15 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Arizona

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Arizona is gifted with one of the most diverse ecological systems in the United States.

From arid desert landscapes to forests, Arizona offers wildlife parks, zoos, and sanctuaries that allow visitors to experience the region’s wildlife and preserve and protect beasts around the globe. 

Best Zoos and Wildlife Parks in Arizona

In Arizona, you can visit creature features ranging from the largest zoo in the state to sanctuaries to the quaint hummingbird habitat in Chandler; there is a place for everyone to relish looking at and interacting with beautiful beasts.

Phoenix Zoo, Pheonix

The Phoenix Zoo has over 3,000 animals, so it’s easy to spend the day taking in the exhibits. 

A large portion of the Phoenix Zoo is devoted to showcasing Arizona’s native wildlife. 

The Phoenix Zoo, the state’s largest, provides unique opportunities to view animals from around the world, yet, it’s conveniently located in the southeast corner of Phoenix, near Tempe and Scottsdale.

Navajo Nation Zoo, Window Rock

Billed as “A Sanctuary for Nature and the Spirit,” come and experience the only Native American-owned-and-operated Zoo in the United States.

They are designed as a contemplative and serene venue for visitors to reflect and enjoy a remarkable opportunity to visit over 50 species local to the Southwest and the Navajo Nation.

Plus, this unique spot provides a home for orphaned or injured wildlife, 

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is different from your typical museum. 

Situated on 98 acres, guests experience the region’s flora and fauna. 

Here, visitors can discover over 240 animal species and 1,200 varieties of plants. 

And rock hounds take note: the museum holds one of the world’s most extraordinary mineral collections. 

These are just some reasons the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is respected as one of the top museums in the United States. 

Out of Africa Wildlife Park, Camp Verde

The name says it all. Yes, the majority of the animals encountered here are out of Africa. 

And it houses a white Bengal Tiger and the Barbary Lion, two species considered extinct in the wild.

There are numerous opportunities for guests to experience close and personal interactions with the animals. 

Take an African Bush Safari tour, where you can get the opportunity to see and pet African animals up close. 

There are also treats like the daily creature feature, a massive snake show, and the tiger splash show.

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park, Linchfield Park

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium is Arizona’s largest wildlife park. Picture this: over 600 species, a petting zoo, aquarium, daily shows, and amusement rides, too. 

At 30 acres total, the Safari Park is a prominent and engaging place to see and learn about many of Africa’s species of animals. 

The aquarium, housed among four large buildings, features a transparent tunnel leading to the immense tanks, allowing visitors to view the sea creatures from the deep, up close, and intimately. 

The Wildlife World Zoo has a unique exhibition for viewing newborn and infant animals and a kangaroo stroll that allows guests to walk amongst the marsupials. 

In addition, Wildlife World Zoo exhibits all the species of big cats worldwide! 

Bearizona Wildlife Park, Williams

Located approximately 30 minutes west of Flagstaff, Bearizona comprises a walk-through and drive-through area of the park.

Have you ever wanted to see at a highly close range but in a safe environment? 

The drive-through section lets you see wolves, bears, bison, and deer freely roaming in these extensive fenced-in areas. 

The more traditional zoo area is the walk-through area offering viewings of javelina, foxes, and jaguars, among other species local to the Arizonan region.

Bearizona is a fantastic zoo for families; it’s kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible. 

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, Prescott

Visit a sanctuary whose primary goal is “Conservation through Education.”

Heritage Park, a non-profit wildlife sanctuary, provides numerous ways for visitors to interact with the animals and many special events.

The park is home to rescued animals, most of whom can’t be released into the wild because of injury or age. 

It’s also a holding facility for endangered Mexican gray wolves before being released into the wild.

.However, all the animals are protected and act as ambassadors for their species. 

The 10 acres of this small sanctuary boast a fantastic collection of beasts, from cougars to tarantulas, plus over a dozen bird species.

In addition, the refuge works to educate visitors on the plight of numerous endangered species.

Keepers of the Wild Nature Park, Valentine

Experience one of the top-rated rescue operations in the US. 

Keepers of the Wild Nature Park offer a fantastic way to see animals up close. 

Moreover, your entrance fees go directly to care for the animals!

This small non-profit organization nurtures over 130 creatures, great and small, who’ve been donated or rescued. 

The animals reside here, their home, acting as species ambassadors for the rest of their lives.

A guided safari tour on the tram takes guests through the park. 

Plus, the daily guided feeding tour.

It’s a great chance to see the creatures when they’re most active. 

And there’s a zoo keeper who conveys entertaining facts about the rescues. 

Reid Park Zoo, Tucson

Established in 1965, Reid Park Zoo is a 24-acre non-profit zoo that’s city-owned and operated, situated within Reid Park in Tucson.

It’s a popular city attraction for viewing animals.

The zoo shelters a range of species, such as monkeys, alligators, goats, bears, lemurs, lions, meerkats, zebras, and elephants, and is home to more than 500 animals.

OdySea Aquarium, Scottsdale

Situated in Scottsdale, in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, visitors will discover a fantastic marine aquarium, the largest in the Southwest.

How big?

It traverses over 200,000 square feet and holds over 2,000,000 gallons of water. 

The OdySea Aquarium is home to 370 species and 6,000 animals!

R Lazy J Ranch

This small ranch and wildlife park is focused on preserving near-extinction species. 

They’ve also successfully bred wildebeest, aoudad sheep, addax antelope, other big mammals, and birds.

R Lazy J Ranch is home to approximately 50 animals of varying species from all over the world. 

The petting zoo features goats, sheep, giant tortoises, and pigs. 

There’s even a capybara (one of the world’s most giant rodents!).

Or guests can feed the parakeets or hold a sloth.

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center

This is different from your average zoo; the primary goal of this sanctuary and rescue facility is to return injured animals to the wild once they are rehabilitated. 

However, those that cannot be returned due to continued injury or other issues will have a permanent home at Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center.

All the animals residing at the Conservation Center receive names and are lovingly tended to by the staff.

In addition, all of the animals are native to Arizona. 

Among the animals who’ve made a permanent home here are mountain lions, a wolf pack, a group of javelina, coyotes, and black bears—guided tours by appointment only. 

Please make a reservation and experience some of Arizona’s native animals on their home turf.

Grand Canyon Deer Farm & Petting Zoo, Williams

Grand Canyon Deer Farm & Petting Zoo is a deer farm. 

It’s a deer farm near the Grand Canyon that has welcomed guests to its grounds for the past five decades. 

Visitors are welcome and encouraged to pet and feed these beautiful creatures, which promises a great day of fun for the entire family!

Riparian Preserve, Gilbert

Picture a preserve positioned aside in the middle of the city. Riparian Preserve comprises 110 acres of trees, ponds, trails, and greenery, a haven for migrating and local birds. 

The Riparian Preserve is a great place to see local and migrating birds in a pristine habitat in the middle of the city.

Discover a bird watcher’s paradise; nearly 300 species of birds have been seen here.

The seven large ponds serve as retention basins for the Town of Gilbert’s water supply and as habitats for various bird species. 

Over 4.5 miles of dirt trails meander through the park and around the ponds, and there’s a fishing pond.

Desert Breeze Hummingbird Habitat at Desert Breeze Park, Chandler

The Desert Breeze Hummingbird Habitat is a small wildlife refuge for bird-watching enthusiasts.

This stunning natural habitat is part of Desert Breeze Park in Chandler, Arizona.

There are more than 50 species of desert plants here that hummingbirds love.

This is an excellent stop for those who are interested in bird watching. 

Not only will you see hummingbirds, but visitors may also see different dove species, sparrows, cardinals, and other native birds.

The hummingbirds are most active on cooler spring days when most of the plants are in bloom. 

The nearby playground and park are very family-friendly, with benches and metal artwork distributed throughout the park for visitors to enjoy. 

15 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Arizona –  Summary Table

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