Special Event

Tails & Trails: Desert CSI (Critter Scene Investigators)

Join Maricopa County Park Rangers and Phoenix Zoo Outreach staff on a wild search to find out what desert animals have crossed our path. Whether you're a biologist conducting research or just an amateur wildlife watcher, tracks, scat, feathers, fur, and lots of other evidence found at a "critter-scene" can be revealing and helpful. Come ready to learn and help investigate the clues that animals leave behind, go home an expert Critter Scene Investigator!

San Tan Mountain Regional Park
March 20, 2010, 9 - 11 a.m.

Calling all animal detectives … Can you crack the case? What is this? Who did it? Where did they go?

If you've ever wanted to be a CSI - a Critter Scene Investigator - now is your chance!

Maricopa County Park Rangers and the Phoenix Zoo Outreach staff have teamed up to provide this wild experience. We will start with a live animal presentation by the Phoenix Zoo that will get you ready for the adventure. Next you'll explore a secret area of the park looking for clues like bones, tracks, and scat. We will use our CSI skills to decide what elusive critter has been there. Who knows what will be around the next corner!

Appropriate for ages 7-12 years accompanied by caregiver(s). This special program will allow young children with their families to explore the Sonoran Desert and have an up-close experience with the animals that call this wonderful environment "home."

Program Information: 
Participants will have a program confirmation sheet sent to them via mail or email.  When arriving at the park, participants will need to show their printed confirmation sheet for entrance and will then be directed to the program location. Once at the location, guests will check-in at a registration table and receive further instructions.

Fees –

Phoenix Zoo members and Maricopa County P & R Annual Pass Holders:

Adult    $5 

Child     $12

Nonmembers:

Adult    $8

Child    $12 

Call The Phoenix Zoo Reservations office to make reservations 602.914.4333.

Refund/Cancellation Information:

*For the SAN TAN PROGRAM - After 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 18, 2010.

The event tickets become non-refundable and credit will not be given towards any other Phoenix Zoo or Maricopa County Parks and Recreation fee-based program.

If Phoenix Zoo or Maricopa County Parks and Recreation cancel the program, refunds will be given in full.

If inclement weather dictates that the program be cancelled, participants may choose to attend the program on a rescheduled date or receive a full refund.

Info for program participants:

• Children must be accompanied by caregiver(s). This is not a drop-off program.
• Program participants MUST wear close toe shoes.
• We anticipate warm temperatures, please bring plenty of water!
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.) is recommended.
• While pets are typically allowed in the parks, please leave them at home during this visit - no pets allowed at the program.
• Participants will be sitting on the ground for the first part of the program for the Phoenix Zoo animal presentation – participants are welcome to bring a blanket or camp chair for comfort.
• Participants will have a confirmation sheet sent to them via mail or email. When arriving at the park, participants will need to show their confirmation sheet for entrance and will then be directed to the program location. Once at the location, guests will check-in at a registration table and receive further instructions.
• Uneven terrain on the trail is not conducive to strollers and wheelchairs. Please be prepared to walk unassisted.
• Consider bringing your lunch and enjoying a picnic in the park once the program concludes