Phoenix, Arizona is home to a number of wonderful cultural venues, one of which is the Phoenix Zoo. If you’re considering purchasing a home, land or real estate in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley or one of the many 
surrounding communities, the Phoenix Zoo is one of the places you will want to go to as well as bring visitors to when they are in town.
Located on 125 acres in Phoenix’s Papago Park, the Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals including 200 endangered or threatened birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians from around the world. In addition, the Zoo participates in 37 Species Survival Plans to breed and maintain endangered species in captivity.
History: Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Phoenix Zoo is the nation’s largest non-profit zoological park. It began as the vision of Robert E. Maytag, heir to the appliance family, who unfortunately died six months before the Zoo opened in November of 1962. Originally named the “Maytag Zoo” in his honor, shortly after opening, Mr. Maytag’s heirs requested that this community jewel be renamed the Phoenix Zoo.
Operation Oryx: During the first year of operation, the Phoenix Zoo gained an international reputation for one of the greatest wildlife conservation stories in modern times, “Operation Oryx.” The last nine Oryx on earth were brought to the Zoo to begin what has become a highly successful captive breeding program. Since then, over 200 oryx have been born at the Zoo, and in fact, of the more than 2,000 Arabian oryx living in zoos and wildlife preserves around the world today, most can be traced back to this program.
Trail System: In the 1990s, the Zoo was reorganized into a distinctive four-trail system (Africa, Arizona, Children’s and Tropics) to help emphasize the relationships of the plants and animals and the habitats in which they live. There are more than 100 viewing exhibits nestled inside these four trails. In 1997, the Forest of Uco, home to the popular Andean bears, opened with lush rainforest landscaping that immerses visitors into the environment.
Additional exhibits: In 2004, a walk-through exhibit named Monkey Village opened, and in 2006, a seasonal exhibit entitled Stingray Bay opened as one of the newest hands-on, interactive experiences that allows guests to get in touch with some of the oceans’ most amazing animals.
Special events: In 1992, the Phoenix Zoo began its wildly popular holiday celebration called ZooLights, a spectacular evening display of lights and music held throughout the holiday season. Annual attendance tops over 250,000 at this highly anticipated community event.
