Reid Park Zoo | Tucson

Reid Park Zoo, located in Tucson, Arizona, is a prominent 24-acre city-owned nonprofit zoo that has been serving the community and visitors since its establishment in 1965. It is widely recognized for its dedication to animal conservation, education, and creating engaging, immersive experiences that connect people of all ages with wildlife from around the world. The zoo is home to over 500 animals representing more than 100 species, making it one of the key attractions in the Tucson area.

Exhibits and Animal Habitats

Reid Park Zoo is thoughtfully divided into several themed zones, each designed to replicate the natural habitats of the animals while educating visitors about their ecology, behavior, and conservation status:

Expedition Tanzania: This is a flagship 7-acre African savanna exhibit that houses a herd of African bush elephants, including several key individuals such as Semba (the matriarch), Lungile, Nandi, Penzi, and Meru-the first elephant born at the zoo in March 2024. The exhibit simulates the wide-open grasslands of Tanzania and allows visitors to observe these majestic animals in an environment that emphasizes natural behaviors and social interactions.

South America Zone: This area focuses on the diverse ecosystems of the South American continent and features species such as jaguars and spectacled bears. These exhibits highlight the importance of rainforest and mountain habitats and the unique adaptations of animals living there.

African Animals Zone: Beyond the elephants, this section features other iconic African wildlife like lions and giraffes. The habitats are designed to resemble the African savanna and woodland environments, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the continent.

Adaptation Zone: This zone focuses on animals that demonstrate remarkable adaptations to different environments. It includes species such as grizzly bears and Aldabra giant tortoises, allowing visitors to learn about evolutionary traits and survival strategies in various climates.

Flight Connection Aviary: An expansive aviary featuring a wide variety of bird species from Australia, Africa, and Asia. This walk-through aviary immerses visitors in a lush, naturalistic environment where they can observe diverse avian life up close, promoting awareness of bird conservation globally.

Visitor Experience and Activities

Reid Park Zoo offers a variety of interactive and educational activities that enhance the visitor experience:

Giraffe Encounter: A popular program where visitors can get up close to the tallest land mammals on Earth. This experience is available daily during set hours and requires an additional ticket, fostering a direct connection between guests and these graceful creatures.

Keeper Chats and Animal Presentations: Scheduled throughout the day, these 15-minute sessions allow visitors to hear from the zoo’s animal care staff, learn about specific species, their care, and conservation challenges. These talks are free with zoo admission and provide insightful educational content.

Family-Friendly Rides: The zoo features attractions like the Cox Wildlife Carousel and the Reid Park Zoo Railway, offering fun and leisurely ways for families to explore the grounds and enjoy their visit.

Photo Opportunities: Various themed photo spots and augmented reality experiences help visitors capture lasting memories of their time at the zoo.

Amenities and Accessibility

Reid Park Zoo is designed with visitor comfort and accessibility in mind:

Parking: Free parking is available in a lot located north of the zoo entrance, adjacent to the Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center.

Rentals: Wheelchairs, motorized scooters, and strollers (single and double) are available for rent, ensuring that guests with mobility challenges or families with young children can navigate the zoo comfortably.

Dining: The Flamingo Grill offers a variety of meals including burgers and pizza, while snack carts are available on weekends for treats such as churros and ice cream.

Gift Shop: The Discover the Wild Gift Shop provides eco-friendly souvenirs, toys, apparel, and other items, with a portion of proceeds supporting the zoo’s conservation programs.

Conservation Efforts and Animal Care

Reid Park Zoo places strong emphasis on animal welfare, conservation, and scientific research. The zoo has been involved in various breeding programs and conservation partnerships. Notably, it collaborates with institutions like the University of Arizona Cancer Center to provide advanced medical treatments to its animals. An example of this is the successful radiation therapy administered to a Galápagos tortoise diagnosed with cancer in 1983, demonstrating the zoo’s commitment to innovative veterinary care.

Educational programs at Reid Park Zoo also focus on raising awareness about wildlife conservation issues globally, encouraging visitors to become active participants in protecting endangered species and their habitats.

Operational Information

Location: 3400 E. Zoo Court, Tucson, Arizona 85716

Hours of Operation:

October through May: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

June through September: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

Admission Fees:

Adults (15–61 years): $11.25

Seniors (62+ years): $9.25

Children (2–14 years): $7.00

Children under 2: Free

Membership options provide unlimited admission and additional perks.

Directions

Access to Reid Park Zoo is convenient from major Tucson roads:

From Interstate 10, take exit 259 (22nd Street), head east, then turn left on Lakeshore Lane (across from McDonald’s) and follow signage to the zoo.

From 22nd Street (westbound), turn right onto Randolph Way near Alvernon and continue to the parking area near the zoo entrance.

Summary

Reid Park Zoo is a vibrant, well-maintained zoological park that combines conservation, education, and family-friendly entertainment in a beautiful desert setting. Its diverse animal exhibits, interactive programs, and commitment to animal welfare make it an essential destination for visitors seeking to experience wildlife up close while supporting important conservation initiatives. The zoo’s atmosphere encourages learning and connection with nature, making it a treasured community asset and a memorable stop for tourists exploring Tucson.