Reid Park Zoo

Infobox zoo
zoo_name=Reid Park Zoo
logo=Reidparkzoo.gif
logo_width=200px
date_opened=1965
location=Tucson, Arizona, USA
area=17 s (69,000 m²)
members=AZA
website=http://www.tucsonzoo.org/

The Reid Park Zoo, founded in 1975, is a city-owned and operated non-profit zoo in Tucson, Arizona. The zoo features more than 500 animals over 17 acres of land. It was unofficially established in 1965 by Gene Reid, the parks and recreation director of the time. [cite web|url=http://www.tucsonzoo.org/who_we_are_2.html |title=Who We Are |accessdate=2006-08-15 | author = Reid Park Zoo ]

Attractions

Reid Park Zoo consists of four zones that are organized by the types of habitats and animals they house. The Adaptation Zone houses animals such as the Polar Bear and Aldabra Giant Tortoise, the South American Animals zone houses animals such as the Jaguar and Spectacled Bear, the Asian Animals zone features animals such as the Muntjac and Gibbon, and the African Animals zone features animals such as the Lion and Giraffe. [cite web|url=http://www.tucsonzoo.org/animals_our_collection_2.html |title=Animals |accessdate=2006-08-15|author = Reid Park Zoo ] A large aviary entitled "Flight Connection" hosts dozens of species of birds from Australia, Africa, and Asia.

Medical facilities

Reid Park Zoo has the unique ability to treat animals with cancer using radiation therapy and heat therapy. Through a partnership with the University of Arizona Cancer Center, radiation oncologists can treat animals, such as a Galapagos Tortoise in 1983, that are transported to the zoo from all over the country. [cite news| title=Tortoise Gets Cancer Treatment At 'Galapagos Hilton'|date=1983-06-23 | author = Arthur H. Rotstein | publisher=Associated Press]

Expansion

Multiple plans are in place for expanding Reid Park Zoo to serve the growing population of Tucson. On July 20, 2006, Reid Park Zoo announced that they would expanding to construct a larger Elephant habitat. The zoo obtained an additional seven acres from its host, Reid Park. [cite web|url=http://www.fox11az.com/news/local/stories/kmsb-20060720-odonnel-jc.6cdd9e3.html |title=Reid Park Zoo: escape to an oasis in the desert |accessdate=2006-08-15|author = Ryan O'Donnell ] In mid-September, the zoo plans to begin construction on a US$4 million Conservation Learning Center that will replace the existing education center. The zoo plans for the new Center to be eligible for a "platinum" certification from the United States Green Building Council. [cite web|url=http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/139401 |title= Zoo project a model of conservation |accessdate=2006-08-15 | author = Danielle Sottosanti ]

Effects of activism

Early in 2006, a group of local activists called Save Tucson Elephants lobbied the city to move Reid Park Zoo's two elephants, Connie and Shaba, to a sanctuary in Tennessee. However, the city council decided instead to raise funds to build a new elephant enclosure. The reason they decided to go ahead with the expansion plans was because of the overwhelming support of thousands of the publics signatures to keep the elephants in Tucson which far outweighed the activists whose aim is to close all zoos [cite news| title=Tucson officials want elephants to stay despite opposition. | date=2006-04-07 |publisher=Associated Press]

References

External links

* [http://www.tucsonzoo.org/ Reid Park Zoo Website]