Phoenix Zoo

455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA

Address:	455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
Phone:	+1 602-286-3800
Site:	phoenixzoo.org
Rating:	4.4
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 6

Emily Booth

My husband, our two children, and myself all go to the zoo maybe once a week. First, the membership is a great deal for our family. If we ever need out of the house, the expense is already paid and there is so much for our young children to do and enjoy. Second, we bring our own food because of our dietary restrictions and cross contamination, however, the location of the zoo is decent and you can eat there or go around the area. The food and drinks there are expensive, however. Third, the animals people comment on sleeping and being alone or depressed: the sign by the eagles states that their wings were broken and they will never fly again. This is their life now. The branches are positioned so they can get up and down, however, it is life. The lions and tigers sleep for 18 or more hours a day, because that is natural for them. There are other animals there like the elephant who is not alone but swaying is part of their behavior. It is normal. So these animals are doing what is natural. Aside from the animals, there are two splash pads, one for much smaller children with a very small play area, and the caves for older children. These are both fun places and my kids love to go after a day at the zoo. Gets them worn out for home, also. There is an area for kids to play away from the splash pads, and there is a small petting zoo. There are attractions you have to pay to use, like the sting ray bay and feeding giraffes, or he train if you buy a basic membership. All in all, I think it is a great place and family area for fun and education.

Danielle Mitten

My family and I love the Phoenix zoo. Have been many times. Lots to do and lots to see. In fact today we discovered a part of the zoo we hadnt even seen before. The only recommendations I would like to make is we paid 10$ extra for the "all access" bands, but you really dont get "all access". The carousel is extra, the camel is extra, it only includes the train and movie specifically which is understandable in terms of costs, but it shouldnt be called an all access band if thats the case. The other recommendation I would like to make is that only one of the food places out of the entire park was open today, no snack stands were open at all, and it was a very busy day for the park. Additionally, there werent really any healthy options for people who have dietary needs. Even the chicken wrap offered on the menu at the farm cafe had fried breading. The only thing I could safely consume at the park was the fruit salad. It would be really nice if more places offered vegetarian options. I hate being vegetarian, but have no choice. The black bean burger doesnt come with wheat bread so I didnt want to pay 7$ only to be able to eat the burger patty. I know companies cant customize everything for everyone, that would be ridiculous, but just one healthy meal option would be very much appreciated.

Matt Read

The issue with this zoo is entrance into the zoo. There were two large lines that filtered into smaller lines. After waiting in line for a considerable period of time, our spot finally moved to a point where we split into 3 smaller lines. Once we got into that line a group that just arrived and had not been in line walked up right behind us. They began to explain that we didnt have to wait in the long line and we should have just walked up like them. From the time we arrived in the parking lot until we finally walked through the zoo gate was approximately 50 minutes. If someone at this zoo reads this, I would recommend having associates out front directing foot traffic so people know where the lines are and how they work. To make matters worse, when we finally got to a window to buy a ticket there did not appear to be any urgency on the part of the cashier. She even attempted to up-sell us twice with different packages instead of getting the line moving. The best part of the zoo was the zoo itself. It is a large location with many animals to visit and we had a great time once we got in. The negative comments about entering in the zoo can easily be worked upon and no one should anticipate the same experience we had.

Brittany Burns

My husband and I bought two value tickets and we didnt get to do everything thats included in the value ticket because of the lack of information upon purchasing. We purchased the value ticket because it advertised that it had everything that we were interested in doing that day for a fairly reasonable price, but we were not aware that you arent guaranteed a spot for each of the activities even though you already paid for it. You have to go to another end of the park to "get your ticket" for the 4D film and the train ride though you got a ticket before entering the zoo. We waited in line and jumped on the train only to be told that we needed to get a ticket to ride the train... We arrived at noon and werent guaranteed a spot until 3 PM at the earliest. By that time, we wouldve already left the zoo. We only did what would be general admission and then petting and feeding the stingrays, though our ticket also included the train ride and the 4D film because the wait time was ridiculous. You would think that once you get your ticket, all of the information youd need would be presented to you at the time of purchase but you arent. Quite confusing and frustrating.

John Humer

First of all Im not one to write reviews,but our experience at the zoo was a disappointment,admission was ok for this time of year,but after gaining entrance and booking our train ride,theatre viewing time it all went down hill,the staff overbooked the train so we were unable to ride it,they said to go back to the ticket counter and rebook,we were then told to go to guest services,they then told us to go back to the booking counter,basicly getting the run around,tried to get a refund and were told they cant do that,so we tried to make the best of it,went on the carousel,kids got hungery,i knew it would be a little spendy but that was fine untill eating options were very few,next time well brig our own food,decided to go to the petting zoo,very far away, kids started getting fusy because things were hard to find,hardly any animals to see and it was nice 83 degrees out,alot of the exhibits were shut down due to construction,its been a while since the last time we visited,but i have to say it was better before all of the building a better zoo,all in all well probably wait until all of the construction is done it may be a better experience then.

E. Blakely

Speaking as an ex volunteer: Ive been with the zoo 3 yrs. First year I lived in AZ and was there weekly. Last 2 years I have been traveling and the zoo and I had an agreement that I could continue to pay my dues, volunteer when in town, and still have a membership. I received my member card the past 2 years no problem although there was an obvious attitude shift with Wayne and a few other office workers when word got out that I was a traveling art (nude) model. I paid no mind to it because I worked in Horticulture where they valued my work ethic and I could avoid the snubbing. I sent an email 2 months ago after there was a problem with my signing in for a shift. I had paid my dues and visited as a member. I was told itd be updated and allowed entrance that day without issue. Today I tried to take my family and was told because I havent met my volunteer hours, I was no longer an active volunteer despite having paid my dues for this year and the agreement in place the past 2 years. Waynes solution was to get a refund of my dues. Clearly, I am no longer welcome. Shameful.