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THE COMMUNITY

The Valley of the Sun is growing and the Phoenix Zoo has been an integral part of this burgeoning metropolis for over 46 years. The second most popular cultural attraction in Arizona, behind only the Grand Canyon, the Zoo hosts more than 1.5 million guests each year. As the Valley continues to grow, the Zoo’s audience – and the demand for its services and experiences – will also continue to increase.

The Zoo has touched and changed millions of lives through its programs, school and family activities, annual events, and outreach programs that travel across Arizona and the Southwest. The Phoenix Zoo has also gained international respect and a strong reputation for its conservation and research work with endangered species.

THE CHALLENGE

As one of the largest non-profit, privately funded zoological parks in the country, the Phoenix Zoo relies exclusively on its own earned income and the support of members, donors and the local corporate community to provide funds for operations and capital improvements of exhibits and guest experiences. By supporting the Phoenix Zoo, you support one of Arizona’s most important and effective cultural, educational and environmental organizations.

To remain relevant in this thriving community, the Phoenix Zoo needs to be aggressively updated with innovative new exhibits and facilities. Guests expect high-quality amenities, a variety of experiences, convenience and comfort. They expect attractions to be entertaining, educational and interactive. In short, our guests and our community expect a World Class Zoo for a World Class City.

THE MISSION

The Phoenix Zoo has been named one of the Top Five Zoos for Children in the country by Child Magazine, due to its focus on creating an environment that encourages exploration and wonder in its youngest guests. It hosts more than 160,000 school students annually, making the Zoo the largest informal science-based learning organization in the state.

Resting upon 125 acres of the most beautiful urban oasis in the Valley, the Zoo is nestled among the buttes and desert lakes of Papago Park. The Zoo collaborates with many organizations and agencies to help preserve this unique area of the community, while supporting the Parks and Recreation departments of the cities of Phoenix and Tempe and Maricopa County.

The Zoo must continue to offer programs that inspire learning, discovery and adventure. It must stress the relationships between all life on the planet. It must emphasize the role of nature, the environment and man’s responsibility to keep a healthy balance between it all.

From the exhibition of fascinating animals from around the world to the practical applications of interactive learning, the public becomes aware of how individual actions have impact upon the world at the Phoenix Zoo.

To continue this mission, to truly become a World Class Zoo for a World Class City, the Phoenix Zoo needs your support.