Experience AZ is a bi-annual guide to the best places to eat, play, stay and visit when traveling to Arizona. Here are 10 Arizona animal parks to visit, as featured in Experience AZ.
Phoenix Zoo
Things to know: The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest nonprofit zoos in the country. The Zoo features more than 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened and endangered species. Nestled in the heart of Papago Park, the Zoo is enjoyed by more than 1.4 million guests each year.
Don’t miss: The zoo is divided into four themed areas — the Arizona Trail, the Africa Trail, the Tropics Trail and the Children’s Trail, which includes a petting zoo. Some of the Zoo’s famous inhabitants include Mexican grey wolves, Bornean orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and many, many more.
Information: phoenixzoo.org
Bearizona
Drive through the habitats of this wildlife park, where bears, wolves, bison and other animals walk up to vehicles as if they’re part of the scenery.
Information: bearizona.com
Butterfly Wonderland
Occasionally, a butterfly or two will land on an unsuspecting visitor. Here’s a tip: wear bright colors to attract the butterflies.
Information: butterflywonderland.com
Heritage Park Zoo
This wildlife sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation and protection of native and exotic animals.
Information: heritageparkzoo.org
Navajo Nation Zoo
The Navajo Nation Zoo and Botanical Park is the only Native American owned-and-operated zoo in the country.
Information: navajozoo.org
OdySea Aquarium
The aquarium is home to more than 30,000 animals and 500 different species in 50 exhibits, plus fun interactive experiences.
Information: odyseaaquarium.com
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
The employees at Out of Africa stress one thing — this place is not a zoo. Rather, it’s an immersive experience that allows one the sensation of being in a real-life African bush safari.
Information: outofafricapark.com
Reid Park Zoo
Features more than 500 animals and consists of four zones that are organized by the types of habitats and animals they house.
Information: reidparkzoo.org
Sea Life Arizona
Sea Life is a 26,000 square foot interactive aquarium that contains thousands of aquatic creatures, plus interactive touch pools and a 360-degree ocean tunnel.
Information: visitsealife.com/arizona
Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium
This attraction takes pride in its exotic animals, including kangaroos, rare white alligators, a flightless emu and white rhinos.
Information: wildlifeworld.com
About Experience AZ: Experience AZ is a bi-annual guide to the best places to eat, play, stay and visit when traveling to Arizona. To learn more about Experience AZ, contact David Harken, director of sales.
