Wildlife World Zoo

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium is a 215-acre (87 ha) zoo[2] and aquarium in Litchfield Park, Arizona, United States, near Phoenix. The zoo specializes in African and South American animals, and has Arizona's largest collection of exotic animals. It has a 0.6 miles (970 m) "safari train", a boat ride through the Australian habitat, a tram through another segment of the African habitat, and several amusement-oriented rides. Since 2008, it also has an aquarium with a total tank volume of 180,000 US gallons (681,000 L).[1]

Wildlife World Zoo
Wildlife World Zoo
33.5490379°N 112.4127552°W / 33.5490379; -112.4127552
Date opened1984 (Zoo)[1]
2008 (Aquarium)[1]
LocationLitchfield Park, Arizona, United States
Land area215 acres (87 ha)[1]
No. of animals3,000[1]
No. of species600[1]
Total volume of tanks180,000 US gallons (681,000 L)[1]
Annual visitors500,000[1]
Websitewww.wildlifeworld.com

The latest section, "Adventureland", opened in February 2016. This added 15 acres (6.1 ha), four rides, and a restaurant. Separately a new Mexican restaurant, "Zooberto's", was opened.[2]

Sections of the zoo

Dragon World

Dragon World features animal exhibits featuring large ectotherms.

Animals include, Sailfin Dragon, Reticulated Pythons, Dwarf Crocodile, Gila Monster, Green Iguana, and Green Anaconda.[1]

Safari Park

Ostrich in the Safari Park

A 15-acre park featuring an African lion habitat and African birds. Visitors can walk or take a tram through exhibits.

Species in the Safari Park include: Springbok, Spider Monkey, African Lions, Macaws, Capuchin, Fischer's Lovebirds, Sable Antelope, Ostrich, Warthogs, Olive Baboons, Red River Hogs, Ring-tailed Lemur, Spotted Hyena.

Aquarium

The Wildlife World Aquarium is Arizona's first public aquarium, and features salt- and fresh-water species including sea lions and varieties of penguins.

History

Wildlife World Zoo was started as a breeding farm for birds by Mickey Ollson, a teacher, on 5 acres (2.0 ha) in Glendale, Arizona. In 1973 Ollson purchased 25 acres (10 ha) at the current site in Litchfield Park. The zoo grew by breeding and trading animals with other zoos, until 1984 he "essentially had a zoo no one could visit." The zoo opened to the public that year, and continued to grow by purchasing the surrounding property.[3] The aquarium opened in 2008, and the Safari Park and "American Adventure" opened in 2014.[4]

Baby Animal Nursery

There are more than 600 species at Wildlife World. The babies available to view change from week to week.

  • Camels
    Camels
  • Macaws
    Macaws
  • Alpaca
    Alpaca
  • Meerkat
    Meerkat
  • Porcupine
    Porcupine
  • Flamingos
    Flamingos

Notes
  1. "Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium". Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  2. 'Adventureland' opens Feb. 1 at Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park, Josh (February 2016). "'Adventureland' opens Feb. 1 at Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park". ABC15. Scripps TV Station Group. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
  3. Dempsey, Jeff (March 9, 2015). "Zoo's evolution reflects owner's vision". Daily News-Sun. Northwest Valley Newspapers. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
  4. Madrid, David (Mar 22, 2013). "Wildlife World Zoo will see a wild expansion". AZCentral. Arizona Republic. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
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