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A private nonprofit zoo spread across 125 acres, where you can pet a stingray, feed a giraffe, and ride a camel before anyone in your group agrees on what to see next. Five trails loop through over 1,300 animals, and the Red Barn Petting Zoo handles the younger crowd's demands nicely. Bikes and roller blades are welcome, which says a lot about how far you'll walk. Zoo Lights draws a faithful crowd every holiday season.
Three honors, in evidence:
The record strongest first
- Phoenix New Times 2025 · Best Zoo · Best of Phoenix
- Phoenix New Times 2023 · Best Zoo · Best of Phoenix
- Phoenix New Times 2024 · Best Zoo · Best of Phoenix
One number, weighted & current 55
How we score
Nearby in the record closest first
- Hole in the Rock Do · 55
- Desert Botanical Garden Do · 56
- Lou’s at Papago Golf Eat · 73
- Le Girls Do · 36
- Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights Do · 54
- Nutowne Saloon Beer Bar Eat · 36
- Marquee Theatre Do · 44
- The Stockyards Western Steakhouse Eat · 80
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