Are you wild about art?

Join the Phoenix Zoo in celebrating the splendor of animals and nature with Art on the Wild Side, a program dedicated to inspiration, celebration and conservation through art. Exhibits in our Savanna Gallery and Wild Side Gallery rotate throughout the year, each featuring a selection of artists who share their unique vision of wildlife and conservation via photography, paint and mixed media, allowing new ways for guests to engage in the Zoo’s mission to care for the natural world while being inspired by nature and animals.

Media Coverage

Savanna Gallery

Located inside the air-conditioned Savanna Grill
Current Exhibit:

Wild Side Gallery

Located beyond the turnstiles at the Zoo's entrance
Upcoming Exhibit:

Savanna Gallery

arizona urban wildlife: surviving a complex world

February 27 – June 29, 2025

Daily  |  8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

While humans and wildlife have coexisted in Arizona for a millennia, our modern urban environment creates new challenges requiring resilience and adaptation from our wild friends. How do we live in close proximity to each other, not only without causing harm, but rather fostering an environment of respectful coexistence?

COMING SOON!
Arizona Urban Wildlife: Surviving a Complex World
Opening February 27

While humans and wildlife have coexisted in Arizona for a millennia, our modern urban environment creates new challenges requiring resilience and adaptation from our wild friends/ How do we live in close proximity to each other, not only without causing harm, but rather fostering an environment of respectful coexistence?

Tempe Camera

Wild Side Gallery

Wild Inspiration:

An Exhibit by Phoenix Zoo Staff, Volunteers & Zoo Partners

June 5 – August 24, 2025

8 – 11 a.m.  |  Thursday – Sunday

The Phoenix Zoo’s Art on the Wild Side program is proud to present a special group juried exhibition featuring original artwork created by Zoo staff, volunteers and partners. This unique show highlights the creativity and passion of the Zoo community through a diverse collection of more than 60 two-dimensional and three-dimensional works.

All artwork will be available for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the non-profit Phoenix Zoo.

Stop by the Wild Side Gallery and get inspired! Kids can color their own masterpieces and have them displayed among the art!

Presented By:

Get involved

If you have general questions about the Art on the Wild Side program, contact the Arts Committee at artscommittee@phoenixzoo.org

Love art and people? We are looking for art ambassadors for our exhibit space at the Wild Side Gallery! 

Recently renovated, the Wild Side gallery is a beautiful, air-conditioned, inspirational space with a covered courtyard on the Arizona trail and the soon to be completed Big Cats of Arizona exhibit.

Greet Zoo guests, share about our current exhibit and even assist at our special art openings, installations, and deinstalls.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Are you a professional artist that is passionate about animals and the natural world? Have an idea for an exhibit? We would love to hear from you!

Occasionally, we host group shows that embrace the theme of conservation and art. We would love for you to apply! Make sure you are following @artonthewildside on Instagram for any updates.

Check back regularly to see if we are taking submissions for a juried show and to find the submittal link.

Art for Consideration

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Plan your visit today!

The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.

Plan your visit today!

The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.