When visiting Phoenix, the great majority of people think about cactus and attractive desert landscapes, but there's also a world of animal life and nautical elegance waiting to dazzle when visiting these Phoenix area zoos and aquariums.

Animal life World Zoo & Aquarium

Located 20 miles west of Phoenix in Litchfield Park, the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium is probably one of the most unique zoos in Phoenix and the encompassing area. It is also the home of the largest population and spread of animal species of all zoos in Arizona. The Wildlife World Zoo offers a hands on experience where visitors can feed giraffes and Lory Parrots, pet sting rays and touch star fish. You may visit the Children\’s Petting Zoo for a chance to pet and feed adorable baby deer, llamas, goats and other animals. It\’s great fun for children of every age. The Baby Animal Nursery offers visitors the unique chance to view very young members of many animal species.

Aquatic life is prevalent at this Phoenix aquarium. The Wildlife World Aquarium features 3 buildings dedicated to many kinds of fish and other sea life. View sharks, seahorses, star fish and even a Nile Crocodile! It is rather an adventure.

Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo is a privately held non-profit zoological park found in the heart of the city close to the Sky Harbour Aeroport. Voted one of the Top 5 Zoos For Youngsters in the country, it is home to over 1,300 animals that include many endangered wildlife. Thrill to the roaring of African Lions or let yourself be captivated by the snuggly Koala. You might even come head to head with the majestic White Rhinoceros!

Bring the family and enjoy one of the many Specialised Activities hosted at the Phoenix Zoo including the November through January favorite, Zoolights. The Phoenix Zoo also hosts a great choice of all year early childhood and youth programs where youngsters like learning about the animals with a fun, interactive and proactive approach. Come by and experience the expedition that awaits you at the zoo in Phoenix!

Thunderbird Conservation Park

Found on the outskirts of close by Glendale is the Thunderbird Conservation Park. This 1,185-acre conservation park is found in the Hedgpeth Hills just 10 miles from Phoenix and is home to many types of native desert flora and fauna. Activities at the Thunderbird Conservation Park include bird watching and wildlife spotting, trail biking, horseback riding, hiking and a covered picnic area.

Throughout the Thunderbird Conservation Park is a network of 11 trails that total approximately 15 miles of varying difficulty terrain. These multi-use trails can be enjoyed for hiking, pony trekking and cycling and offer glorious possibilities for photos and animal life observation. There are four viewing blinds strategically located near the synthetic lake that offer glorious visibility to areas where more than 50 species of wildlife and birds congregate. Animal life species in the area include: bats, grey fox, kangaroo rats, raccoon, mountain lion, owls, falcons, hawks, gila monsters and lots of other species.