Wildlife World vs. Phoenix Zoo (Glendale, Chandler: coupons, cost, food)

[Ponderosa]

Don't forget Dillons at WWZ either. It's a cool place to have dinner among the sharks.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by ReadyFreddy

I've never been to WWZ but I like supporting the Phoenix Zoo since it's non-profit. Not sure about WWZ but I always thought it was a commercial enterprise. I'm not sure how I feel about that.

The Phx Zoo is expensive for a one-day pass but consider an annual pass (probably about the cost of 3 days). It's tax deductible and supporting a good organization. It's a nice place just to take a walk or to let kids play on playgrounds.

Agree with this. An annual pass is well worth it, just to have a lovely place to take a walk and see some great animal exhibits. I'm not sure what I think about "for profit" zoos either, but I've always liked the Phoenix Zoo atmosphere.

[Finger Laker]

not sure why anyone would have problems with a for profit zoo .... except that you can expect to maybe pay a little bit more

WWZ is more expensive (just shy of $10 more expensive per ticket) - however, it's very easy to come across tickets that will save you $4-$5 per ticket

both have a variety of free & pay attractions

what is nice is that some of the animal encounters are free (or just the cost for food - bring quarters) ..... the PZ charges $4/pp for their giraffe encounter - you don't pay any extra at WWZ

PZ charges a buck to see the stingrays and $2 for a single serving of food ($5 for 3 pieces) ..... the WWZ doesn't charge extra to go to the tank and "pet" the rays - a 3 piece feeding costs $3

A really cool free feature of the PV is the trail through the monkey habitat

This would be balanced by the WWZ which has free bird feedings within their exhibits a couple of times a day (feeding apples to lory parrots)

WWZ charges a variety of money for different activities (sky ride, log flume ride, train, boat ride, etc)

I think the PZ feels a little more "polished" and the WWZ a little more "rustic" - however, I would give a slight edge to the WWZ for non-aquarium animals and then when you throw in the aquarium it really tilts the scales

However, it's a matter if that slight difference is worth an extra 30-40 minutes coming from chandler and the extra $5-$10

[stephen431]

The sheer number of animals at WWZ makes them the better zoo for me. It's not a "pretty" zoo. The "lot of chain link fence" comment is still accurate. You won't see many sculpted habitats, but you will usually be only a few feet away from the animals. They have a ton of big animals, a lot of jungle cats, and a huge number of birds. The aquarium isn't very pretty either. It looks like it was built by the same guy who built the Mystery Castle, but it's filled with a lot of sea life.

Phoenix Zoo is an okay zoo. The animals there have far more room in their enclosures than they do at WWZ. This is likely better for the animals, but it means the zoo has less wildlife, and sometimes you will look at an exhibit and won't be able to see any animals in it. With the exception of the petting zoo, stingray tank, reptile house, and small monkey habitat, you will usually be a good distance away from the animals. If you go to PZ I recommend bringing binoculars, especially for the bighorn sheep exhibit.

If you're looking for a truly excellent zoo, take a day trip to the Sonora Desert Museum sometime. It focuses strictly on Sonoran wildlife and geology, and it does a great job with both.

[ReadyFreddy]

not sure why anyone would have problems with a for profit zoo

It just seems a little ethically wrong to me to cage wild animals and show them for a profit. To have one local, non-profit zoo seems justified for education purposes, especially when they're heavy into conservation. I don't know if WWZ or for profit zoos do this but it seems like they would be more likely to support poachers or use questionable breeding, to boost profits. Or spend less on enrichment, health care, etc. Kind of like the circus model. But who knows, I've never looked into it.

Phx Zoo is $50/adult/year ($30 for the 2nd adult) for membership, tax deductible. WWZ is $100/adult.

[goolsbyjazz]

This truly depends on what you're looking for. Both zoos have their strengths. Wildlife has a decent little aquarium that is nice. It's also more of a "natural" zoo environment lacking the concrete of the Phoenix zoo. However, for location and modern amenities the Phoenix zoo may be the way to go. Again, it depends on what you are looking for.

[jimj]

Wow, glad this thread popped up! We live just down the road from WW and enjoy driving by and looking at the birds and other critters you can see from the road but we've never been inside.
I used to work for Marine World/Africa USA (CA) many years ago and enjoy a nice aquarium, the last one we saw was in Chattanooga TN (3 story tall tanks). We'll have to stop by WW now and check it out.

[Finger Laker]

If you want just the aquarium I would recommend going at night - they drop about $10 off the admission for an "aquarium only" ticket .... but it starts at night (think around 5) and will give you a few hours to work your way through

the dillons restaurant will give you some view - with the highlight being views of the shark tank from the dining room and the costs aren't inflated from their normal prices ..... however, you can't go from the restaurant into the actual aquarium portions without a ticket

[Kentstate57]

Interesting. We first went to WW years and years ago when they first opened - 90's? Talked about going back but never have. This discussion has wet the appetite again. Need to look around for some discount tickets tho. Anyone know of any?

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Kentstate57

Interesting. We first went to WW years and years ago when they first opened - 90's? Talked about going back but never have. This discussion has wet the appetite again. Need to look around for some discount tickets tho. Anyone know of any?

If you have an Entertainment Book, or know someone who has one, there should be a two for one coupon in there.