If you are looking for a fun day trip outside of Scottsdale, take a drive and visit the Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium. Located in the West Valley in Litchfield Park, AZ, the Wildlife Zoo is home to thousands of animals and fish from all over the world.
The original development was the Wildlife Zoo section, where you can follow the long loop and see everything from lemurs to lions and meerkats to monkeys.
- - Want to interact with giraffes? Simply head up onto the viewing deck and feed them with special food available for purchase.
- - Want to get even more hands on? Head over to the children's petting zoo or to the Lory Parrot feeding.
- - Not afraid of getting wet? Touch and explore slipper lobsters and starfish or feed the rays at the hands-on exhibits. (Food available for purchase.)
- - Special exhibits include the Small Mammals of the World and a Reptile Collection.
There are also a few specialty adventures for an additional fee. One of the rides we really enjoyed was the African Safari Train. Once you board, you will be taken into a large area that resembles the plains of Africa dotted with many native African animals and birds. There is also an Australian boat ride where you can see kangaroos and emus. If you like aerial views, you can take an aerial Skyride that takes you over the park.
In addition to the petting zoo, there is also a large playground area and carousel for little ones.
The aquarium opened at the end of 2008 and it has added another exiting dimension to an already exciting Zoo. Several buildings house the aquarium and the diversity of species is fabulous. From large sharks to tiny seahorses and an albino alligator, there is something for everyone. To see the aquarium in a whole new way, buy your tickets for the log ride and hop on. Part of the ride includes going through a tunnel that cuts through the aquarium so you can enjoy the fish as you pass by.
There is an onsite restaurant called Tiburon, where you can watch the sharks swim by as you eat, as well as a few food and drink spots sprinkled throughout the park.
The Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium is great way for both young and old to spend the day. Plus, the aquarium stays open until 10PM.
More Information:
Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium
16501 W. Northern Ave.
Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
623-935-WILD (9453)
http://www.wildlifeworld.com/
Zoo Hours: 9AM to 6PM.
Aquarium Hours: 9AM to 10PM
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