The Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals including 200 endangered species and participates in 37 Species Survival Plans (SSPs) to breed and maintain endangered species populations in captivity.
The Phoenix Zoo provides experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world.
The Phoenix Zoo is one of America's most successful, privately-owned, nonprofit zoological parks. It began as the vision of one person, Robert E. Maytag, who worked tirelessly to rally community support on behalf of the Zoo. Unfortunately, Maytag himself did not live to see his dream fulfilled. He died suddenly in March of 1962, six months before its scheduled opening.
When opening day did arrive in November, the new Zoo was christened the "Maytag Zoo" in honor of its founder. Still, the Zoo owes its existence to the support of the entire community. To better acknowledge this partnership, the name was later changed to the "Phoenix Zoo" – at the request of Maytag's heirs.