Reid Park Zoo

.Meet the more than 400 animals—rhinos, elephants, anteaters, polar bears, lions, and many more! Adventure in our African, Asian, and South American regions. The Zoo is closed December 25th, and closes early (at noon) on Thanksgiving Day

There is ample free parking near the zoo entrance. The Zoo is located off of Randolph Way, just north of 22nd Street. Randolph Way is the first street west of Alvernon

$6.00 adults ages 15-61
$4.00 seniors ages 62 and over
$2.00 children ages 2-14
FREE for children under 2 years
Reserved school groups $0.50 per child
FREE for members.

900 S. Randolph Way
Tucson, AZ 85716
Hours: 6:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

The entrance to the Reid Park Zoo is hard to miss, look for the large white kite / sail

Tigers are one of only a few species of cats that enjoy water. You may see a tiger in the pool during the hottest part of the day. Reid Park Zoo cooperates with other zoos in a Species Survival Plan for this endangered species. When you see the SSP symbol on an identification sign, you know that zoos are working together to try to save that species.

Elephant: African and Asian elephants are housed together at Reid Park Zoo. See if you can tell which is which. Both of these animals would eat all day, browsing on shrubs and trees, if they lived in their natural habitat. Zoo keepers feed these elephants over 100 pounds of food each day.

White Rhino: Why do you suppose these white rhinoceros have a mud wallow in their habitat? They use the cool, gooey mud to keep the flies away and to protect their skin from sunburn. These impressive animals are just one of the 5 species of rhino, which all are endangered.

Marabou Stork: In the wild, these distinguished looking birds assist with a very important function: cleaning up the remains of dead animals! Not having feathers on their head makes tidying up after a meal a much easier job. The marabou stork spends a great deal of time watching from the top of the rock in this habitat.

Crowned Crane: Why do you think these birds are called CROWNED cranes? Unlike most cranes they live in family groups rather than large flocks. During breeding season, the birds perform intricate courtship rituals, leaping and dancing to attract potential mates.

Giraffe are the tallest of mammals, able to eat the tastiest leaves from the highest branches of the trees. These graceful pacers can run up to 35 miles an hour, and can defend themselves and their young from predators with a single kick.

There is a petting area for the Giraffes, it was not open when we were visiting

  

Polar Bear: The largest of all bear species, the polar bear can reach over 11 feet in height and weigh up to 1,400 pounds.

While we visited the Polar Bear it just swam laps around it's pool

Many of the exhibits feature water to keep temperature down and humidity high for the animals

Lion-Tail Macaque: These primates from India have a well-developed social structure. Watch this group as they move about the exhibit, on the ground, and in the trees. As they interact, you should be able to identify the boss!

Aldabra Tortoise: These massive tortoises from the island of Aldabra have been in the zoo for many years. Tortoises are separated from other turtles by their terrestrial habits, high domed shell, and elephant-like rear legs

 

Aviary: The Flight Connection is a full-flight, walk through aviary. In this exhibit, you can explore some of the interesting aspects of bird life. Each species is also identified on "star-wheel" graphics.

Cockatoo Island is right outside the Aviary

 

These handy photo ID cards are available as you enter the aviary

A friendly Marbled Teal from Asia

Blue Crowned Pigeon (from New Guinea) is the largest of the pigeons and doves and the white and blue Bali Mynah (Asia)

Wattled Starling (africa) and a Nicobar Pigeon (Asia) and a peacock? walking around the aviary

Information along the trail near the Aviary describing the other zoo life (trees) and some behind the scenes information on how they care for the birds at the zoo

Great Hornbill (from Asia) eating and a Spur Winged Plover (from Africa)

A tall bamboo stand near the Flight Connection Aviary. Some Bamboo around the Aviary

    

Mandrill: The male mandrill baboon is special because of the beautiful bright colors on his face. The colors help attract female baboons. These exotic animals are from the rain forests of Africa. Like all primates, they use facial expressions and gestures to communicate with each other.

Lion: These big cats, known as the king of the beasts, spend most of their time napping. They live in social groups called prides, consisting of one adult male and several females with youngsters. As the young animals grow up, the males must leave the group, wandering until they can form a pride of their own.

 

Otter no information on these otters on the Zoo's website..

 

Gibbon: How can you tell a monkey from an ape? The difference is in the tail; monkeys have them, apes don't! These gibbons are the smallest of the apes, and live in large groups. They have a wonderful singing call that serves to keep the troops together.

More of the information and plant life along the trail at the Reid Park Zoo

Each species is identified on "star-wheel" graphics

There are many types of trees and other vegetation at the Reid Park Zoo both in the exhibits and along the trails. They provide shade and cool temperatures. In fact it is very cool in many areas of the zoo even on hot days

Caiman: The caiman is a small relative of mighty alligators and crocodiles. These dwarf caiman are nearly full grown. Unlike mammals, reptiles continue to grow, at a very slow rate, all throughout their lives. These animals arrived at the Reid Park Zoo in 1995 as youngsters. They grew quickly until reaching maturity, and now growth rate is barely perceptible.

 

 this bird was waiting for us to come out of the sunken viewing area for the Caiman

Capybara: Largest of all rodents, the capybara can weigh up to 150 pounds. It is a semi-aquatic animal, spending a great deal of its time in or near the water and grazing on any vegetation within reach

  

Radiated Tortoise

 

Llama: Llamas have been domesticated and used by humans for many purposes. Their hides and fur are used for clothing and rugs. They are also used as pack animals, which is particularly useful in mountainous areas because they are very sure-footed.

Tapir The zoo has nothing to say about this one on it's website.. perhaps it is just food for the lion?

Jaguar: These handsome cats are sisters, born in the Wildlife World Zoo outside of Phoenix. Most animals in zoos today have been bred in captivity and shared with other zoos to allow visitors the privilege of seeing such rare species.

Aviary: A varied collection of South American birds are exhibited in this walk-through aviary. Each is identified on the "star-wheel' graphics.

  

The separate partitioned area of the aviary displays species that might be too aggressive to house with the rest of the collection.

We were able to see this bird as it hatched out of it's egg. We thought it was a large shell for such a little bird, but it was soon evident the extra room was for his ego.

This little bird was very friendly and insisted on many photographs. This is officially the coolest bird at the Reid Park Zoo

Some kind of pink bird that stood there forever waiting to be photographed then ran off as soon as I got the camera ready

Another pink bird in this Aviary that stood on the branch cleaning it's self the entire time we visited the area

  

Flying Warthog seen overhead while walking through the zoo

Macaw: These gorgeous macaws are breathtaking here in the sun. Their bright colors and raucous calls serve to keep troops together in the wild. Many people think these birds make good pets, but try to imagine what that incredible call might sound like in your home before buying one.

  

Pacu, Dwarf Caiman, Yellow Spotted Amazon River Turtle and Plecostomus are all in the Caiman cave

The Caiman cave is a great area where you can see above and below the water at the same time. Watching the Pacu swim is a lot of fun

More photos of the Pacu swimming

Spectacled Bear: Spectacled bears are known for their climbing ability; you may find them at the top of the tallest trees in this exhibit. The only bear found in South America, they are primarily mountain dwellers, eating fruits, insects, and vegetable material. They stay active here at the zoo by swimming, climbing, and searching their exhibit for treats hidden by the zoo keepers.

Anteater: Although the giant anteater eats many ants and termites in the wild, they only feed at each nest for a short while. That way, they ensure there will be a supply of tasty insects for the next meal!

 

Brazil Grille and Restrooms located in the South American Animals area

Zoofari Cafe A variety of snacks, drinks, and lunch options are available at The Zoofari Café.

Food service and gift shopping are available during regular business hours.

There are healthy options along with the snack food at the Zoofari Cafe

Dippin' Dots, A snack bar near the Polar Bears on the far south end of the Reid Park Zoo

 

The Jungle Market at the Reid Park Zoo offers a wide range of souvenirs, books, toys, and clothing. Buying gifts here helps support the zoo, so treat yourself to something each visit

Wheelchairs are available, with a rental fee, at the Jungle Market gift shop with an ID deposit. Single and double strollers are available for daily rental.

The exit is guarded by this little bird on the rock. He chirped goodbye as we left through the gates that took us back to the parking lot