December 7, 2022

PHOENIX ZOO

455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008

“The Phoenix Zoo opened in 1962 and is the largest privately owned, non-profit zoo in the United States. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, the zoo was founded by Robert Maytag, a member of the Maytag family, and operates on 125 acres of land in the Papago Park area of Phoenix.” - Wikipedia

I went to the Phoenix Zoo with pretty low expectations for some reason, but my visit turned into a very enjoyable afternoon and left me wanting to return. I ended up spending almost four hours walking around, looking at the wildlife on display and taking pictures.

If you go to this zoo wanting to see the usual critters you might be disappointed. I saw one Asian elephant from a distance, I couldn’t find the zebras anywhere in their enclosure and I went by there at least twice, I saw giraffes, but again, they were off in the distance. The lion was sleeping (which is not unusual), and the tiger was near the back of the enclosure.

But, there was plenty more to see. A cute otter had the visitors oohing and aweing. The cheetahs, once they were awake, were beautiful. The baboons and Mandrills were great. The zoo has one of the largest collection of rattlesnakes I have seen, along with many other reptiles. The spider monkey enclosure was wonderful, and there were many, many different birds on display.

I’m not a huge fan of dinosaur exhibits at zoos, but decided to wander through the Phoenix Zoos “Dinosaurs of the Desert” area. I was impressed with the animatronic displays in the area along with descriptions. I’m sure young people would really enjoy this area.

If I lived in the Phoenix area I would definitely have a membership to this zoo and would be spending a lot of time here. I will return the next time I am in the area.