Arizona’s Premiere Wildlife Experiences
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
From African safaris to native wildlife sanctuaries, Arizona’s zoos and wildlife parks bring the world’s most fascinating creatures right to your backyard. Discover eight extraordinary animal destinations where desert landscapes and pine forests become home to exotic species from across the globe.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Just west of Tucson, this 98-acre oasis blends the best of a zoo, botanical garden, natural history museum, aquarium and art gallery. Home to more than 240 animal species and 1,200 types of plants native to the Sonoran Desert region, the museum offers a unique outdoor experience with 2 miles of walking paths through desert habitats. Popular exhibits include bobcats, ocelots, mountain lions and Mexican gray wolves. Two walk-in aviaries and the seasonal Raptor Free Flight program offer spectacular bird encounters. Children can dig for fossils or explore the Packrat Playhouse, while adults enjoy the museum’s extensive mineral collection and 10,000-square-foot art institute.
Reid Park Zoo
Tucked away in the heart of Tucson, this 24-acre wildlife haven houses more than 500 animals from various regions of the world. The Expedition Tanzania area, featuring one of the best zoo elephant habitats, offers various viewing opportunities of the elephant herd’s daily activities. Beyond iconic species like African elephants and reticulated giraffes, visitors can marvel at lesser-known animals including giant anteaters, capybaras and Andean bears. Daily zookeeper talks provide fascinating insights into the animals’ care and conservation.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
This 104-acre preserve in Camp Verde brings visitors an authentic African safari experience in the heart of Arizona. Founded in 1988 by Dean and Prayeri Harrison, the park is dedicated to providing spacious natural habitats for its residents, many of which are rescues. Signature experiences include the African Bush Safari, Tiger Splash show and Predator Feed, where visitors can witness big cats in action. The park’s conservation efforts focus on education and creating meaningful connections between humans and animals.
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary
Nestled in the cool pines of Prescott, this nonprofit sanctuary specializes in rescuing and rehabilitating native and exotic animals that cannot be released back into the wild. Visitors can enjoy close encounters with mountain lions, black bears and Mexican gray wolves while learning about conservation. The sanctuary features a covered picnic pavilion, children’s playground and the famous Tarantula Grotto—one of the largest public displays of spiders in the country. Special experiences include keeper talks and seasonal after-hours flashlight tours.
Keepers of the Wild
Located along historic Route 66 in Valentine, this accredited nonprofit rescue sanctuary has protected abused, neglected and abandoned wildlife for more than 30 years. Founded by former Las Vegas illusionist Jonathan Kraft, the sanctuary provides 175 acres of natural habitat for more than 140 rescued animals spanning nearly 40 species. Visitors can join three daily guided safari tours, with the 3:30 p.m. feeding tour being particularly popular.
Bearizona Wildlife Park
Located in Williams, this unique drive-through wildlife park allows visitors to view North American animals in natural habitats from the comfort of their vehicles. The 3-mile drive showcases wolves, bison, bighorn sheep, and the park’s namesake black bears. For a closer experience, the Fort Bearizona walking area features additional exhibits including otters, beavers, and the popular jaguar habitat. Daily birds of prey shows highlight the aerial skills of hawks, owls and falcons against the backdrop of northern Arizona’s pine forests.
Grand Canyon Deer Farm
This charming 10-acre animal wonderland on historic Route 66 near Williams offers a hands-on experience unlike any other wildlife attraction in Arizona. Visitors can walk among and feed gentle deer that eagerly approach for treats, while more adventurous guests might find themselves kissing a camel or chatting with Mozart the umbrella cockatoo. The farm also houses wallabies, coatis and other exotic creatures in an intimate, family-friendly setting perfect for visitors of all ages.
Navajo Nation Zoo and Botanical Park
The only Native American-owned zoo in the U.S., this hidden gem in Window Rock offers a unique sanctuary for native wildlife and a fascinating glimpse into Navajo culture. What began with a single orphaned black bear in the 1960s has grown to house more than 100 animals representing 50 different species, most found injured or orphaned in the Southwest. The Golden Eagle Sanctuary and Education Center, opened in 2016, allows visitors to view these majestic birds up close while providing molted feathers for Navajo ceremonial purposes. The zoo also showcases endangered species such as the black-footed ferret and Mexican gray wolf.
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