activities · 24
what they do
direct service · 19
- Animal Care and Habitat Management Wildlife Rescue and RehabilitationCares for over 3,000 animals representing nearly 400 species, including threatened and endangered species. This involves providing specialized care such as shade structures, pools, ice treats, misters, sprinkler showers, mud wallows, cooling rocks, and air-conditioned day rooms to ensure animal comfort and well-being, especially in hot climates.
- Education and Outreach ProgramsDelivers educational programming for learners of all ages, including math and science-based ZooLab and Distance Learning programs for Arizona school districts, classroom support for teachers, adult learner programs, and intergenerational horseback riding experiences.
- Environmental Education ProgramsProvides educational programs and outreach initiatives for learners of all ages, including K-12 students through ZooLab and Distance Learning programs in Arizona school districts, and adult learners. This also includes offering educational support and resources for teachers.
- Environmental Education ProgramsDelivers math and science-based educational programs, including ZooLab and Distance Learning, to students through partnerships with multiple Arizona school districts.
- Equine Programs Youth Equine Education & Camp ProgramsOperates programs that connect people across generations with horses and horseback riding.
- Equine-Assisted Therapeutic Services Adaptive Riding and Horsemanship InstructionProvides therapeutic horseback riding and equine-assisted activities for individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges.
- Public Access and Community EngagementOffers discounted zoo admission to individuals with an Arizona state-issued EBT card (up to four tickets at $10 each on Tuesdays and Sundays) and welcomes nearly 1.4 million guests annually, totaling over 43 million since 1962.
- Species Conservation and Recovery Programs Endangered Species Recovery ProgramsLeads conservation initiatives for imperiled native species such as black-footed ferrets, Chiricahua leopard frogs, narrow-headed gartersnakes, thick-billed parrots, and Mexican wolves, including the historic Operation Oryx program that helped increase the global Arabian oryx population to over 7,000.
- Species Conservation and Recovery Programs Endangered Species Recovery ProgramsEngages in conservation initiatives for imperiled native and global species, including Black-footed ferrets, Chiricahua leopard frogs, narrow-headed gartersnakes, thick-billed parrots, Mexican wolves, and Arabian oryx through Operation Oryx, contributing to the recovery of over 7,000 Arabian oryx worldwide.
- Species-Specific Conservation and Recovery Programs Endangered Species Recovery ProgramsEngages in conservation initiatives for imperiled native and global species, including black-footed ferrets, Chiricahua leopard frogs, narrow-headed gartersnakes, thick-billed parrots, Mexican wolves, and Arabian oryx through Operation Oryx, which has helped increase global populations to over 7,000.
- Wildlife Care and Habitat Management Wildlife Rescue and RehabilitationProvides comprehensive care for over 3,000 animals representing nearly 400 species, including threatened and endangered species, through species-specific environmental enrichment and climate adaptation measures such as cooling pools, misters, shade structures, ice treats, mud wallows, cooling rocks, and air-conditioned day rooms.
- Wildlife Care and Habitat Management Wildlife Rescue and RehabilitationProvides comprehensive care for over 3,000 animals representing nearly 400 species, including threatened and endangered species, through species-specific environmental enrichment and thermoregulation strategies such as cooling pools, misters, shade structures, ice treats, mud wallows, cooling rocks, and air-conditioned day rooms.
- Wildlife Conservation and Species Recovery Programs Endangered Species Recovery ProgramsEngages in global wildlife conservation programs, such as Operation Oryx which led to the recovery of the Arabian oryx, and conducts conservation initiatives for various threatened and endangered species including Black-footed ferrets, Chiricahua leopard frogs, and Mexican wolves. This includes supporting the construction of animal rescue and care centers for injured, orphaned, and trafficked wildlife.
- Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Infrastructure Shelter and Foster Support ServicesSupports the construction of the Doornbos Animal Rescue and Care Center to improve care and rehabilitation capacity for injured, orphaned, and trafficked wildlife.
- Zoo Exhibit Operations Zoo Exhibit and Visitor Experience OperationsOperates major zoo trails and exhibits including the Africa Trail with large predators, the Arizona Trail simulating native ecosystems, and the Tropics Trail featuring the Forest of Uco rainforest exhibit along a one-mile walking path.
- Zoo Operations and Public Access Zoo Exhibit and Visitor Experience OperationsOperates multiple themed animal trails including the Africa Trail, Arizona Trail, and Tropics Trail, welcoming nearly 1.4 million annual guests and offering discounted admission to EBT cardholders for increased accessibility.
- Zoo Operations and Public Exhibits Zoo Exhibit and Visitor Experience OperationsOperates a zoo with various exhibits such as the Africa Trail, Arizona Trail, and Tropics Trail, featuring diverse animal species and simulating native ecosystems. The zoo serves nearly 1.4 million guests annually and offers discounted admission to EBT cardholders.
- Zoo Public Exhibits and Visitor Access Zoo Exhibit and Visitor Experience OperationsOperates multiple themed animal trails including the Africa Trail, Arizona Trail, and Tropics Trail, welcoming nearly 1.4 million guests annually and offering discounted admission to EBT cardholders for increased accessibility.
- Zoo-Based Educational ProgramsOffers a range of educational programs for learners of all ages, including math and science-based ZooLab and Distance Learning programs for Arizona school districts, classroom support for teachers, adult learner programs, and intergenerational horseback riding experiences.
research · 5
- Field Research on Wildlife Movement and Ecology Wildlife Monitoring & Community ScienceConducts long-term field research in the Atascosa Highlands using wildlife camera traps, seasonal data retrieval, and planned environmental DNA sampling from waterways to study mammal ecology and movement patterns, including responses to monsoon variability.
- Field-Based Wildlife Research and Monitoring Wildlife Monitoring & Community ScienceConducts field research using non-invasive tools such as wildlife cameras, acoustic recorders, and AI to study wildlife movement and ecology in Arizona (including the Atascosa Highlands), Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, and other regions, with seasonal data retrieval and plans to collect environmental DNA from waterways.
- Global Wildlife Research Using Non-Invasive Technology Wildlife Monitoring & Community ScienceUses non-invasive tools such as wildlife cameras, acoustic recorders, and artificial intelligence to study wildlife communities across Arizona and international sites including Costa Rica, Colombia, and Mexico.
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring Wildlife Monitoring & Community ScienceConducts field research using non-invasive tools such as wildlife cameras, acoustic recorders, and environmental DNA sampling to study mammal ecology and wildlife movement in Arizona’s Atascosa Highlands and other regions including Costa Rica, Colombia, and Mexico, with seasonal data collection and AI-assisted analysis.
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring Wildlife Monitoring & Community ScienceConducts field research using non-invasive tools like wildlife cameras, acoustic recorders, and artificial intelligence to study wildlife communities in Arizona, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, and other regions. This includes pilot studies and extended monitoring of mammal species in the Atascosa Highlands and plans to collect environmental DNA samples for ecological studies.
strategies · 23
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Accessibility and inclusion through sensory and economic accommodations inclusive_access_initiativeIncreases accessibility to zoo experiences for diverse audiences by offering income-based admission discounts and sensory-inclusive accommodations, ensuring equitable engagement with conservation education.
- Accessibility through income-based admission income-based admission discountIncreases access to zoo experiences for low-income individuals and families by offering admission discounts tied to EBT participation, thereby lowering economic barriers to engagement with conservation education.
- Animal Behavioral Choice Enrichment behavioral_choice_enrichmentThe organization employs diverse methods for animal care, such as providing natural and artificial structures for thermoregulation, to allow animals choice in managing their environment and promoting natural behaviors.
- Behavioral choice and animal welfare-centered exhibit design behavioral-choice_enrichmentDesigns animal habitats and cooling systems to provide behavioral choice, using a combination of natural and artificial structures that support animal autonomy and well-being.
- Behavioral choice and environmental enrichment for animal well-being behavioral-choice_enrichmentThe organization enhances animal welfare by providing multi-method environmental enrichment, including natural and artificial cooling structures, allowing animals agency in thermoregulation and promoting natural behaviors.
- Behavioral choice in animal care behavioral-choice enrichmentSupports animal well-being by providing multiple thermoregulation options—both natural and artificial—allowing animals to exercise behavioral choice in managing their comfort.
- Collaborative and Technology-Assisted Wildlife Conservation collaborative_conservation_researchThe organization conducts collaborative field research and uses non-invasive monitoring technologies and data analysis to assess, protect, and conserve wildlife populations and their habitats, particularly for endangered species in southern Arizona and borderland regions. This includes supporting community-driven conservation efforts.
- Collaborative, science-based conservation and habitat protection collaborative_conservation_researchAdvances wildlife conservation through collaborative field research, habitat assessments, and non-invasive monitoring technologies to study and protect endangered species and their ecosystems, particularly in southern Arizona and borderlands regions.
- Collaborative, science-based field conservation collaborative conservation researchConducts collaborative research and habitat assessments in southern Arizona and borderlands regions, using scientific monitoring and non-invasive technologies to inform conservation strategies and support community-driven efforts.
- Community-driven and collaborative conservation research collaborative_conservation_researchBy conducting collaborative field research, habitat assessments, and employing non-invasive monitoring technologies, the organization advances wildlife conservation in southern Arizona and the borderlands, integrating scientific study with community involvement to protect endangered species and their habitats.
- Experiential and Immersive Education for Conservation experiential_learningThe organization provides hands-on, immersive, and experiential learning opportunities and exhibit designs to engage visitors and students, inspiring them to care for and conserve the natural world and its inhabitants. This approach is applied to both public education and professional training.
- Experiential and immersive education for conservation engagement experiential_education_for_conservationThe organization uses immersive exhibit design and experiential learning programs to engage visitors and learners of all ages, believing that direct, hands-on experiences with animals and nature inspire stewardship and motivate conservation action.
- Experiential conservation education experiential education for conservationUses impactful, hands-on visitor experiences to inspire stewardship and motivate public engagement in the conservation of animals and their habitats.
- Experiential learning and workforce training in wildlife medicine experiential-learningTrains future wildlife veterinarians and researchers through hands-on, collaborative learning in dedicated classrooms and workspaces, emphasizing real-world practice and teamwork.
- Immersive and experiential education for conservation engagement experiential_education_for_conservationUses immersive exhibit design and experiential learning programs to engage visitors and learners of all ages, fostering emotional connections with nature that inspire conservation stewardship.
- Immersive and region-specific habitat emulation for education immersive_exhibit_designDesigns zoo exhibits to authentically emulate native and regional ecosystems, using immersive environments to enhance visitor understanding of local and tropical wildlife and promote conservation awareness.
- Inclusive Accessibility for Diverse Audiences inclusive_accessibilityThe organization strives to make its facilities and experiences accessible to a wider audience by addressing financial barriers through income-based admission discounts and by enhancing accommodations for guests with sensory processing needs.
- Inclusive access through affordability and sensory accommodations inclusive_access_initiativeThe organization increases accessibility to its facilities by offering income-based admission discounts and partnering to provide sensory-inclusive environments, ensuring equitable access for low-income families and guests with sensory processing needs.
- Inclusive guest experiences for sensory-sensitive visitors sensory_inclusive_initiativePartners with KultureCity to implement sensory-inclusive accommodations, improving accessibility and comfort for guests with sensory processing needs through trained staff and specialized tools.
- Integrated animal care and workforce training through observation and collaboration workforce_training_through_collaborative_learningBy providing real-time observation of veterinary procedures and collaborative learning spaces, the organization supports public education and trains future wildlife veterinarians using hands-on, experiential methods in animal health and care.
- Integrated workforce training and veterinary education workforce_training_through_collaborative_learningTrains future wildlife veterinarians and professionals through hands-on, collaborative learning environments, including real-time observation of veterinary procedures and dedicated classroom spaces.
- Public education through real-time animal care observation public-education-through-observationUses indoor viewing and digital displays of live veterinary procedures to educate the public on animal health and care, turning clinical work into an accessible learning experience.
- Therapeutic engagement through equine-assisted activities equine-assisted_therapyUses therapeutic horseback riding and equine-assisted activities to support individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges, leveraging human-animal interaction for therapeutic outcomes.
named programs · 5
what they call their work
Animal Enrichment & Care Programs
Implements various methods to ensure animal comfort, especially during summer heat, including pools, ice treats, misters, sprinkler showers, mud wallows, cooling rocks/slabs, and air-conditioned day rooms.
Educational Programming
Offers innovative educational programs and outreach initiatives for learners of all ages, including math and science-based ZooLab and Distance Learning programs for school districts.
Field Conservation Research
Conducts studies using field cameras and environmental DNA sampling to understand wildlife movement and ecology in areas like the Atascosa Highlands, particularly for species of conservation concern like ocelots.
Veterinary Medical Center
Provides medical care for over 3,000 animals, including advanced diagnostic equipment, surgical facilities, and research space. Also includes classrooms for training wildlife veterinarians and public viewing areas for educational purposes.
Wildlife Recovery and Research Programs
Focuses on boosting wild populations of 10 imperiled Arizona native species through field research and collaboration with universities, conservation organizations, and land managers.
relationships · 11
who they work with
- Arizona Diamondbacks Partner — Supporter of the new veterinary medical center with a donation in the $250,000 to $499,999 range.
- Arizona Game and Fish Department Partner — Collaborates on wildlife monitoring and species identification in southern Arizona.
- Arizona State University Partner — Collaborates through Dr. Jan Schipper on field conservation research in the Atascosa Highlands.
- Association of Zoos and Aquariums Partner — Accrediting body for the Phoenix Zoo
- Doornbos Animal Rescue and Care Center Partner — Collaborating on the construction of a facility to care for injured, orphaned, and trafficked wildlife
- KultureCity Partner — Collaborates with the Phoenix Zoo to improve accessibility for guests with sensory processing needs
- Midwestern University Partner — Supporter of the new veterinary medical center with a donation in the $1,000,000 to $4,999,999 range.
- Phoenix Zoo Partner — Hosts the Horse Hands program on its premises and collaborates in delivering equine-assisted services.
- Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Partner — Supporter of the new veterinary medical center with a donation in the $250,000 to $499,999 range.
- Tohono O’odham Nation Partner — Supporter of the new veterinary medical center with a donation in the $25,000 to $49,999 range.
- University of Arizona Jaguar and Ocelot Monitoring Project Partner — Provides contextual data on ocelot and jaguar presence in southern Arizona.