Arizona’s 215-Acre Safari Park Lets You Get Surprisingly Close To Giraffes, Zebras And Much More
Pulling into the parking lot I can already hear the chatter of excited kids and the distant calls of animals that sound nothing like the usual desert critters. I’m always on the lookout for unique experiences that bring me closer to the wildlife I adore.
And, let me tell you, I just found the ultimate spot in Arizona that’s going to blow your mind! Imagine a beautiful park, surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery, when suddenly you find yourself face-to-face with a curious giraffe or a playful zebra.
It’s not a dream, folks! This incredible 215-acre safari park is a real thing, and I’m thrilled to share all the juicy details with you.
The promise of feeding giraffes, touching stingrays, and hopping on a safari tram convinced me to make the drive, and I left plotting my return visit before I even reached my car.
A Zoo That Never Closes Its Gates
Walking up to the entrance, I noticed the steady stream of families, couples, and school groups all eager to start their day, and it hit me that this place operates 365 days a year without a single day off.
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park sits at 16501 W Northern Ave, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340, and opens its gates every morning at 9 AM, closing at 6 PM throughout the week.
That kind of reliability means I can plan a visit on a random Tuesday in February or even on Christmas Day without worrying about closures.
The sheer size of the property means I spent close to six hours exploring and still missed a few corners. Dirt pathways wind through the animal exhibits, so I wore sturdy sneakers and kept a water bottle handy, especially during the warmer months.
The zoo blends traditional animal enclosures with aquarium buildings and a handful of rides, creating a hybrid experience that feels different from any other zoo I have visited in Arizona.
Free parking spreads across grass lots and paved areas, and I appreciated not having to budget extra for a parking fee after already paying admission.
Safari Tram Ride Through The Wild Side
Climbing aboard the safari tram felt like stepping into a completely different park, one where the animals roam larger spaces and I got close enough to count the stripes on a zebra without leaving my seat.
The tram winds through the back section of the property, offering narrated tours led by knowledgeable guides who point out lions lounging in the shade, giraffes stretching their necks, and other exotic creatures that call this place home.
I appreciated the break from walking, especially after covering miles of dirt paths earlier in the day.
The ride lasts about 20 minutes, and I found myself leaning over the side to snap photos of animals that seemed just as curious about us as we were about them. One guide named Kiera shared fun facts about the animals, their diets, and the conservation efforts happening behind the scenes.
The tram is included with general admission, which makes it an easy addition to any visit. I recommend timing your ride for mid-morning or late afternoon when the animals tend to be more active and visible, rather than hiding from the midday heat.
Aquarium Buildings Full Of Ocean Magic
Stepping from the Arizona sun into the cool, dimly lit aquarium buildings felt like teleporting to an underwater world where sharks glide overhead and stingrays circle beneath my fingertips.
The park includes four separate aquarium structures, each housing different marine habitats and species. I spent time in the touch tanks, where stingrays glided under my hand, their smooth skin surprisingly soft and cool.
The larger tanks hold sharks, sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish that swirl in coordinated patterns. One of the restaurants, Dillons BBQ, sits adjacent to a massive aquarium, so I ate my lunch while watching fish swim past the glass, which added an unexpected layer of entertainment to my meal.
The aquarium buildings also provide a welcome escape from the heat, making them the perfect midday stop when the outdoor exhibits feel too warm. I noticed families rotating between the outdoor zoo areas and the air-conditioned aquariums throughout the day, which seemed like a smart strategy.
The touch tanks cost a small additional fee, but I found the experience worth it, especially when my niece squealed with delight as a stingray brushed her palm.
Giraffe Feeding Tower And Other Animal Encounters
Reaching out with a handful of leafy greens and feeling a giraffe’s long tongue wrap around my fingers ranks among the most memorable moments of my entire visit.
The giraffe feeding tower stands tall near the center of the park, and I climbed the ramp to reach the platform where these gentle giants lean in for snacks. Bringing quarters helps, as the food dispensers require coins, and I saw more than one visitor scrambling to make change.
Beyond giraffes, the park offers several other animal encounters, including a lory parrot feeding area where colorful birds land on your arms and shoulders to sip nectar from small cups.
I also watched a capybara encounter where a small group of visitors got to meet and interact with these adorable, oversized rodents up close.
The sea lion show runs multiple times a day and showcases trained sea lions performing tricks, splashing the front rows, and demonstrating their intelligence. I made sure to sit a few rows back to avoid the splash zone, but the kids around me seemed thrilled to get soaked.
These encounters add layers of engagement that go beyond simply observing animals from a distance.
Kangaroo Walkabout And Roaming Peacocks
Strolling through the kangaroo walkabout, I found myself just a few feet away from resting kangaroos, some with tiny joeys peeking out from their pouches, and I had to remind myself not to reach out and pet them without permission.
The walkabout allows visitors to enter the kangaroo habitat and observe these Australian marsupials up close in a setting that feels more natural than a traditional zoo enclosure. I watched one kangaroo hop lazily across the path, completely unbothered by the humans wandering nearby.
Peacocks roam freely throughout the entire park, their iridescent feathers catching the sunlight as they strut past benches and snack stands. I nearly tripped over one that decided to stop in the middle of the walkway to preen its tail feathers.
The petting zoo area also offers hands-on time with goats and other farm animals, and I saw plenty of young kids giggling as goats nibbled food pellets from their palms.
These interactive experiences make the park feel less like a place where animals are locked away and more like a space where visitors and creatures share the same environment, even if just for a moment.
Rides, Sky Lifts, And Amusement Park Extras
Dangling in a sky ride gondola high above the animal enclosures gave me a bird’s eye view of the entire zoo, and I spotted exhibits I had completely missed while walking the ground-level paths.
The park includes several rides that add an amusement park twist to the traditional zoo experience. The sky ride glides smoothly over sections of the zoo, offering a peaceful break and a unique perspective on the layout below.
A small roller coaster, a log ride, and a train ride round out the ride offerings, and while they are not as intense as what you would find at a major theme park, they provide fun diversions for families with kids.
I rode the log ride and appreciated the splash of cool water at the end, which felt refreshing in the Arizona heat.
The train circles a portion of the property, giving younger visitors a chance to rest their legs while still seeing animals along the route. These rides are included with admission or available for a small additional fee, depending on the season and park policies.
The combination of zoo, aquarium, and rides makes Wildlife World Zoo feel like three attractions rolled into one sprawling complex.
Planning Your Visit And Insider Tips
Arriving early in the morning gave me a head start on the crowds and allowed me to see the animals when they were most active, before the Arizona sun sent them retreating to shaded corners.
Admission prices hover around $50 per adult when purchased at the gate, but I discovered that buying tickets online, using AAA discounts, military discounts, or coupons from sources like Groupon or Hickman’s egg cartons can knock several dollars off the price.
Memberships pay for themselves after just two visits, which makes sense for locals planning multiple trips throughout the year.
Outside food is technically not allowed, though I saw conflicting reports from visitors, so I recommend checking the current policy before packing a picnic. Several restaurants operate inside the park, including Slice for pizza and Dillons BBQ, and while the food is decent, it comes with theme park pricing.
Bringing quarters for animal food dispensers, wearing comfortable walking shoes, and carrying sunscreen and water bottles will make the day far more enjoyable. The park covers a massive area, so I paced myself and took breaks in the shaded aquarium buildings to avoid exhaustion.