The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the United States, located in the heart of Papago Park. It spans approximately 125 acres and features more than 1,400 animals from around 400 species. The zoo is organized into four main trails... read more—Arizona, Africa, Tropics, and the Children’s Trail—each offering a themed experience with species native to those environments. Visitors can explore habitats ranging from desert landscapes to lush rainforest enclosures.

Popular exhibits include the Big Cats of Arizona featuring jaguars and mountain lions, the Africa Trail with lions, giraffes, and rhinos, and Monkey Village in the Tropics Trail where guests walk through an open primate habitat. The Children’s Trail is especially engaging for families, offering a petting zoo, farm animals, wallabies, and interactive educational exhibits. Additional activities include camel rides, stingray encounters, a safari train, and the seasonal ZooLights display during the holidays.

The zoo is open daily, generally from 8 AM to 4 PM, with early entry for members. Admission is approximately $38 for adults and $28 for children, with discounts available on select days. It is fully accessible with paved trails, stroller rentals, and shaded rest areas. Visitors often spend three to five hours exploring the grounds. The Phoenix Zoo is also active in conservation, housing endangered species like the Mexican gray wolf and Arabian oryx, and supporting wildlife rehabilitation and educational programs.