The Pride Campaign

Predator Passage, the expansion of the Africa Trail will be the Zoo’s largest capital project to date, spanning six acres and resulting in an immersive experience for guests featuring new, up-close animal viewing. A new and expanded one-acre habitat will feature African lions and hyenas. Expected completion timeframe is Spring 2023.

Aldabra Tortoise Habitat

Funded | Opened March 2018

The Aldabra tortoise is endemic to the islands of the Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. With their new home, guests will look forward to many more encounters with these amazing animals.

Meerkat Habitat

You might have heard? There’s a new “mob” coming to town. A new habitat introducing a meerkat colony will be featured; providing guests an opportunity to witness this diminutive species’ highly evolved social structure. Constantly active and highly social, these creatures are among the most entertaining of Africa’s small mammals. Upon completion, a group (also known as a mob) of these highly social, small carnivores will call the Phoenix Zoo home. 

Warthog Habitat

Guests will go “hog wild” as the fascinating warthogs will be featured in a renovated and expanded habitat. Warthogs are environmental engineers that play a critical role in African grassland ecosystems. They have large protective pads on their faces and padded areas on their legs that allow them to kneel and eat short grasses; excavating the landscape, which can help smaller species utilize the grassland habitat. With a face only a mother could love, warthogs are among the more interesting mammals of Africa and are also a long-time favorite in our early childhood education and Camp Zoo programming each year. 

Lion, Hyena and Amur Leopard Habitats

Some of Africa’s highest profile predators including African lions and spotted hyenas will be featured. As top predators and captivating species, lions and hyenas may be the most prominent residents of Africa. The African lion and spotted hyena will reside adjacent to one another within their respective new habitats. The combined area will feature rotational yards with two separate living spaces that either lions or hyenas may inhabit on any given day. Guests will always be able to experience these spectacular animals, from two different viewpoints through an expansive glass viewing area.

The exhibit would also feature the highly endangered Amur leopard, a close relative of the African leopard. Equally impressive, the Amur leopard is one of the most endangered species on the planet, with fewer than 50 individuals estimated to be living in the wild. The Phoenix Zoo would be a significant contributor to the conservation of this endangered cat. Based on the recommendation of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), the Phoenix Zoo has agreed to play a major role in the AZA Amur Leopard Species Survival Plan® (SSP), participating in efforts to save these beautiful animals from extinction.

Additional surrounding enclosures and winding trails connecting guests to even more intriguing exhibits – will bring this remarkable array of indigenous species to the desert environment of Papago Park.   

Giants of the Asian Realm, presented by The Kemper & Ethel Marley Foundation

Funded | Opened October 2019

The Phoenix Zoo is home to a very special Asian elephant: Indu. The Zoo is embarked on an ambitious plan to raise more $2 million to double the available space for its elephants, providing ample room to roam – as well as husbandry care and behavioral enrichment. Now completed, this additional space has allowed the Zoo to continue its ground-breaking work in the advancement of care of these pachyderms. The expansion has enabled Zoo guests to view these amazing animals more consistently. Opportunities to see the high level of care required to maintain these magnificent animals will provide guests a better understanding of elephants, from their sensitive feet to their very active brains.

As a leader in elephant care, the Zoo has hosted biennial workshops for attendees from around the world. Workshops include education on proper husbandry, health care, protected contact, foot care, emergency procedures and management techniques. This expansion will play a key role in educating workshop attendees in the importance of proper habitat design for the best care of their animals and educating their public.

Doornbos Discovery Amphitheater

Funded | Opened October 2019
Showcasing animal behaviors provides insight into their adaptations and is an integral aspect of the Zoo’s educational objectives. The new 500-seat amphitheater on the Nina Mason Pulliam Children’s Trail, features broad lake views and a spacious and functional stage with backstage animal holding facilities. The Doornbos Discovery Amphitheater has provided consolidated housing and care for the Zoo’s educational collection of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods. It has also provided flexible space for artistic performances, school group gatherings and organizational functions.

The tropical rainforest is a hot, moist biome found near the equator. It is estimated that tropical rainforests sustain 50 percent of all species on Earth. The Tropics Trail is home to some of the Zoo’s favorite and most iconic residents.

Galápagos Tortoise Habitat
Funded | Opened March 2018
These slow moving, yet charismatic reptiles are a guest favorite and can live to be more than 100-years old. The new enhanced habitats provide indoor space, which will help these ectothermic animals better regulate their temperatures and provide greater viewing opportunities for guests.

Sand Cat Habitat
Funded | Opened March 2018
Native to Africa’s Sahara Desert, the Arabian Peninsula and central Asia, the sand cat prefers dry, arid habitats. This new habitat is featured at the C.W. & Modene Neely Education and Event Center where guests of special evening events will have promising views of this nocturnal cat.

Arthur L. and Elaine V. Johnson Foundation Conservation Center Expansion
Funded | Opened Summer 2017

The additional facility has greatly increased the Zoo’s conservation science capacity and provided additional space for critical work on behalf of imperiled Arizona species, including the Mount Graham red squirrel and the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl.