Looking for a place where lions, tigers, and sloths hang out just minutes from downtown Phoenix? The Phoenix Zoo is your ticket to a day packed with adventure, animal antics, and a few surprises you won’t find anywhere else in Arizona. Located at 455 North Galvin Parkway, this is not just any zoo. It’s a lively, ever-changing world where over 3,000 animals from nearly 400 species call home.
Four Trails, Endless Adventures
The Phoenix Zoo is cleverly divided into four themed trails, each with its own cast of characters and landscapes.
Africa Trail
Take a stroll on the wild side with lions, giraffes, zebras, and southern white rhinos. Watch cheetahs stretch their legs and spot the elusive Amur leopard. The Africa Trail is a favorite for its big personalities and bigger animals.
Arizona Trail
Step into a desert wonderland filled with local legends like mountain lions, bobcats, Mexican gray wolves, and Sonoran pronghorns. This trail celebrates Arizona’s unique wildlife and plants, including the iconic saguaro cactus. Don’t miss the brand-new Big Cats of Arizona exhibit, where jaguars and cougars show off their moves.
Tropics Trail
Venture into a lush rainforest on the Tropics Trail. Here, you’ll meet Bornean orangutans, jaguars, and Sumatran tigers. The Forest of Uco, a one-mile rainforest walk, surrounds you with tropical birds, Andean bears, and the sounds of the jungle. The Monkey Village lets you walk through a habitat filled with playful squirrel monkeys—watch your snacks!
Children’s Trail
Perfect for little explorers, the Children’s Trail features a petting zoo, farmyard animals, and interactive play areas. The Discovery Farm is a hit with kids under five, while the Enchanted Forest treehouse and bridges keep older kids climbing and sliding. Don’t forget to wave at Fernando, the two-toed sloth, a crowd favorite.
Dinosaurs in the Desert
Think the Phoenix Zoo is just about today’s animals? Think again. The Dinosaurs in the Desert exhibit brings prehistoric giants back to life. Wander the Desert Life’s trail and meet nearly two dozen animatronic creatures, from gigasaurus to terror birds. They move, they roar, and they’re ready for your selfies. Educational signs spill the secrets of each dino, making this a must-see for future paleontologists and anyone who likes their animals a little larger than life.
Conservation in Action
The Phoenix Zoo is more than a place to see animals—it’s a powerhouse for wildlife conservation. The zoo’s team is busy with projects both local and global, from restoring jaguar habitats in Costa Rica to tracking rare mammals in the Arizona borderlands. Their Arthur L. & Elaine V. Johnson Conservation Center is a hub for saving endangered species, including the black-footed ferret and Mt. Graham red squirrel.
The zoo also leads the way in using technology for conservation. Wildlife cameras, acoustic recorders, and even real-time poacher detection devices are all part of the toolkit. When you visit, you’re supporting efforts to protect animals in the wild and ensure a future for some of the world’s rarest species.
Camps, Classes, and Wild Learning
Kids (and grown-ups) can do more than just watch the animals. Seasonal Camp Zoo offers hands-on adventures, animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes fun. Campers go on nature walks, meet zookeepers, and even hike Papago Park’s famous Hole in the Rock. With sessions for grades K–8, there’s something for every young animal lover.
The zoo also offers special programs throughout the year. From art classes inspired by wildlife to conservation workshops, there’s always something new to learn. Check the calendar for animal presentations, keeper talks, and family-friendly events.
Memberships: The Wild Side of Savings
If you can’t get enough of the Phoenix Zoo, a membership is your golden ticket. Family memberships cover two adults and up to four kids, while Family Plus lets you bring three adults and up to six kids. Perks include unlimited daytime admission, complimentary Safari Cruiser rides, and special invites to member-only events like ZooLights.
Want to go all-in? Supporting memberships like Friend and Partner add even more benefits, including extra guest passes and exclusive tours. For those who want to make a real difference, the Guardian Conservation Society offers unlimited admission, camel rides, and voting privileges at the annual meeting.
Plan Your Visit
The Phoenix Zoo is open year-round and easy to find in the heart of Papago Park. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, there’s always something new to discover. From the roar of the lions to the splash of kids in the Leapin’ Lagoon, every corner is packed with excitement.
Ready for a day where the wild things are? Grab your sunscreen, charge your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Phoenix Zoo. For tickets, memberships, and the latest events, call 602.286.3800 or visit the zoo’s website. The animals are waiting—and they’re not shy about showing off.
Sources: phoenixzoo.org, Phoenix Zoo Facebook Page, Phoenix Zoo Instagram Page
Header Image Source: phoenixzoo.org
