Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium is a 215-acre (87 ha) zoo[2] 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 0.6 miles (970 m) "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 180,000 US gallons (681,000 L).[1]
The latest section, "Adventureland", opened in February 2016. This added 15 acres (6.1 ha), four rides, and a restaurant. Separately a new Mexican restaurant, "Zooberto's", was opened.[2]
Sections of the zoo
Safari Park entrance
Safari Park
A 15-acre park featuring an African lion habitat and African birds. Visitors can walk or take a tram through exhibits.
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 5 acres (2.0 ha) in Glendale, Arizona. In 1973 Ollson purchased 25 acres (10 ha) 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."[citation needed] The zoo opened to the public that year, and continued to grow by purchasing the surrounding property.[3] The aquarium opened in 2008, and the Safari Park and "American Adventure" opened in 2014.[4]
Baby Animal Nursery
There are more than 600 species at Wildlife World. The babies available to view change from week to week.
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