Location: 3400 Zoo Court Tucson, Arizona (85716).

About the Zoo

The Reid Park Zoo (http://reidparkzoo.org/) was founded in 1965 by Gene Reid who was then apart of the Arizona Parks and Recreation Department. The zoo has expanded to a 24-acre park that houses hundreds of animals in naturalistic exhibits and hosts over 500,000 visitors every year. It takes a minimum of two hours to fully explore all of the zoos exhibits. The Zoo is home to many different animals ranging from different types of birds to large mammals like elephants and bears. The zoo is split up into four zones including naturalistic habitats of Asian, African, and South American animals with an additional Adaptation zone. The zoo also has its own Reid Park Zoological Society, which was founded in 1975, and the Reid Park Zoo Foundation. In addition, the zoo have their own Flickr group where visitors can upload pictures https://www.flickr.com/groups/reid-park-zoo/

Reid Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). To be accredited, zoos must undergo a through investigation to ensure that they have met, and will continue to meet, ever-rising standards. These standards encompass animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.

The Reid Park Zoo's mission statement is "to create inspiring memories for all by connecting people and animals to ensure the protection of wild animals and wild places."

From https://www.facebook.com/ReidParkZoo/

History of the Reid Park Zoo

The Zoo was unofficially established in 1965 by Gene Reid, the parks and recreation director at that time, with exhibits of pheasants, peafowl, and guinea fowl just north of the current zoo campus. One year later, prairie dogs from Lubbock, Texas, were exhibited in "Prairie Dog Town" in the former "overlook at Randolph Park. A 1.5-acre "collection of animals" become known as the "Randolph Park Children's Zoo". The years 1967 and 1968 were important because the zoo received their first budget of $49,000 that was presented to and approved by Tucson City Council, effectively opening the Zoo and making it part of city operations. With support by the city of Tucson, the Zoo welcomed more animals and expanded their exhibits. During this period of time, the Zoo's name was changed to Randolph Park Zoo.

In 1972, admission fees were instituted for the first time. A man by the name of J.L. Swigert became the zoo's first professional administrator. The park was admitted to the American Association of Zoos & Aquariums. By receiving this recognition and support, more exhibits were able to be introduced. A few years later, In 1975, a combination entrance and gift shop were constructed on the south border of the zoo. The following year, friends of Gene Reid befriended the Randolph Zoo Society (The Zoological Society was founded in 1975 and officially incorporated in 1976). After the establishment of the Society, the African Veldt exhibit was built and the first and second classes of volunteers were organized and trained. In 1978, the Asian Grasslands exhibit was constructed and held its grand opening. The zoo's campus expanded to fifteen acres when they purchased two more acres on the east side. The zoo's name was officially changed Reid Park Zoo which is the current name. Moreover, friends of the Randolph Zoo Society, Inc. were incorporated as the Tucson Zoological Society. The following year, the health center and administration offices were constructed and opened.

In 1981, a new entrance, gift shop, and snack bar were constructed at the north end of the zoo. In the meanwhile, the zoo's size increased to seventeen acres with the acquisition of more land. One year later, the current snack bar was built and became operational and the former entrance and gift shop building on the south side of the Zoo was remodeled into the zoo school and docent headquarters. In the next couple of years, the zoo continued to construct more exhibits which included; lion, tiger, lion-tailed macaque, giraffe. In 1990, the first executive director for the Tucson Zoological Society was hired in August. Two years later, the former Asian Grassland area was converted into the new African Savanna, and new African species were introduced to the park. Then the first "Festival of Lights" event was held. In just the next year, the first "ZOOcson" fundraiser event was held. From 1994 to 2000, the alligator exhibit was being remodeling, the first "Howl-o-ween" event was held, the South America exhibit was completed, the Flight Connection Aviary opened, the lion-tail macaque exhibit was remodeled, and more administrator or education curator became a part of the Zoo family. In 2003, the polar bear exhibit was expanded to include a natural substrate yard and a new front gate project was completed. Three years later, the giraffe feeding platform was completed (The giraffe feeding platform makes the "Giraffe Encounter" event becomes one of the most popular activities in the zoo). In the year of 2008, Lee H. Brown Family Conservation Learning Center was completed. Next year, the Zoofari Cafe was remodeled and included indoor seating for the first time. In 2010, the gift shop is remodeled and updated. In the same year, groundbreaking for the expedition Tanzania expansion took place. Due to the expedition Tanzania, the new elephant exhibit opened and the Education Department adds four new staff members in 2012. One year after, the polar bear and mandrill exhibits are remodeled to house brown bears and black-and-white lemurs respectively. In the year of 2014, a female African elephant calf was born in August, the first ever born in the State of Arizona!

In November 2017, the zoo did an election and decided to do a 10-year master plan that will expand the park and allow for more events. The zoo plans to expand into Asia, Africa, and South American habitats. The most recently expected completion is just three year after 2019! Reid Park Zoo has celebrated over 50 years in business! The Zoo started with only few animal exhibits to more than hundreds animals nowadays. In the future, the park will continue to expand and welcome more species and exhibits.

Visiting the Zoo

Zoo Hours:

October – May: 9:00am – 4:00pm
June – September: 8:00am – 3:00pm
Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

Admission Rates:

$10.50 adults ages 15-61
$8.50 seniors ages 62+
$6.50 children ages 2-14; FREE for children ages 0-1
Group Discounts are available to families and individuals in the SNAP and WIC programs

Zoo Membership

When you become a Zoo Member, you receive free daytime admission, discounts on special events and education programs, and so much more! Click this link for more information: https://reidparkzoo.org/membership/benefits/

Individual (1 named adult 18-61) - $37
Senior (1 named adult 62+) - $27
Family (2 named adults + 4 children under 18) - $80
Gold (2 named adults + up to 4 children under age 18 + 4 flexible guest passes) - $130

Activities

Giraffe Encounter

One of the most favorite parts for the visitors at the zoo is being able to feed the giraffes! This unique experience only cost $3 a person and children must be accompanied by an adult. You can buy tickets or a multi-use pass at the admission gate, or pay at the Giraffe Encounter platform. Cash, check, or credit cards are accepted at both locations. October 1- May 31: Mon.-Fri. 10:00-10:45am. Weekends 10:00-10:45 and 1:30-2:00 p.m. June 1- September 30: Mon.-Fri. 9:30-10:15. Weekends 9:30-10:15 and 11:30-12:00

Zoo Train

Located outside the front gates, the Zoo train travels around the Park lake, or you can ask to go to the Reid Park Garden. You can buy ticket for a multi-use pass at the admission gate with cash, check or a credit card or purchase a ticket with the train conductor (cash only). Tickets are $3 per guest. October-May: Mon.-Sun. 9:00am - 4:00pm. June - September: Mon.- Sun. 8:00am-3:00pm .

Cox Wildlife Carousel

Located in the Zoo's front plaza, visitors are able to take a ride on 30 different animal species from around the world. You can buy tickets or a multi-use pass with cash, check or credit cards at the admissions gate, or pay at the carousel entrance. It is $3 per guest and kids under 42 inches must have an adult with them on the carousel. October-May: Mon.-Sun. 9:00am-4:00pm. June - September: Mon.-Sun. 8:00am- 4:00pm

Behind-the-Scene Experiences

Elephant Experience - For 60 minutes visitors are able to tour the elephant bar, meet the elephant care staff and help them hide treats for the elephant
Close Encounter Experience - For 60 minutes visitors are able to visit the anteater, rhino and giraffe habitats up closer than a normal zoo visit
Animal Health Care and Nutrition Behind the Scenes Experience - For 60 minutes visitors are able to visit the Animal Health Center, Zoo kitchen, and rhino habitat

Popular Zoo Animals and Activities

Elephants

Mabu, Semba, Lungile, Sundzu, and Nandi are the playful elephants who live in a large exhibit at the Reid Park Zoo.

Giraffes

The tallest land animals located at the Reid Park Zoo are fed a variety of tree leaves, hay, lettuce, carrots, scallions, and popsicle treats.

Grizzly Bears

Roman and Finley are the two grizzly bears that live at the Reid Park Zoo . They have had to be relocated 2 times due to behavior problems.

South America Aviary

This aviary includes birds native to South America, these birds are fun to watch due to their many different colors.

Reid Park Zoo- FAQ

When is the best time to visit?

Animals tend to be most active and visitor attendance tends to be lowest early in the morning and just prior to closing. Visiting during March-May is when most schools visit.

How long does it take to see the zoo?

The staff suggest you allow yourself two hours to see most of the Zoo. Or, visit often and explore one part of the Zoo in depth during each visit.

Can I feed the animals?

All of the Zoo’s animals are wild and are on special diets. Help keep the animals healthy by keeping snacks for yourself. There are many naturally roaming animals such as peacocks, geese, and squirrels. Chasing and feeding these animals encourages unwanted behavior, so please allow them to pass uninterrupted. The only exception is the daily Giraffe Encounter. Under the supervision of trained Zoo staff and volunteers, you will have the opportunity to hand feed giraffe a portion of the normal daily diet.

Do you have volunteers?

Keep an eye out for docents, who are dressed in tan pants and white or red shirts. They often have “touch stations” and other things to look at and are always happy to share interesting information about the animals. Consider becoming a volunteer and share your own interest with others!

Contact Information:

General Information (520) 881-4753

Information on Visiting Zoo (520) 791-3204

Front Gate or Lost & Found (520) 791-4760

Information on Events, Rentals, Membership, and Donations (520) 881-4753

Zoo Administration Office (520) 791-3204