Capital Campaign

The Arizona Zoological Society Board of Directors have initiated a comprehensive plan for a major capital development campaign to address its long term strategic goals as well as meet its current critical needs for infrastructure improvements.

The Phoenix and Tempe Fire departments have curtailed any new construction, expansion or improvements to the Phoenix Zoo until sufficient upgrades are made to its infrastructure. The water, sewer and electrical systems onsite are older than the Zoo itself, which moved to the Papago Park location on January 20, 1962. The Zoo has served over 30 million people and invested over $200 million dollars of lease-hold improvements without government subsidy.

Just as the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area has grown in population, business and economic impact the Zoo has also prospered in cultural impact as one of the more popular points of destination. The Phoenix Zoo has helped to attract and compliment the visitor and tourism trade for the metropolitan area. Second and now third generations are now benefiting from the vision and foresight of the earlier founders of this wonderful, community institution. The Phoenix Zoo is unquestionably, one of the greatest assets for this 5th largest city’s in the United States. The kid friendly features of the Virginia G. Piper Enchanted Forest, Nina Mason Pulliam Children’s Zoo, Monkey Village and Harmony Farm have helped earn the Phoenix Zoo’s recognition as the # 1 Best Children’s Zoo in the U.S.A.

Besides responding to the immediate critical need for infrastructure upgrades, the Zoo, like other older community facilities must improve its public venue and animal exhibits to attract and accommodate more visitors from the growing population base while building or creating programs that attract and serve a more sustainable audience. The next generation not only expects a different Zoo experience, but demands a more sophisticated technical entertainment. Like all industries and businesses, the Zoo needs to change, renew, improve and adapt to the new developments in technology and enhanced services. The Zoo must position itself to succeed in the future just like all other educational, recreational, conservation and scientific institutions. The way we function and do business in the future may be different but our mission and purpose will remain unchanged.

The purpose of this capital campaign is to help the Phoenix Zoo build the capacity to be more successful in the future. To sustain its operation from a stronger revenue base that is arrived from its core programs, services and mission. To serve more guests per year and impact members, volunteers and friends in a more engaging manner with more contact, repeated involvement, and stronger relationship. To continue to improve the quality of life for our unique wildlife & living collections and to improve the habitat and survival of the animals in trusted to our care.

The Phoenix Zoo hopes build on its children & family focus, educational success and most recent facility improvements. New additions will include: A new Joint Use administrative building for volunteer, staff and other community partners, a new Entry Oasis with an Aquatic theme, a new special events and group services convening area known as the Gatsby Tent with attached tiger exhibit plus major improvements to the infrastructure, pathways and connecting exhibit services.

The first phase will begin in early 2007 with a minimum goal of raising $20 million dollars and continue over the next ten to twelve years. Advance gifts have produced $4.8 million dollars to date. A total of $70 million dollars is required to complete the full master plan and total facility improvements. Get ready for an exciting and renewed experience at the Zoo 4 You!


For additional information or details about how you can help, please contact our Campaign Director, Jim Gilpin via e-mail or phone at 602.286.3881. (hyperlink to e-mail address jgilpin@thephxzoo.org)