Reid Park Zoo, Tucson ArizonaGet Up Close to the World's Wildlife at
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You can see the powerful and graceful polar bears swimming underwater or watch a lion grooming right in front of you with only a sheet of glass separating the two of you.
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| The giant anteater's long, narrow head houses a long, sticky tongue which it uses to forage in ant and termite nests |
Located in lovely Reid Park, this popular Tucson attraction is not far from downtown.
Its central location and 17-acre size makes the Reid Park Zoo a favorite family outing because it is easy to get to and get around in.
The zoo's wide, paved paths are perfect for strollers, wheelchairs or walkers.
Large, leafy trees provide cool and shady rest areas where you can sit and observe the animals.
This Tucson Zoo's exhibits are split into four zones:
- African animals
- South America animals
- Asian animals
- the Adaptation Zone - an area with species from around the world.
In the African section, large, spacious enclosures recreate that continent's famed savannas.
Here, you can see Grevy's zebras, white rhinos, impala, ostrich and mandrill baboons.
The South America section has one of our favorite animals - the giant anteater.
The Reid Park Zoo is home to a successful breeding program for this species.
These unusual-looking, bristle-haired, long-nosed animals have been so prolific here that they are used as the symbol for the zoo.
If you're lucky, you may see a tiny anteater baby riding on its mother's back as she forages for food.
This section of the zoo also has:
- spectacled bears - the only bear species found in South America
- rare black jaguars
- caiman, a small relative of alligators and crocodiles
- the world's largest rodent, the capybara.
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| A tiger takes a dip in the pool at the zoo |
Another one of our favorite animals at the zoo is the tigers.
They romp in a large, grassy exhibit in the zoo’s Asia section.
The tigers enjoy swimming in their large pool fed by a roaring waterfall.
This exhibit is also glass-walled so you can see them up close.
Other animals in the Asia section include:
- Asian bears
- the impossibly long-armed, white-handed gibbons
- muntjac – a tiny deer species that sounds like barking dog when startled.
Birders will enjoy the zoo’s two large walkthrough aviaries where paved paths meander through lush tropical foliage.
Stand quietly and the birds will walk or fly right past you.
Bird species in the aviaries include:
- brightly-colored king vultures
- toucanets – a smaller cousin of toucans
- Bali mynahs
- scarlet ibis.
Favorite Feature at the Reid Park Zoo Tucson
At the giraffe exhibit, you get to do something that's quite rare at a zoo – you can feed the animals. |
| Paula feeding biscuits to one of Reid Park Zoo's giraffes |
O.k., not all of the animals. In this case, just the giraffes.
The zoo has set up a special feeding platform on one side of the giraffes' exhibit.
For a small fee, you can get at neck level with the giraffes and feed them two special biscuits under the watchful eye of a zoo keeper.
This fun and unique opportunity gives you a chance to see the giraffes use their 2-foot long purple tongues up close!
If you'd like to participate, please note that the giraffe feeding area is generally open at 10:00 a.m. for one hour only.
Feeding times on weekends may vary. Call the zoo before your visit for more details.
Reid Park Zoo Visitor Amenities
Reid Park Zoo has a wonderful variety of amenities and activities for all ages.While you're exploring the zoo grounds, keep an eye out for the friendly and knowledgeable zoo docents.
They often set up touch stations throughout the zoo.
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| An African spotted-necked otter at the Reid Park Zoo |
These cool, hands-on displays feature animal skulls and bones, feathers, eggs and teeth that you can touch.
The docents can also answer all your questions about the zoo animals.
One of zoo's best features are its beautiful grounds, which are nicely landscaped with many large, shady trees, vines, colorful flowers and water features.
This lush, almost tropical setting is home to many naturally roaming animals.
Don't be surprised to hear children squealing with delight as peacocks, tree squirrels, geese and ground squirrels cross their paths.
Another children's favorite is the large pond in the Adaptation Zone that's filled with many large fish.
Children also love the Reid Park Zoo Express – a small train that chugs around the park outside the zoo grounds.
This is a popular attraction, so get your tickets early because the train fills up fast.
You can board the train outside the zoo's front gates.
If you get hungry, stop by the Zoofari Café, located at the zoo entrance.
Nearby, be sure to stop in at the Jungle Market to shop for the perfect zoo keepsake. Items range from stuffed animals and and wildlife-themed toys to t-shirts and books.
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| A giant Aldabra tortoise at the zoo |
Reid Park Zoo hosts a variety of seasonal events, tours and education classes.
One of their most popular annual events is Zoo Lights.
Every holiday season, the zoo staff hangs hundreds of strings of colorful Christmas lights and decorations throughout the zoo grounds.
When the zoo reopens after dusk, get a cup of cocoa and wander among the twinkling displays.
You can also watch the live entertainment, have a visit with Santa and even see light-falling "snow".
The Zoo also has special events and classes for children throughout the year.
Your visit to zoo can be a whole day event. After you've seen the zoo, make time to explore Reid Park.
This city-owned recreation area has many picnic areas, a rose garden, and municipal golf course.
Both the Reid Park Zoo and Reid Park make a great outing for the entire family.
Fast Facts: Reid Park Zoo Tucson Arizona
What to Know Before You Go:- The Giraffe feeding station is open daily, generally at 10:00 a.m. (unless otherwise posted at the front gate) and is open for 1 hour.
Feeding times on weekends may vary.
There is a fee for two feeding biscuits in addition to regular zoo admission fee. - Allow at least two hours to see the zoo.
- Prohibited items include outside food, drink cup lids, straws, glass, cans, balloons, frisbees, balls, radios, whistles, bicycles, skateboards and rollerblades.
- Do not feed the animals.
- Smoking is prohibited on zoo grounds.
- Pets are not allowed except service animals.
- There is plenty of free parking.
- Do not leave valuables in your vehicle and always lock your doors.
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| A scarlet ibis in the zoo aviary |
Location: Center of Tucson near downtown in Reid Park.
Reid Park Zoo Address: 1030 South Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716
Phone: (520) 881-4753.
24-hour recorded information line: (520) 791-4022.
Reid Park Zoo Hours: Open daily 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Closed Christmas Day; closes at noon on Thanksgiving.
Admission Fee: Yes. Call for current fees.
Amenities: Café, gift shop, picnic area, strollers and wheelchairs are available for renting.
The information in this review was accurate at the time of our visit. All contact information, availability, access, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the facility before making reservations and/or travel plans.
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