News & Media
Dragons Have Landed at the Phoenix Zoo
Spectacular new dragon exhibit to open as part of
PHOENIX (November 4, 2009) – It's no fairy tale: the Phoenix Zoo announces the grand opening of Land of the Dragons, one of the most highly anticipated exhibit experiences resulting from the zoo's Capital Campaign, which began in late 2008. Guests will not encounter mythical creatures, but instead will meet members of the world's largest lizard species, the Komodo dragon. Featuring a wide range of viewing opportunities in a natural tropical setting, Land of the Dragons will open to the public on
Located along the Zoo's Tropics Trail, this state of the art exhibit will lend insight into the amphibious nature of these unique and fascinating creatures. Guests can choose different vantage points to see the animals on land or in the water. A myriad of educational components will also be integrated throughout the experience, which was designed by WDM Architects.
"It's been years since the zoo has built an animal exhibit of this magnitude, " says
The Phoenix Zoo's Capital Campaign launched last year with a goal of raising $20 million by 2012. The intent is to create "A World Class Zoo for a
Although this unique exhibit is the first Capital Campaign expansion to date, several other zoo projects are well underway. The zoo is currently updating infrastructure systems, including water and fire lines, to ensure the health and safety of its guests. Harmony Farm has been re-graded for better drainage, and the adjoining Children's Trail will receive new concrete paving for improved access and
"We are thrilled with the progress that has been made so far, " says Castro. "We still have several projects on the table, of course, but are encouraged by the response we've received from the community and other financial supporters."
According to Castro, a new $5 million orangutan holding facility and exhibit tops the priority list. As a vanishing species, the orangutans at the Phoenix Zoo require an upgraded environment for continued accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Program – a program developed to help ensure the survival of selected species in zoos and aquariums, most of which are threatened or endangered in the wild. The zoo has raised $2.9 million in commitments but needs additional funding to begin construction. Castro hopes to have the balance in place by spring 2010.
Additional projects on the docket include:
§ A new Front Entry Oasis, designed to immediately engage guests upon entrance and provide a connection to nature
§ A state of the art volunteer and staff headquarters, built to LEED platinum standards
§ New meeting rooms and classrooms overlooking the main lake area
"Phoenix is emerging as a modern, vibrant city and needs a zoo that reflects its world class status, " says Ed Fox, Campaign Co-Chair. "All the planned improvements are intended to create an engaging, interactive zoo experience for a 21st century audience."
"We're grateful for the contributions that the Capital Campaign has already received, " Tom Ambrose, Campaign Co-Chair adds. "It's a huge undertaking, and we invite all those interested to join the effort in elevating the zoo to a new level."
About the
The Phoenix Zoo is a non-profit zoological park that serves 1.5 million guests annually. Home to more than 1, 300 animals and many endangered and threatened species, the zoo is dedicated to inspiring people to live in ways that promote the well being of the natural world.
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