Established in 1962, the Phoenix Zoo was the brainchild of Robert E. Maytag who strove to gain community support for this project. Spread across an area of around 125 acres, the zoo is today one of the country’s most successful privately owned zoological parks, home to over 1,300 animals from various parts of the world including mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, birds and fish. A non-profit organization, the zoo also focuses on persevering wildlife and while it houses approximately 200 endangered species, it is also engaged in Species Survival Plans that looks to breed and increase the population of these animals that are dangerously close to extinction.
Within the park one will find a variety of walking trails that take visitors through four specific sections, namely the Africa, Arizona, Tropics and Children’s trails. The animals themselves are housed within exhibits that have been designed to resemble their natural habitats and offer countless hours of observational fun for the entire family.
Among the notable attractions here is the Giraffe Encounter where one can actually feed giraffes, Camel Rides which also offer unforgettable photo opportunities, Monkey Village which is home to adorable and sometimes mischievous squirrel monkeys and Stingray Bay where visitors have the unique opportunity to feed and even pet stingrays!
Children will love heading to the Petting Zoo and the Little People Discovery Farm, while the Endangered Species Carousel features models of endangered animals. A good way to explore the park is by taking the Safari Train that provides a narrated guide as it visits some of the park’s most well known attractions.
Those planning a family holiday in Arizona and looking for a Scottsdale AZ resort that has cotemporary accommodation options can stay at Millennium Scottsdale Resort & Villas. Located adjacent to the McCormick Ranch Golf Club, this well placed Scottsdale resort also offers a range of leisure and business facilities.
