Media requests for interviews, information or images, or requests to be added to the Phoenix Zoo’s media distribution list need to be coordinated through the Zoo’s PR department. Contact Linda Hardwick, Director of Communications at lhardwick@phoenixzoo.org or 602.914.4363.

Recent Press Releases

• Legendary Comic Creator Todd McFarlane Coming to the Phoenix Zoo for Special Comic Conservation Event on October 4

• Comic Conservation Exhibition Opens September 4 at the Phoenix Zoo’s Wild Side Gallery
• Phoenix Zoo’s Orangutan Michael Undergoes Surgery for Rare Cancer
• Comics and Conservation Collide in the Phoenix Zoo’s Newest Wild Side Gallery Art Exhibit
• Phoenix Zoo Advances Construction of State-of-the-Art Veterinary Medical Center with Support from Thunderbirds Charities
• Phoenix Zoo and Partners Release 30,000th Zoo-Raised Chiricahua Leopard Frog to the Wild
• Phoenix Zoo Announces Passing of Indu, Asian Elephant
• Phoenix Zoo Opens Big Cats of Arizona Habitat
• Phoenix Zoo to Break Ground on New Veterinary Medical Center
• Phoenix Zoo Announces Opening of Brand New “Big Cats of Arizona Habitat in April 2025
• Narrow-headed Gartersnakes Released to the Wild
• Building a New Veterinary Medical Center at the Phoenix Zoo
• Wild Side Gallery to Host the Thomas D. Mangelsen “A Life in the Wild Tour”
• Phoenix Zoo to Host “Toss the Tusk” Event as Part of Nationwide Effort to Combat Illegal Ivory Trade
• Grand Opening of Predator Passage
• Phoenix Zoo Transforming Building Into Beautiful Art Gallery
• Connect the Spots: Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/Phoenix Zoo, ProCAT and ASU’s Acoustic Ecology Lab Awarded Grant to Support Costa Rica Jaguar Corridor
• Porcupine at the Phoenix Zoo Doing Well After Removal of Mammary Mass
• Phoenix Zoo and Wildlife Agency Partners Celebrate 25 Years Conserving Arizona Frogs
• First Successful Breeding and Hatching of Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls at ACNC/Phoenix Zoo
• Wolf Pups Born at the Zoo as Part of Conservation Plan
• Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/Phoenix Zoo Certified as Sensory Inclusive by KultureCity
• Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/Phoenix Zoo Secures Land to Establish an Off-Site Conservation Center
• Phoenix Zoo Bornean Orangutan Receives Groundbreaking Surgery
• AZA Grants Accreditation to Phoenix Zoo

Phoenix Zoo Non-Commercial Photography/Video Policies:

The Phoenix Zoo encourages guests to take personal video or still photographs while enjoying their Phoenix Zoo visit. All photographs should be taken from designated guest viewing areas, or within the boundaries as it relates to special programs, engagements, etc. Extension poles and “selfie sticks” are not allowed on Zoo grounds. All images and videos taken by guests and patrons are allowed free of charge so long as the images are used for a personal, noncommercial purpose. The Phoenix Zoo has the right to withhold or withdraw consent to photograph and video or to reproduce photographs or video of Phoenix Zoo and related property, which includes zoo exhibits, animals and buildings or otherwise defined.

By entering the Phoenix Zoo, all guests, patrons, employees and volunteers agree that photographs and videos of animals and other property at the Phoenix Zoo may not be used for commercial profit, for publicity, or for any other purpose that commercially or publicly exploits the photos and videos, including posting the images on the Internet.

Also, by entering the Phoenix Zoo, you may be filmed, videotaped or photographed by the Phoenix Zoo. Your admission to the Zoo serves as permission for use of your image for promotional purposes by the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation, and its constituents. Each guest individually and on behalf of his/her minor children further waives any right to pre-approval, royalties or other compensation arising from or related to the use of imagery.

All trademarks, service marks, logos, images, and facilities of the Phoenix Zoo are the sole property of the Phoenix Zoo and may not be used, reproduced, displayed or distributed without written consent of the Phoenix Zoo.

• Employees and volunteers: See the Phoenix Zoo’s Release of Information Policy as well as the Confidentiality agreement before sharing photos/videos etc. to the public (i.e. visitors, friends, relatives, other organizations, etc.)

Photo & Video Content Release Agreement 

Commercial Photography:

Photos/video/likenesses (content) taken at the Phoenix Zoo to be sold for commercial use are to be approved by the Phoenix Zoo before the contract is signed. As a non-profit organization, the Phoenix Zoo asks that 30% of the proceeds of the content sold come back to the Phoenix Zoo. The content cannot be sold or used in publications, internet sites, or companies that do not support the Phoenix Zoo’s mission, “To provide experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world” or depict organizations (but not limited to)  such as circuses that use exotic animals, hunters, or fur manufacturers, etc. If a caption is to be used with the photo, the caption must be faxed or emailed to the public relations department for approval and proper photo credit should be applied.

Photos must be clearly marked with the owner’s name. Sales of photographs or merchandise/promotions in conjunction with photographs cannot use the Zoo’s brand or name as a promotional selling device.

Photo & Video Commercial Use Agreement

Contact:

If you would like to take photos/film at the Phoenix Zoo for a commercial purpose, you may submit a request in writing to the Phoenix Zoo at least three weeks prior to the date of the intended shoot. Please contact the Phoenix Zoo’s public relations department at 602.914.4363 for more information. Please include the following:

• Name, address, phone number and email address
• Explain the nature of your project, what it will be used for
• Include the number of people in attendance for the shoot
• How much time is needed for the shoot
• Special requests, equipment, use of particular scene or animals or keepers, etc.
• What area of the Zoo you wish to use as back drop
• any additional details the Phoenix Zoo needs to be aware of
• Email the information to lhardwick@phoenixzoo.org

The Phoenix Zoo reserves the right to deny any request, cancel any shoot at any time if it is not in the best interest of the Zoo’s animals, or visitors contrary to the Zoo’s mission. The Phoenix Zoo requests script approval where applicable before a shoot can begin.

The Use of Existing Photos for Commercial Purposes:

Please contact the Phoenix Zoo’s Public Relation’s Department for assistance at 602.914.4363 or lhardwick@phoenixzoo.org.

The Phoenix Zoo is a premier destination with numerous locations that are well suited for use by commercial photographers for print, television, online media or commercial production, as long as the production reflects the basis of our mission. These sites can be made available by permit only during off-season or off-peak times and will be structured to ensure minimal inconvenience to Zoo visitors.
Off-peak times: most weekdays, early morning and weekend evenings (no holidays)

Notice: The Phoenix Zoo asks for a three week notice prior to the date in which to use the Phoenix Zoo for commercial purposes.

Fee Guidelines:

Commercial fees are determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the nature and purpose of the project, its intended market, its potential promotional value to the Zoo, time of day, time of year, displacement of other revenue-generating events, disruption to exhibits and guests, access to behind-the-scene areas, the impact of the production among staff and animal care, length of the stay, and extent to which the Zoo is required to support the project.

• $500 per hour
• $1,000 per half day (4 hours)
• $2,000 full day (8 hours)
• $350 for any additional hours exceeding the half day or full day rate.

Fees may differ based on factors listed above.

Additional fees may also apply as follows:

$50 per hour for every Zoo staff member involved in project

A deposit of $500 is required for half or full days prior to reserving the date, and the remaining fees must be paid by the date of the reserved shoot. Cash, cashier’s check or money order are the accepted methods of payment, all others will not be acceptable unless discussed with a member of the public relations department.

Park Rangers or other Phoenix Zoo personnel will be assigned to direct pedestrian and/or automobile traffic as needed to ensure that there is minimal impact to natural conditions, wildlife or plants. All park and Zoo rules must be obeyed by the permittee. Any variances which are requested and approved will be specifically stated in the permit.

Permits must be requested in writing to the Public Relations Department at least seven (7) days prior to the requested date. The permit must describe the scope of the activity, the number of people expected on site, and the appropriate duration of the time requested.

General liability insurance covering this activity is required. The insurance must have coverage amounts of one million dollars ($1,000,000) for bodily injury; one hundred thousand ($100,000) for property damage and; must name The Phoenix Zoo as an additional named insured. A copy of the certificate of insurance must be on file with The Phoenix Zoo prior to the conduct of this activity, or this permit will be null and void.