Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium
Open since 1984, the Wildlife Zoo & Aquarium boasts Arizona’s largest collection of exotic animals, most of which are from Africa including giraffes, monkeys, wild cats, birds and more. The Wildlife environment offers a more open and natural environment for these animals to live and for visitors to enjoy.
One of the really fantastic experiences while visiting is the giraffe feeding station located high up on a 12-foot platform. The giraffes will come up and eat right out of your hand. Another way to get close to the animals is by attending one of the wildlife encounter shows. At the shows visitors can see birds, animals, reptiles and more.
There are several rides to enjoy including the wildlife sky ride that will take you for a sky high tour of the entire park. Then, take a ride on the African Safari Train through the plains of Africa and see endangered antelope, gazelles, ostriches and more.
The Aquarium portion of this adventure is the newest addition at this attraction. Open since 2008, the new Aquarium contains over 180,000 gallons of water and consists of 75 indoor exhibits featuring fish, mammals, birds, invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles located in three recently completed buildings. Each building has a different title and theme: The Diversity of Life in Water; The Wild and The Wonderful; and Predators. Some of the Aquarium species include: black tip reef sharks, black-footed penguins, eels, stingrays, seahorses, barracuda, jellyfish, Nile and dwarf crocodiles. There are nearly 150 aquatic and semi-aquatic species in all.
There are two restaurants on the grounds, the Tiburón Restaurant and Flamingo Lounge are open to the public (admission to the aquarium not required). The restaurants are open for lunch and dinner daily. The Tiburón Restaurant features a dining room with a view of sharks swimming right past your table. Then menu features a variety of sustainable seafood, steaks, chicken, salad, pasta and decadent desserts with a Southwestern flare. Or, enjoy outdoor seating in the Flamingo Lounge, which overlooks a new water feature with dozens of graceful Caribbean flamingos.
- by Jennifer Pruett, Phoenix Reporter for HelloMetro
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Jennifer PruettA self proclaimed “queen of everything," Jennifer is a writer, planner and passionate lover of making exciting events extra special. As a creative mother of two she loves art, music, family, friends, exotic cuisine and exploring new areas of self improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and has been writing restaurant and attraction reviews in the Phoenix Metro area since January, 2009.
