Protecting nature takes more than a village. Sometimes it takes a city.
In honor of Parks and Recreation Month in July, the Phoenix Zoo is proud to highlight our work with City of Phoenix park rangers. By teaming up, we help Valley families safely explore our unique desert ecosystem while actively protecting the plants and animals that live within it.
The impact that stems from this partnership shows that protecting Arizona’s natural spaces is something we do best when we do it together.
“By working together, we are raising awareness and inspiring more people to connect with nature and take an active role in conservation.”
Christine Lowery-Nunez, Phoenix Zoo Chief Administrative Officer
Guarding Phoenix’s Natural Spaces
Since the Phoenix Zoo sits within the red rocks of city-run Papago Park, caring for this desert landscape is a shared mission.
“We are all driven by a desire to ignite curiosity and appreciation for nature, especially here in our own backyard.”
Ruth Allard, Senior Vice President of Conservation Science, Learning and Engagement
To protect this shared backyard, our educational goals go hand-in-hand. The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department champions Leave No Trace outdoor ethics, teaching visitors how to hike safely and show respect to native plants and wildlife along the way. Complementing this, the Zoo focuses on sharing how everyone can be a Planet Protector by becoming habitat helpers, responsible pet owners and thoughtful outdoor explorers.
Inspiring Future Generations
When it comes to passing nature-protecting habits down to young Valley residents, the Zoo-City partnership shines.
The Phoenix Zoo’s Camp Zoo program exists to captivate young minds and foster a deep connection with the natural world. City of Phoenix park rangers engage with campers, teaching them about the importance of staying on trails to avoid harming local plants and animals.
“The Papago Park ranger team goes above and beyond to create educational and memorable experiences to inspire our campers to care for the natural world!”
Yasmine Gaudin, Assistant Supervisor of Day Camps and Family Programs
Educating the Public on Conservation
The Phoenix Zoo’s deep-rooted partnership with the City of Phoenix and its park rangers turns Papago Park into a shared, living classroom, showing local families that wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship start at home.
“Having City of Phoenix park rangers engaged with our guests and programs like Camp Zoo helps connect the public to the park system, and to get excited by their connection to the nature in their own city.”
Ruth Allard, Senior Vice President of Conservation Science, Learning and Engagement
Thank You, Park Rangers
As we celebrate Parks and Recreation Month, the Phoenix Zoo extends a heartfelt thank you to all the rangers across the City of Phoenix who share our mission of protecting natural spaces while empowering the public to enjoy them safely.
Whether you are hiking through Papago Park or exploring other beautiful spaces in the Valley, we hope you take a moment to appreciate our city’s park rangers and the work they do to keep the outdoors safe for us and our wildlife friends.
Youth Leadership in Action
In a recent collaboration, the Phoenix Zoo’s teen leadership council, the Trailblazers, worked with City of Phoenix rangers to host the Planet Forward Fair right in Papago Park.
Rangers worked with the Trailblazers to set up interactive stations focused on different areas of sustainability. During this outreach event, visitors learned how easy it is to positively impact the environment through everyday habits like recycling, sustainable shopping, gardening and composting.
