Arizona Places: Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary

At 102° today it would be nice to spend some cool time a bit north of Phoenix.  Prescott is just about an hour up Interstate 17 and at least 10 to 15° cooler.  While this weekend will be down to 99° in the Valley of the Sun Prescott will still feel a whole lot cooler.  Why not make a visit there?

The Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, formerly known as Heritage Park Zoo, is a non-profit wildlife sanctuary, dedicated to the conservation and protection of native and exotic animals. Located in scenic Prescott, Arizona, the sanctuary provides a source of recreation, education and entertainment for all ages. With the mission of "Conservation through Education," Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary provides a unique and up-close experience with animals visitors may see nowhere else. Animals at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary all have a story and lesson to teach.

Situated on ten acres north of Prescott and overlooking Willow Lake, the sanctuary has many opportunities for visitors including a covered picnic pavilion, a children’s playground, and large, naturally landscaped enclosures for the animals with paths that allow visitors the opportunity to get an up-close and personal view of them. One of the most interesting exhibits, and one which is unique to the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, is the Tarantula Grotto.  There are also two interactive enclosures: Wallaby Walk-About and Kiwanis Korner Animal Encounter.

This organization relies heavily on a large body of devoted volunteers to keep the sanctuary running. Volunteer opportunities include: assisting with landscaping and construction projects, helping in the animal care department, working in the gift shop, and participating in the docent and educational outreach programs. The sanctuary hosts a number of special events throughout the year, such as Zoofest, Eggstravaganza, Boo at the Zoo, moonlight events and Zoo Camp for kids.

Currently under construction is a 2,600 sq. ft. state-of-the-art Reptile House, which will be home to countless species including a 13 ft. Burmese Python; gila monster; geckos; skinks; iguanas; crocodilians and monitor lizards.

Other members of the sanctuary’s collection include a tiger who came from a zoo in Nebraska that lost its permits; an American Black Bear who came to the sanctuary as a cub when his mother was illegally shot by a hunter; a gray fox who was rescued as a youngster from the Phoenix area where she found alone and half drowned near a pool,; and a mountain lion who was confiscated through a joint effort between HPZS and AZ Game and Fish, after she was found being kept illegally as a pet in Arizona.

Located: 1403 Heritage Park Road, Prescott, Arizona 86301 (877) 778-6008 http://www.heritageparkzoo.org

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your Air Conditioning repair or replacement needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you get cooled off! Call 623-388-4436

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