Wildlife World Zoo Explained

Zoo Name:Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium
Location:Litchfield Park, Arizona, United States
Date Opened:1984 (Zoo)
2008 (Aquarium)
Num Species:600
Num Animals:3,000
Total Tank Vol:180000gal
Annual Visitors:500,000

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium is a 215acres zoo[1] 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 0.6miles "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 180000gal.

The latest section, "Adventureland", opened in February 2016. This added, four rides, and a restaurant. Separately a new Mexican restaurant, "Zooberto's", was opened.

Sections of the zoo

Safari ParkA 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.

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.

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 in Glendale, Arizona. In 1973 Ollson purchased 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.[2] The aquarium opened in 2008, and the Safari Park and "American Adventure" opened in 2014.[3]

Baby Animal Nursery

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

Notes and References

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