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Initially conceived as
a tourist attraction and a source of local pride, The Phoenix Zoo has matured
far beyond its earliest goals. To be sure, it is a beautiful park with a
distinguished collection that attracts 1.2 million visitors per year. But
it also has become a major regional cultural resource and an international
conservation center.
Though still relatively young, having opened in 1962, The Phoenix Zoo has
already gained an international reputation for its efforts on behalf of
wildlife. Its pioneering work to rescue the Arabian oryx from extinction
was a lopsided gamble. But the oryx desperately needed help and this was
the right thing to do. Miraculously, it worked and incidentally has been
recognized as one of the world's most successful conservation efforts. Moreover,
it has become a model for similar projects.
In addition, the Zoo participates in numerous other local and international
efforts on behalf of endangered species, including the Mexican wolf, thick-billed
parrot, black-footed ferret, Bornean orangutan, Sumatran tiger, Asian elephant,
and many more.
The Phoenix Zoo
455 North Galvin Parkway
Papago Park
Phoenix, AZ 85008-3431
(602) 273-1341
Photos of elk & moon are by Dick George/Phoenix Zoo
All photos but elk & moon are by Phoenix Zoo
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