Founded by Robert Maytag in 1962, Phoenix Zoo is the biggest non-profit privately owned zoo in the States. Located in Papago Park, the zoo has more than 1,400 animals and contains 2.5 miles of walking trails that stretch between four thematic areas: The Arizona Trail with plants and animals from the American Southwest, the Africa Trail with African habitats and animals, the Tropics Trail, which is a rainforest with its associated species, and the Children's Trail with a petting zoo. One of the zoo's most successful conservation projects was Operation Oryx, which eventually permitted the reintroduction of the Arabian oryx into the wild after they had been on the brink of extinction.
Phoenix Zoo, 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008-3431, Phone: 602-286-3800
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