Visit the Zoo

How big is the Zoo?
We have 125 acres of land including exhibit, non-exhibit and operations areas.

How long do we need to see the entire Zoo?
We have approximately 2.5 miles of walking trails. The Zoo has been divided into four different trails; usually the Africa and Tropics Trails take about an hour each and the Arizona and Children’s Trails take about a half hour each. We recommend approximately 2 and a half to 3 hours to see the Zoo, depending on the size and ages of your group, and how fast you walk.  Because we create exhibits that replicate the natural habitats of our collection, some animals can be difficult to see and visitors may be required to spend more time in observation.

How many animals do you have in your collection?
We have approximately 1,200 animals on exhibit at our Zoo, including our collections of mammals, fish, invertebrates, birds, and reptiles.

What can I bring to the Zoo?
You may bring coolers, ice chests, and your own food. Please no glass containers.

What items are prohibited at the Zoo?
Prohibited items include alcohol, glass, balloons, balls, Frisbees, radios, whistles, skateboards, scooters, roller blades, roller skates, rip-sticks, wheeled shoes (heelie-type), firearms, weapons, knives, toy weapons, and bare feet. Bikes will be prohibited beginning October 1, 2012. Smoking is also prohibited on Zoo grounds.

Are my personal pets allowed to visit the Zoo with me?
No. The only animals allowed to accompany visitors are trained and vaccinated service animals. When a service animal does come to the Zoo, a Park Ranger will review the service animal rules with the visitor. Park Rangers are unable to kennel any personal pet.

Can we ride our bikes while visiting the Zoo?
Although we have allowed bikes on Zoo grounds for the past several years, due to recent safety concerns, beginning October 1, 2012, we will no longer allow bikes. We appreciate you understanding our need to keep all of our guests safe.

Do you have picnic areas available?
We have many picnic tables located throughout the Zoo. They are available on a first-come first-serve basis.  Private ramadas may be rented for special occasions.

What bus route comes to the Zoo?
Bus Route Numbers 1 – Washington (with connection to the Metro Light Rail) and 3 – Van Buren come directly to the Zoo. Please check the Valley Metro Transit Service to plan your route and for schedules.

Can you help me with a question about the health of my personal pet?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide advice regarding the health of a personal animal. It would not be proper to diagnose an animal without seeing it. Our advice is to take the animal to your local veterinarian.

Can I donate my pet to the Zoo?
No, we do not accept pet donations.

Can you help me with a school assignment?
We receive many questions from individuals needing help with school projects. The individuals qualified to answer these questions work full-time taking care of the animals in our collection and are unable to assist. We have put together a list of homework help site links that may be helpful.

Can you send me feathers or other items from an animal?
The Phoenix Zoo is not permitted to distribute feathers to any individuals or groups. It is our policy that we do not give out any feathers or hair because it is illegal to have certain feathers and hair due to the CITES law. You may be able to collect samples from a local farm, pet store or Humane Society. The US Fish and Wildlife Service will distribute eagle feathers to Native Americans for religious purposes. To request feathers please write:

USFWS
Migratory Bird Permit Office
Room 5504
PO Box 1306
Albuquerque, NM 87103