Reid Park Zoo, Tucson Arizona

Jeff once worked as a zoo keeper there, but that's not the only reason we recommending this Tucson Zoo.

There are over 400 animals, ranging from jaguars to tortoises, from around the world -all exhibited in naturalistic habitats.

Many of these exhibits were designed to give you an "up close" view of the animals, providing an intimate perspective on their behavior.

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.

The Reid Park Zoo entrance

Located in lovely Reid Park, this popular Tucson attraction is in the center of the city, 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.

Connie and Shaba enjoy lunch

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.

Two of Reid Park Zoo’s most popular residents are Connie, an Asian elephant, and Shaba, an African elephant, are in this area.

Shaba is famous for creating her own works of art.

The non-profit Tucson Zoological Society auctions Shaba’s colorful paintings during zoo fund raisers.

Currently, the zoo is in the process of creating a brand new habitat for Connie and Shaba.

In the future, their expanded home will include an elephant herd of six animals.

The South America section has one of our favorite animals - the giant anteater.

The giant anteater’s long, narrow head houses a long, sticky tongue which it uses to forage in ant and termite nests

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.

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

A tiger takes a dip in the pool at the zoo

• 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.

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 $2.00 charge, 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.

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.

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.

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".

Zoo special events include a teddy bear clinic, behind-the-scenes tours with a zoo keeper and the MonZoon Magic Summer Concert series.

Special classes for children include evening safaris, zookeeper in training, zoo summer camp and programs for preschoolers.

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.

• 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.
  Cost is $2 for two feeding biscuits in addition to regular zoo admission fee.

A scarlet ibis in the zoo aviary

• 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.

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:
Adults (15-61): $6.00
Seniors (62 and over): $4.00
Children (2-14): $2.00
Children under 2: Free
Tucson Zoological Society members: Free

Reid Park Zoo Express Train Tickets: $2 per person.

Amenities:   Café, gift shop, picnic area, strollers and wheelchairs are available for renting.

Activities:

• Docent-led tours
• behind-the-scenes tours with a zookeeper
• kid’s camp
• a fall fundraiser "Zoocson" featuring catered food
• annual Halloween event "Howl-o-ween"
• ZooLights! at Christmas time.

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