Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park began as a small bird-breeding operation on just 5 acres in Glendale, Arizona, started by teacher Mickey Ollson. In 1973, Ollson purchased 25 acres in nearby Litchfield Park, and the zoo opened to the public there in 1984, growing steadily over the following decades as it acquired surrounding land.
Today the facility covers roughly 215 acres and holds Arizona’s largest collection of exotic animals, with a particular focus on African and South American species. It has expanded well beyond a traditional zoo, adding an aquarium in 2008, a Safari Park in 2014, and the ride-filled Adventureland in 2016, making it one of the most complete wildlife and entertainment destinations in the Phoenix area.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Litchfield Park, Arizona (near Phoenix)
- Opened: 1984
- Size: About 215 acres
- Species: About 600 species, roughly 3,000 animals
- Aquarium volume: About 180,000 US gallons
- Annual visitors: About 500,000
- Famous for: Arizona’s largest collection of exotic animals
The Zoo and Aquarium Experience
Visitors can explore the grounds by foot, or take a roughly 0.6-mile safari train ride, a boat tour through an Australian-themed habitat, or a tram through the African habitat area. The Wildlife World Aquarium, one of Arizona’s first public aquariums, houses both saltwater and freshwater species, including sea lions and several penguin varieties, within a total tank system of about 180,000 gallons.
The zoo also runs a baby animal nursery with exhibits that change weekly, giving repeat visitors a reason to come back throughout the year to see newly born or hand-raised animals up close.
Safari Park and Adventureland
The Safari Park, added in 2014, expanded the property with more open-range style animal viewing, while Adventureland, opened in 2016, introduced amusement-style attractions including a roller coaster, a zip line, and swing rides, blending traditional zoo exhibits with theme-park entertainment.
This combination of animal exhibits, aquarium life, and family rides has made Wildlife World Zoo one of the more diversified wildlife attractions in the Southwest, appealing to visitors looking for more than just a walk-through zoo experience.
Explore more: Explore more zoos and aquariums.
Wildlife World Zoo FAQs
When did Wildlife World Zoo open?
The zoo opened to the public in 1984 in Litchfield Park, Arizona, after starting as a small bird-breeding farm in Glendale in the years prior.
How big is Wildlife World Zoo?
The zoo covers about 215 acres and is home to roughly 3,000 animals representing about 600 species.
Does Wildlife World Zoo have an aquarium?
Yes, the Wildlife World Aquarium opened in 2008 and holds saltwater and freshwater species, including sea lions and penguins, across about 180,000 gallons of tank volume.
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Photo: Kirs10 at English Wikipedia / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.