| Date opened | 1965 |
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| Location | Tucson, Arizona, USA |
| Land area | 17 acres (6.9 ha) |
| Number of animals | 500+ |
| Memberships | AZA[1] |
| Website | www.tucsonzoo.org |
The Reid Park Zoo, founded in 1967, is a 17-acre (6.9 ha) city-owned and operated non-profit zoo in Tucson, Arizona. The zoo features more than 500 animals. It was unofficially established in 1965 by Gene Reid, the parks and recreation director at the time.[2]
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Reid Park Zoo consists of four zones that are organized by the types of habitats and animals they house. The Adaptation Zone houses animals such as the Polar Bear and Aldabra Giant Tortoise, the South American Animals zone houses animals such as the Jaguar and Spectacled Bear, the Asian Animals zone features animals such as the Muntjac and Gibbon, and the African Animals zone features animals such as the Lion and Giraffe.[3] A large aviary named "Flight Connection" hosts dozens of species of birds from Australia, Africa, and Asia.
Asia
South America
South American Aviary
Africa
Adaption Zone
Flight Connection Aviary
Reid Park Zoo has the unique ability to treat animals with cancer using radiation therapy and heat therapy. Through a partnership with the University of Arizona Cancer Center, radiation oncologists can treat animals, such as a Galapagos Tortoise in 1983, that are transported to the zoo from all over the country.[4]
Multiple plans are in place for expanding Reid Park Zoo to serve the growing population of Tucson. On July 20, 2006, Reid Park Zoo announced that they would expanding to construct a larger Elephant habitat. The zoo obtained an additional 7 acres (28,000 m2) from its host, Reid Park.[5] In mid-September, the zoo plans to begin construction on a US$4 million Conservation Learning Center that will replace the existing education center. The zoo plans for the new Center to be eligible for a "platinum" certification from the United States Green Building Council.[6]
Early in 2006, a group of local activists named "Save Tucson Elephants" lobbied the city to move Reid Park Zoo's two elephants, Connie and Shaba, to a sanctuary in Tennessee. However, the city council decided instead to raise funds to build a new elephant enclosure. The council was influenced by public petitions to keep the elephants in Tucson.[7]
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