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Arizona Zoos

See Arizona Animals and More at These Popular Arizona Attractions

Arizona zoos are great attractions that are fun, educational and let you get a bit closer to the animals that you can safely do so in the wild.

Arizona has a great collection of zoos that showcase both native Arizona animals and exotic wildlife from around the world.

Where’s the biscuits? Paula and the Reid Park Zoo's giraffes at the giraffe feeding station

We have to admit that we're a little bit biased because we both used to work and volunteer at zoos.

However, as former zoo veterans, we can give you some inside information and tips for getting the most out of your Arizona zoo experience.

Tip #1: When is the Best Time to Visit Arizona Zoos?

We recommend visiting AZ zoos when they first open in the morning.

Javelinas at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Javelinas, like this pair at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, are a common Arizona desert animal

Why? Because the majority of animals are most active before noon.

This is partly due to the fact that the temperature is cooler earlier in the day.

But the other reason is a zoo insider's tip: the animals haven’t had their lunch yet!

Zoo animals are generally very active in the morning before they eat.

And, just like people, they to tend to want a snooze after a meal.

This is why you often see them sleeping or hiding out in the afternoons.

Visiting in the morning is also a good idea during the busy winter season as Arizona zoos can become very crowded, especially on weekend afternoons.

Tip #2: Get Up Close and Personal

Visit a zoo and you can also get some inside knowledge about the animals too.

When you visit, try one of these activities:

"behind-the-scenes" zoo tours

up-close animal encounters

chats with a zoo keeper

birds of prey flight demonstrations.

Tip #3: Zoos Have More Than Just Animals

We know that sounds funny but its true.

Today's zoos strive to give you a real sense of the world's diverse ecosystems by housing animals in exhibits that mimic their homes in the wild.

But Arizona zoos have fun activities for kids and adults too such as:

boating on a lake or riding a train,

zoo summer camps for kids,

water sprayground and old fashioned carousels.

Each of these zoos offers something special. Read our zoo reviews by clicking on the name of each zoo below.

Phoenix Zoo eland

Phoenix Zoo

Located near downtown Phoenix, this zoo has over 1,300 animals from Arizona and around the world. Stop by the Squirrel Monkey Island where you can walk through their habitat! You can also cool off in the Leapin' Lagoon Sprayground.

Tucson Zoos

Bobcat at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

This world-renowned Arizona attraction has animals, plants and minerals from the Sonoran Desert. It's a combination of zoo, museum, botanical garden and nature preserve set in the middle of a desert park. See river otters, mountain lions and an amazing cactus collection.

Reid Park Zoo anteater

Reid Park Zoo

Located in bucolic Reid Park, this zoo's 17-acre size and mid-city location make it a great family outing. You'll see classic zoo animals including elephants, tigers and lions. Don't miss the giraffes where you can get up close and personal at the feeding station.

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