Happy Holidays and the Latest Developments from Reid Park Zoo
Happy Holidays from all of us at Reid Park Zoo! We hope you are enjoying this peaceful season with your loved ones.
ZooLights continues at the Zoo most evenings through January 5, shining brighter than ever before. We enjoy seeing guests create timeless memories as they stroll through a wonderland of displays, falling snow, live entertainment and festive fun. New this year, you can see the tallest live, decorated tree in southern Arizona at an impressive 36 feet tall and an 18-foot illuminated gingerbread house – perfect backdrops for your holiday photos. You can find information on ZooLights and all the latest Zoo news on our website at ReidParkZoo.org.
Thank You For A Year of Growth
As we reflect on a phenomenal 2024, we have much to be thankful for at Reid Park Zoo. We are grateful to our generous Tucson community whose support continues to make so many accomplishments and improvements possible.
In the past year, you’ve helped the Zoo to upgrade habitats and support systems for the comfort and enrichment of the animals. This includes replacing outdated water equipment with modern technology for species such as our capybaras and elephants – enhancing the pools that they love to splash in and which are an integral part of their social make-up.
We added more shade structures and made barn improvements for our giraffes, as well as expanded the Zoo’s animal wellness program from the smallest dart frog to the largest rhinoceros. As conservation leaders and connectors to the wild, we know it’s imperative that our growth continues to set Reid Park Zoo apart. This ensures we deliver exceptional animal care and education for animals here at home and those around the world. That commitment to animals and conservation drives every action.
At the same time as we’ve been upgrading animal habitats, we’ve also focused on improving the Zoo for guests with new amenities like the World of Play, an adventure zone where kids explore their world and its biodiversity in engaging ways. We welcomed new additions to our Zoo family such as the Linne’s two-toed sloth, blue duikers, white bellied storks, and the recently-opened Big and Small exhibit in our Conservation Learning Center. This engaging exhibit features fascinating animals such as the axolotl highlighting their important role in the ecosystem. We’ve taken action toward greater sustainability throughout Zoo operations, replacing a decrepit main water valve, upgrading restrooms and adding energy and water-conserving features to save over 600,000 gallons of water annually. We are proud this year to have earned the designation as a Tucson Green Business, while also expanding our local and global conservation partnerships.
Construction Updates
Pathway to Asia Progressing
The Pathway to Asia project, which will add 4.5 acres to the Zoo at the site of the old Zoo parking lot, is currently at over 25% completion. Visible progress is taking shape daily. Walls for the red panda, sand cat, and tiger habitats are up, as well as the walls and structure for the new Kasser Family Lotus Pavilion. The Pavilion will provide a dynamic indoor meeting space for private and community gatherings, weddings and events, plus conservation lectures. Each habitat in the new space requires careful configuration and the work of many experts to meet the species-specific needs and enrichment of each animal with just the right temperature, water systems, outdoor and indoor spaces, and climbing or sunning structures. The Pathway to Asia project is expected to be completed with opening planned for 2026.
Lakeshore Lane To Be Closed for Repaving
Please note that the City of Tucson will be repaving Lakeshore Lane on the tentative dates of January 13 to January 30. Guests to Reid Park, The Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center, Reid Park Zoo and Hi-Corbett Field should be aware that Lakeshore Lane will be closed to the public for this construction from 22nd Street up to Camino Campestre and will reopen once paving is completed. The project will fix potholes and other needed street repairs for a safer and improved driving experience.
On the Horizon
60 Wild Years– Zoo Celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2025
From a small collection of barnyard species to a modern conservation facility housing more than 400 animals from around the world, Reid Park Zoo has undergone a dramatic transformation from its humble beginning in 1965 to today. We are excited to mark the Zoo’s 60th anniversary in 2025 with a kick-off celebration for the community on March 1 and 2. We hope you’ll join us for a weekend of activities, including $6 off admission for Tucson residents, special tours, zoo keeper presentations, local conservation partner tables, enrichment making, creation of a giant mural, and entertainment.
Share Your Memories
In preparation for the 60th Anniversary celebration, Reid Park Zoo is collecting old photographs and stories from our Zoo visitors that will be featured in various Zoo publications as well as a Memory Wall that will be on view throughout 2025. Do you have a special memory of visiting the Zoo? A memory of meeting a favorite animal? We would love to hear about your experiences.
If you have a memory or photo you would like to share, please send it to: marketing@reidparkzoo.org or a hard copy to Reid Park Zoo Marketing Department, 1030 South Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716. Be sure to include your name, address and email so we can be sure to credit you or to return your materials.
Thank you for being part of the Zoo’s continued journey and for your care in protecting wild animals and wild places.