Offering intimate and varied views of the planet’s largest lizard – all within a tropical-themed environment – the new Komodo dragon experience will be like nothing else at the Phoenix Zoo.

The exhibit design will feature two separate viewing areas, providing glimpses into a Komodo dragon’s dual existence on both land and in water. This concept of varied environments presents opportunities for a diverse and repeatable guest experience.

An immersive tropical setting with myriad educational components and exciting views of an amazing animal, the Komodo dragon experience will become an instant favorite of Zoo guests.

Bornean orangutans have called the Phoenix Zoo home virtually since it opened in 1962. Duchess, one of the oldest orangutans in the United States, is the matriarch of a unique family that resides at the Zoo. And this family desperately needs a new home.

The new Orangutan Experience will feature the Choices & Challenges that orangutans face in the wild, while providing choices of viewing to guests and challenging them to learn more about this incredible species. Featuring two very distinct and exciting habitats, as well as a climate-controlled Interpretive Center, this new exhibit will be truly World Class.

The experience of entering the Phoenix Zoo should inspire excitement and anticipation while transporting guests from the urban setting of the Valley to a world of natural wonder. The Zoo’s new Entry Oasis experience will not only expedite the entrance transaction – including new levels of VIP service for members – but also provide comfort and a few exhilarating surprises during the process.

After strolling across a renovated bridge, guests can either move through improved turnstiles or enter through a new Members Entrance. Both members and daily guests will then emerge onto a redefined pathway providing unencumbered views of the Endangered Species Carousel and the giraffes of the African Savanna just beyond.

With this new Entry Oasis, every guest arriving will immediately recognize that they are in for a vibrant, fascinating and World Class experience at the Phoenix Zoo.

Providing comfortable and professional working, training and meeting space for Zoo staff and volunteers is a critical need to create a World Class Zoo for a World Class City. A new administrative headquarters will present the opportunity to showcase the Zoo’s commitment to conservation and green practices.

Two separate buildings will house much of the administrative staff while providing space for volunteer training and staffing. The spaces surrounding these two buildings create an outdoor courtyard for employee gathering and additional training and meeting space. It will be a showcase for innovation and conservation.

The new tiger exhibit will help create a spectacular new signature experience area as guests can wander down a tropical path to find views of this amazing tiger to the right and then the majesty of one of the world’s largest mammals, the Asian elephant, to their left. Up-close, intimate viewing is the key for both the tigers and elephants, providing a truly impressive perspective on two of the planet’s most impressive species.

The new state-of-the-art holding facilities will allow the Phoenix Zoo to care for up to six of these incredibly rare tigers, becoming a key participant in the international SSP (Species Survival Plan) that monitors and manages the breeding of all endangered species in zoos worldwide. The Sumatran Tiger Experience will exemplify World Class for years to come.

The Zoo’s new Lake Overlook Education and Event Facility, located on a hill adjacent to the Zoo’s main lake, will be an incredibly versatile facility. It will provide educational, entertainment and event capabilities currently unavailable at the Zoo. With the new Sumatran tiger exhibit also adjacent, the Lake Overlook will provide a unique opportunity to incorporate an animal viewing experience with its educational and corporate functions.

Providing varied experiences, finding multiple uses for the same space, creating revenue opportunities to support operations and educational programming is a truly unique approach befitting a World Class Zoo for a World Class City.