BIG CATS OF ARIZONA
More than $3.8 million was raised to build a brand-new habitat with ample space for mountain lions and jaguars. The two jaguars, Species Survival Plan participants which ensures healthy zoo populations, will get a habitat increase by more than double their current living situation. The pair of mountain lions’ – sisters found as abandoned orphans in South Dakota – will get a new space approximately five-times the size of their current home.
The Big Cats of Arizona habitat will facilitate guest viewing unlike current habitats on the Arizona Trail. These intriguing desert cats are rarely seen in the wild, so providing viewing from different angles will improve visibility for guests. The habitats will also include educational messaging to explain the historical native ranges of the species and include a water feature for behavioral enrichment. This project will contain a centralized multi-use holding building, allowing flexible use by keepers while providing animal care. The 12-month construction period will begin this summer.
A special thank you to the Arizona Office of Tourism, JoEllen Doornbos, Art Pearce Family, the Grubb Family, Richard and Susan Burnham and the Ullman Foundation and the many other donors who have graciously donated to this project.
Project Renderings
Designed by WEDDLE GILMORE Black Rock Studio
ARIZONA OFFICE OF TOURISM
VISIT ARIZONA INITIATIVE
This grant program, was rolled out to support projects that directly support jobs in the travel and hospitality sectors and increase Arizona Tourism. In September of 2021, the Zoo was awarded $768,000 for the $3.2 million Big Cats project, with the challenge that the Zoo raise the remaining funds needed by September of 2023.
The Zoo has surpassed the fundraising goal and the 12-month construction period will begin this summer.
For more information on this exciting project, please contact Christopher Gutierrez at cgutierrez@phoenixzoo.org or 602.914.4362.
BIG CATS OF ARIZONA
Located on the Arizona Trail, this new exhibit will feature Arizona’s intriguing desert cats – the mountain lion and jaguar.
Vacated existing exhibits will allow for introduction of new species: the clouded leopard and ocelot.
The bald eagles and coati will have new homes, relocated within the Arizona Trail.
The Pride Campaign Projects
Predator Passage
(in progress!)
Asian Realm
Predator Passage
(in progress!)
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 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, these creatures are among the most entertaining of Africa’s small mammals. Upon completion, a group (also known as a mob) of these charming 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.
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 exotic species to the desert environment of Papago Park.
Asian Realm
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.
Improving the Zoo | Completed Projects
PARKING LOT RENOVATION AND EXPANSION
A Model of Sustainability through a Partnership with our City and our Community
This important project was made possible by the City of Phoenix Capital Improvement Program funds combined with donated materials and labor from local companies and individuals. The new park lot added 573 new parking spaces. The existing 1,200 parking lot was repaved, re-striped and added walking paths. Additionally, more than 200 new native trees for natural shade were planted, installment of new high-efficiency and dark-sky appropriate LED lights, new shaded bus stop and eight shade structures salvaged from the Phoenix Suns Arena, a 20-bay shaded Solar Car Recharge Facility donated by SRP (to be installed in December and new entry monument signage will be featured on at both Galvin and Van Buren entrances (in early 2023).
WETLANDS BOARDWALK IMPROVEMENTS
Improvements to our Wetland Boardwalk at the alligator exhibit include adding rope netting along the sides of the walkway and mesh to the ramada as safety enhancements.
New Shade Structures
We can’t get enough of shade here in the desert! Several shade structures have been added throughout the Zoo. Starting in front of the Zoo for our school groups and a shade structure installed at Plaza de los Ninos. Thank you to SRP for funding these shade structures. Additionally, the Zoo was given several very large shade structures that were formerly at the Phoenix Suns arena and are now installed in the Zoo’s parking lots.
New Pygmy-Owl Exhibit
The cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl was historically found in Arizona as far north as the Phoenix region. Once listed as Endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, the pygmy-owl is currently considered a Species of Greatest Conservation need in Arizona. The Zoo is part of a pilot breeding program for cactus ferruginous pygmy-owls, which was started by Wild At Heart Raptor Rescue in 2006, and works in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Arizona Game & Fish Department. The cactus ferruginous pygmy owl can now be seen in the Arizona Trail Aviary. Thank you to Michael Goodman for funding this project.
Howler Monkey Exhibit Renovation
Renovation of the howler monkey exhibit, located on the Tropics Trail was completed. New mesh, shade cloths and new perching was installed. Finishing it off with repainting of the exhibit.
NEW AND IMPROVED WALKWAYS AT THE NINA MASON PULLIAM CHILDRENS TRAIL
Operations worked hard this past year renovating and beautifying our walkways.
The Team removed and replaced approximately 3,000 square feet of concrete that was in need of repair.
building a future
The Phoenix Zoo is a non-profit organization that receives no government operating subsidy. It relies solely on earned income and philanthropic support. Of the $15.3 million campaign total, $1.5 million will be restricted to a permanent endowment to support operational and maintenance expenses of these new expanded projects.
For more information, contact Lorraine Frias at 602.914.4322.
