Reid Park Zoo

What Reid Park Zoo does

Reid Park Zoo operates a 24-acre municipal zoological facility located within Gene C. Reid Park in Tucson, Arizona, housing over 400 animals from around the world. Founded in 1965 and owned by the City of Tucson, the zoo functions as a public educational and recreational attraction delivering animal exhibits, conservation programs, and community engagement. Core physical infrastructure includes the LEED Platinum-certified Lee H. Brown Family Conservation Learning Center (the first in Southern Arizona), the Elephant Care Center, the Animal Health Center, and the recently completed Welcome Plaza (2022), World of Play adventure zone (2023), and Sloth Habitat (2023). The zoo features sustainable building systems including solar arrays partnered with Tucson Electric Power, water harvesting and grey water capture, and composting programs in collaboration with City of Tucson Environmental Services and University of Arizona Compost Cats. A major Pathway to Asia expansion is under construction for late 2026 opening.

The business model is a diversified direct-to-consumer operation spanning one-time admissions ($9–$12.75 tiered by age), recurring annual memberships (individual, family, corporate, and social service tiers), behind-the-scenes animal experiences ($30–$130), Zoo Adventure Programs (ZAP) and outreach education ($9.25–$300), private event hosting and venue rentals (birthday parties at $34/person, weddings and corporate events accommodating 15 to 1,000+ guests via Craft Culinary Concepts), gift shop and online merchandise (MuzeMerch partnership), on-site dining (Flamingo Grill), and a symbolic Adopt an Animal subscription program ($30–$300). Distribution operates through on-site gate sales, online ticketing via Blackbaud, bulk ticket requests for groups of 20+, and the Act One Culture Pass program with Pima County Public Library (130 free weekly passes). The zoo is funded in part by a voter-approved one-tenth of one percent sales tax (November 2017) supplementing earned revenue.

The zoo serves multiple customer segments including families with children (primary), K-12 schools (including free Title I programs), SNAP/WIC participants (with $6.25 discount), tourists and local residents, and private event hosts. Conservation activity is substantive: Reid Park Zoo leads the SAFE: Andean Highland Flamingo program, participates in AZA Species Survival Plans across numerous species, and maintains partnerships with over 25 international and regional conservation organizations, a long-standing Tanzania Conservation Research Program (protecting over 2 million acres around Tarangire National Park), and University of Arizona LEEP primate research. The zoo holds AZA accreditation, LEED Platinum certification, and Local First Arizona Green Business certification (April 2024). Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed.

Name

Reid Park Zoo

Legal name

Reid Park Zoo

Website

https://reidparkzoo.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Reid Park Zoo is a 24-acre municipal zoological facility in Tucson, Arizona, housing 400+ animals and serving families, K-12 schools, tourists, and event hosts through admissions, memberships, education programs, behind-the-scenes experiences, and venue rentals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Zoological Park Services

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens (Educational Collections) (THAJADAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Museum, Zoo & Attraction Gift Shops (CRALAJAG), Education & Community Outreach (Responsible Pet Ownership) (BPAGAIAK)

Keywords

• Zoological park operations
• Wildlife conservation programs
• Animal education services
• Membership admission services
• Private event venues

Headquarters

HQ city

Tucson

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. General Admission Tickets: Daytime admission tickets sold online and at the gate. Adults $12.75, Seniors $10.75, Children $9, Children 0-1 free. Zoo Members receive unlimited free daytime admission.
2. Membership Program: Annual membership program offering unlimited daytime admission, member discounts on events, and other benefits. Includes individual, family, corporate, and social service membership tiers.
3. Education Programs: Revenue from paid education programs including Zoo Adventure Programs (ZAP) for school field trips at $9.25 per person, behind-the-scenes tours ranging from $30-$130 per person, outreach programs at $300 per program, and virtual programs at $75 per session.
4. Private Events and Venue Rentals: Birthday parties ($34 per person), weddings, corporate events, holiday parties with catering provided by Craft Culinary Concepts. Multiple venue options including Event Garden, Expedition Tanzania, Pachyderm Patio, and Conservation Learning Center spaces.
5. Gift Shop Sales: Discover the Wild Gift Shop offering souvenirs, plush animals (some made from 100% recycled material), eco-friendly products, and online shopping through MuzeMerch partnership. Portion of sales benefits the zoo.
6. Dining Services: Flamingo Grill restaurant and snack carts providing food service, with Craft Culinary Concepts as the on-site catering partner for private events.
7. Animal Adoption Program: Symbolic animal adoption packages: Parent Partner ($30/year), Keeper's Korner ($60/year), Wildlife Associate ($150/year), Conservation Advocate ($300/year). Includes certificates, plush animals, admission passes, and exclusive experiences.
8. Rides and Attractions: Reid Park Zoo Railway at $4 per guest, Cox Wildlife Carousel, and Giraffe Encounter platform fees ($100) plus $5 per person for private events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Reid Park Zoo operates a 24-acre municipal zoological facility in Tucson, Arizona, housing over 400 animals from around the world. The zoo sells daytime admission tickets and annual memberships, offers behind-the-scenes animal experiences, education programs for K-12 schools and families, private event venue rentals, and operates on-site dining and retail. Revenue also comes from symbolic animal adoptions and community access programs for underserved families.

Product overview

Reid Park Zoo is a 24-acre zoological facility in Tucson, Arizona, housing over 400 animals from around the world. The zoo operates as a traditional zoological institution offering admission-based access to animal exhibits and chargeable experiences. Core revenue products include daytime admission tickets and annual memberships. The experience portfolio comprises paid add-on activities (Behind-the-Scenes Tours, Zoo Railway, Wildlife Carousel, Giraffe Encounters) and complimentary offerings (Keeper Chats, Photo Experiences, Zoo Cams, Audio Tours). Education offerings include Zoo Adventure Programs (ZAP) for schools, outreach programs, virtual programs, and summer camps. Event services encompass birthday parties, weddings, corporate events, and venue rentals across multiple spaces including the upcoming Kasser Family Lotus Pavilion. Conservation programs include the Adopt an Animal initiative and community access discounts. The World of Play provides interactive nature-based play areas. Major expansion Pathway to Asia (opening 2026) will add new habitats and the first-ever reptile house. The zoo does not operate a technology platform or software product.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Daytime Admission Tickets General admission to Reid Park Zoo for daytime visitors. Adults (ages 15-61): $12.75, Seniors (62+): $10.75, Children (2-14): $9, Children (0-1): Free. Free for Zoo Members.
• Zoo Membership Program Annual membership tiers providing unlimited daytime admission, member discounts, and benefits. Includes Individual, Dual, Family, Zoo Parent, Corporate, and Social Service options.
• Behind-the-Scenes Experiences Semi-private guided experiences with animals including Elephant Experience ($130), Specialty Behind-the-Scenes with grizzly bear or lions ($65), Rhino Experience ($35), Giraffe, Anteater, Goat, Giant Tortoise, Animal Care and Nutrition, and Ambassador Animal Encounter tours.
• Zoo Adventure Program (ZAP) 45-minute interactive educational sessions with live animal ambassadors covering habitats, adaptations, locomotion, animal wellness, conservation, and endangered species. Designed for K-12 school groups and families at $9.25 per person.
• School Field Trips Self-guided and educator-led field trip experiences for K-12 students. Self-guided trips are free with 30-day advance booking; educator-led ZAP programs are $9.25 per person aligned with science standards.
• Virtual Programs Remote educational offerings including virtual Zoo Adventure Programs ($75 per 45-minute session), pre-recorded virtual zoo tours (free), and private virtual animal visits ($40). Aligned with state and federal science standards.
• Zoo to You Outreach Programs Off-site education programs bringing live animal ambassadors to schools, libraries, and community organizations within 20 miles of the zoo. $300 per program with topics including habitats, adaptations, locomotion, and conservation.
• Adopt an Animal Program Symbolic animal adoption with four tiers: Parent Partner ($30/year), Keeper's Korner ($60/year), Wildlife Associate ($150/year), and Conservation Advocate ($300/year). Includes certificates, plush animals, admission passes, and exclusive experiences.
• Birthday Party Packages Hosted birthday celebrations including venue, catering by Craft Culinary Concepts, wildlife carousel rides, animal encounter add-ons, and party decorations. Starting at $34 per person with a minimum of 15 guests.
• Wedding and Event Venue Rental Private event hosting for ceremonies and receptions across multiple venues including Event Garden (up to 900 guests), Expedition Tanzania, Pachyderm Patio, Conservation Learning Center Deck, and Flamingo Lagoon. Catering provided through Craft Culinary Concepts.
• Reid Park Zoo Railway Train ride located inside the zoo (May-February) and outside front gates (March-April) past animal habitats or Gene C. Reid Park pond. Features spacious cars and wheelchair-accessible caboose at $4 per guest.
• Giraffe Encounter Interactive feeding experience allowing guests to hand-feed giraffes from an elevated platform, available daily with seasonal schedule variations.
• Community Access Programs Discounted admission and free programs for low-income and underserved communities, including SNAP/WIC discount ($6.25 off), free self-guided field trips, Zoo Adventure Programs for Title I schools, and Act One Culture Pass partnership with Pima County Public Library (130 free passes weekly).
• Pathway to Asia Expansion Major zoo expansion opening late 2026 connecting Tucson to animals of Asia, featuring new habitats and the first-ever reptile house at the zoo.
• Kasser Family Lotus Pavilion Indoor event center with Thailand-inspired architecture opening 2026, featuring climate-controlled interior, outdoor garden, A/V setup, and catering kitchen with capacity for 250 guests.
• World of Play Adventure Zone Interactive nature play zone featuring Antarctic ice cave, rainforest, redwoods, and spider climber areas, designed for children of all ages and physical abilities.
• Discover the Wild Gift Shop On-site gift shop in Welcome Plaza offering souvenirs, plush animals (including recycled material options), clothing, and eco-friendly products, with online shopping available through MuzeMerch partnership.
• Flamingo Grill Dining On-site dining facility offering burgers, sandwiches, pizza, snacks, and beverages located within the zoo grounds.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 400 animals from around the world housed at the zoo
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Craft Culinary ConceptscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOn-site catering partner providing food service for the Flamingo Grill, private events, birthday parties, weddings, and corporate events. Craft Culinary supports the Reid Park Zoological Society's mission and is committed to environmentally responsible business practices and conservation efforts.
• Tucson Electric Power (TEP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSolar array partnerships installed at the Conservation Learning Center, Elephant Care Center, Animal Health Center, and staff parking lot. TEP donated solar panels that produce clean energy feeding back into the TEP power grid.
• ecocellminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCell phone recycling partnership to recapture lithium and other minerals from old devices, reducing need for mining in flamingo habitats. Proceeds support the SAFE: Andean Highland Flamingo conservation program.
• City of Tucson Environmental ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for the FoodCycle composting program with University of Arizona Compost Cats. All food scraps from the zoo's kitchen and staff lunches are composted. Animal waste from herbivores is picked up weekly and brought to the Los Reales Compost Facility.
• TerracycleminorOthersPartnership for recycling food and medical-grade gloves used in animal care. These gloves cannot be recycled through the City of Tucson Blue Bin program, so the zoo uses Terracycle for proper recycling.
• Local BeekeepersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to humanely trap and relocate bees that establish hives on zoo grounds. 12 bee boxes placed around zoo grounds, then relocated to the beekeeper's farm to support native plant pollination and food crops.
• Tanzania Conservation Research Program (Charles and Lara Foley)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTwo-decade partnership supporting elephant conservation in Tanzania. Work includes creating habitat corridors for elephants around Tarangire National Park, collaborating with local communities. Over 2 million acres of habitat protected.
• University of Arizona - Laboratory for the Evolutionary Endocrinology of Primates (LEEP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership collecting data from lemurs in Madagascar to understand parental care, stress responses, and climate impacts on lemur thermoregulation through gut microbiome and thyroid studies.
• SAFE: Andean Highland FlamingocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReid Park Zoo serves as the program leader for this AZA SAFE initiative, coordinating funding for research in the Andean Highlands on Chilean, James', and Andean flamingo species, and managing all education and conservation materials across AZA zoos.
• Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccreditation body and conservation network. Reid Park Zoo participates in Species Survival Plans (SSP) and SAFE programs coordinated through AZA for responsible breeding and animal placement decisions.
• Act One / Pima County Public LibrarycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCulture Pass program providing 130 free daytime admission passes weekly to library cardholders, promoting cultural access across Tucson institutions.
• Local First ArizonaminorOthersOrganization that certified Reid Park Zoo as a Green Business in April 2024, recognizing environmental sustainability practices.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Blank Park Zoo: AZA-accredited mid-sized zoo in Des Moines, Iowa. Comparable in scale, accreditation status, education programming, and community-focused revenue mix including memberships and special events.
• Phoenix Zoo: Mid-sized AZA-accredited zoo in Phoenix (~125 acres, 1,500+ animals). Most directly comparable peer in Arizona, sharing accreditation, conservation programs, and educational offerings, though larger and serving a bigger metro area.
• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: AZA-accredited mid-sized zoo in Colorado Springs with comparable animal count and focus on up-close animal encounters (giraffe feeding, elephant experiences). Directly comparable for behind-the-scenes and premium experience monetization strategy.
• Como Park Zoo and Conservatory: Municipal zoo in St. Paul, MN with similar scale and free/subsidized admission model. Comparable as a publicly-supported zoo of similar footprint and educational/community focus.
• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: Tucson-based zoological institution combining zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum elements. Highly comparable as a regional Southwest attraction of similar scale and educational mission, competing directly for local tourism and family visits.

Broad incumbents

• Houston Zoo: One of the most-visited zoos in the US, AZA-accredited, with similar educational programming, behind-the-scenes experiences, and conservation partnerships. Sets benchmarks for operational scale and visitor monetization.
• Denver Zoo: AZA-accredited zoo in Denver, CO, larger than Reid Park with similar mix of animal exhibits, education programs, and conservation focus. Relevant comparable for membership, events, and capital expansion strategies.
• Smithsonian's National Zoo: Federally-operated zoo in Washington, D.C., free to enter and focused on conservation, education, and research. Comparable for education programming and SSP/SAFE participation, though its funding model is fundamentally different (federal).
• San Diego Zoo: World-renowned zoological institution and global brand in zoological conservation. Much larger and more established, sets the standard for animal exhibits, conservation programs, and visitor experiences that mid-sized peers like Reid Park benchmark against.

Regional players

• Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park: Arizona-based zoological attraction (Litchfield Park) offering zoo, aquarium, and safari park experiences. Comparable as an Arizona competitor for regional tourism and family visits, though more commercially oriented.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PL1PfgTVS3XCCYMrftApMVDrt-xBB4H46e
• Xx.com/ReidParkZoo
• Facebookfacebook.com/ReidParkZoo

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Reid Park Zoo