Visit the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson
When you’re in Tucson, Arizona, be sure to visit the Reid Park Zoo. This 24 acre city-owned and nonprofit zoo features over 500 animals and was unofficially founded in 1965. Gene Reid helped to establish the zoo, but he never officially gave it a name. Today, however, the zoo is well known for the educational programs it offers and the animal encounters it provides.
In 2019, half a million people visited the Reid Park Zoo, and a third of these visitors were schoolchildren on field trips. As a non-profit organization, their support enables them to continue the zoo’s commitment to saving wildlife and wild places around the world. In addition, the zoo offers corporate memberships, which will help build brand loyalty and gain visibility in the community. With 500,000 guests a year, it’s no wonder businesses in Tucson are becoming involved with this zoo.
The park is also home to a variety of animals, including exotic species from South America. The zoo’s exhibits include the semi-aquatic rodent capybara, which can grow to 150 pounds. Other animals you’ll find at the zoo include llamas, jaguars, and giant anteaters. The zoo has become known for its giant anteaters, which have become emblematic of the park. It is not uncommon for a pair of anteaters to reside in zoos around the world.
The zoo has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of Tucson residents and visitors. Its expansion in 1979 and 1980 added the Asian Grasslands exhibit, a new snack bar, and a new lion-tail macaque exhibit. In addition, in 1983, the zoo added a tiger exhibit and a new lion exhibit. In addition, the zoo added a second classroom and first education curator, Kerry Hoffman.
A visit to the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson will provide fun and educational experiences for the entire family. This family-friendly attraction features more than 250 animals from all over the world. Activities at the zoo include daily presentations, keeper chats, feeding the giraffes, and a carousel ride. If you’re in Tucson, make sure to visit the Reid Park Zoo – a local favorite.
When visiting the Reid Park Zoo, be sure to take time to enjoy the park’s animals in their natural habitat. The zoo is open during the summer months, but winter months and early springtime bring cooler temperatures and less crowds. If you plan to visit the Zoo during the summer, try to visit in early autumn, when temperatures are cooler and the wildlife is more active. You can also visit during the colder months of the year – the weather is picture-perfect in the fall. There are also trained docents guiding you through the Zoo. These individuals wear tan pants and white or red shirts.
The Conservation Learning Center was opened at Reid Park Zoo in February 2008, and received platinum LEED certification for its design. Materials used in construction included recycled glass, old blue jeans, and Styrofoam countertops. The new facility increased registration for many of the zoo’s programs by 50 percent. The new building was part of the larger 7-acre expansion. The new addition was funded by the Tucson Zoological Society, which has a conservation partnership around the world.
In addition to the zoo’s many exhibits, Reid Park Zoo offers special experiences like the Giraffe Encounter. Guests can feed the giraffes or ride a train car around the park. You can also rent a vehicle for the day. Regardless of your budget or interest level, the Reid Park Zoo Tucson is a great place for a family vacation. It is a great place to see animals and learn about nature. The zo also offers many self-guided walks that can be tailored to the needs of your family.
One thing to keep in mind when visiting the Reid Park Zoo is that the animals at the zoo are wild and are on special diets. Visitors are strongly discouraged from feeding animals in the wild as this can cause unwanted behaviors. Feeding is only permitted during Giraffe Encounter activities under the supervision of Zoo staff and volunteers. This allows you to see the zoo animals from the perspective of their daily lives. If you are visiting the zoo with a family or a group of friends, consider buying an annual pass. It will save you time and money, and will allow you to enjoy the zoo more than once!
Although outside food is not allowed in the zoo, visitors are encouraged to bring along water and snacks. A nearby mall has an air-conditioned cafe, as well as ample picnic spots. Bottled water is always allowed. The Zoofari Market Cafe is open from 9am to 4pm, with seating for about 93 people. The cafe has two adjacent outdoor patios. The restaurant is a great place to enjoy a meal while you are visiting the zoo.
Tucson areaFuntasticks Family Fun Park