlesnake Ranch and Phoenix Herpetological Society, but if your time is limited they are probably not the best options.
OdySea and Butterfly wonderland are both great attractions, and based in the same development - so seeing them together is super easy. OdySea is a good aquarium if that is your thing. Butterfly Wonderland has the butterflies and insects, but also a selection of herps and aquatics.
Out of the two major zoos I like Wildlife World better - it is a full day experience and packed with species. It has the advantage of also having a large aquarium along with the zoo parts. As CMP said, some of the exhibits leave a lot to be desired. They just opened a new tiger, African wild dog, giant red and white squirrel, and iguana habitats. They are also currently renovating the small mammal house, so that may be closed if you go this month.....construction tends to take a long time since they are private and don't have millions of dollars to spend right away. I think it took three or four years to do the new tiger habitat.
Phoenix Zoo is fine, but a rather standard AZA zoo. The Arizona area is the highlight for me, and they just opened the Big Cats of Arizona addition. The Phoenix Botanical gardens are right next door, and are really nice...no animals other than wild natives and one desert tortoise in the kids area.
SeaOtterHQ
Well-Known Member
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum yet. I know it has reportedly stagnated in recent years, but surely it's still a must visit for any zoo nerd passing through Arizona?
I have not been, but that's one of the reasons I asked where the OP was going in Arizona. My experiences are mainly in the Phoenix metro since I go there a couple of times a year. However, if one is going to Tucson or Northern Arizona the recommendations would be different.
komododragon
Member
I'm gonna be in the PHX metro, not Tucson or Northern AZ
komododragon
Member
I've been to the butterfly wonderland before it was very cool, but didn't have time for the aquarium next to it. WWZ sounds pretty cool if it has both an aquarium and a zoo! thanks for the rec ill def check that one out
It is a bit controversial on this website, but WW makes my top 5 list easily - the species list is incredible compared to pretty much any AZA zoo other than San Diego and Bronx. I also like the layout generally, the aquarium is legitimately good too.
Cool, I love that city. WW, Phoenix Zoo and OdySea are the top facilities in the metro area.
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