10/05/09

Wonderful Family Event!

by DaleArleta Volmer

I am an amateur photographer and was thrilled to have the big cats perform so willingly for me on my last visit. I was able to get some exquisite shots of two of the big cats. The male performed for me for nearly 20 minutes & I will send along the pics. Wonderful experience!!

• Pros: So much to see and Photograph
• Cons: Hot in Summer

This combination zoo, botanic garden and museum showcases the delicate balance of life in Sonoran landscapes.

by Contributor

Overview
More a zoo than anything else, the habitats of desert creatures have been perfectly re-created for everything from ants to cougars. Viewing windows and walk-through aviaries give visitors the unique perspective of coming nose to beak with a tiny bird or an overhead view of swimming otters.

The Experience
A two-mile walking path winds through 21-acres of animal, botanic and historical displays. The Riparian Corridor contains playful river otters, beavers and other wetland creatures you may not expect to find the in the desert. Dozens of jewel-colored birds zip through the hummingbird aviary, perhaps the museum's most popular attraction. Visitors should take advantage of the daily demonstrations and docent-led tours. A seasonal flight program involving hawks and owls, educational talks on cacti and interpretive tours explore the best the museum offers.

03/07/03

Excellent!

by lopezm2003

Great place to walk a trail. Take a camera for some nice outdoor and wildlife pictures while there. Bring your sun block!

• Pros: animals, trail, vegetation
• Cons: snack bars, parking problems

01/06/03

top notch museum

by ronstano

This is by far the best Tucson has to offer. It has history, a zoological nature as well as a museum.

09/26/02

And Cardinals too.

by ronald_bruce_hoagland

You could stay all day in this place. It is truly fascinating. I saw several cardinals flying around the area during my visit. This place is a real treat.

• Pros: Interesting
• Cons: Little Pricey

08/27/02

Great Example of Sonoran Desert

by M_kunzmann

The Arizona-Sonora Dese5rt Museum is a great example of the Sonoran Desert and all the critters that live in it!! There is an abundant supply of interpretive exhibits and great restaurants on site. It also has a nice little book store!! So its well worth the trip to a very unusual zoo!!

• Pros: Great animal exhibits, Great Plant informati, Natural settings
• Cons: Can be crowded on hol, Best time is early mo

08/26/02

Not a Zoo

by raulm

I used that title for two reasons - it is not a zoo, in that you won't find the hustle/bustle of a traditional zoo. But, it does contain the animal life of the local desert. I find the winding pathways fun, and that the anmals are kept in an environment that closely resembles the native habitat of the animals. The new Coyote and Peccary pens are a great idea; part of the fun is trying to find these animals. My kids enjoy digging out the faux dinosaur bones as well. It is perfect for people who are new to the desert environment.

• Pros: educational, gift shop

08/21/02

supa' dupa'

by zalabha

The desert museum is beautiful for nature lovers and the inquizative alike.

08/11/02

Lizard Land

by danbricker82

What's better than being able to see a bunch of little and big lizards running around in an open outdoor pen right at the entrance. This museum gives a desciptive history of the desert. Excellent for the family.

08/08/02

BAR NONE THE BEST

by RBO413

BEST EDUCATIONAL TOOL EXPLAINING THE SONORAN REGION WE LIVE IN.

• Pros: Good parking, Fine food, Great views