Everything you need to know about Wildlife World Zoo and how to save money when you go - AZCentral.com

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At Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park, guests will find the state's largest collection of exotic and endangered animals with more than 600 species and 6,000 animals. Get up close with some of the residents at the kids' petting zoo, or thrill-seekers can enjoy 10 rides.

For families looking for a wild, adventurous day, the zoo has plenty to do on this 215-acre space. But before you go, here are some of the biggest highlights and tips to know. 

Top attractions

There are several attractions that guests can see, but here are some of the top things to do.

1. Baby animal nursery: They're so tiny and so cute. Who wouldn't want to get a close look at the zoo's youngest residents? The little animals on display change from week to week and month to month. Call 623-935-9453 to learn which animals will be there.

2. Feed animals: There are plenty of ways for guests to interact with some of the animals. At the Kids' Petting Zoo, children can meet and feed axis deer, baby goats, chickens and more. Guests can also feed giraffes from a 12-foot platform or feed and pet a stingray. And families can feed apple slices to Lories, a breed of parrots with brush-tipped tongues, while the birds perch on guests' arms.

3. Wildlife Encounters and shows: Take a load off and enjoy Wildlife Encounters, a show that highlights animals' natural behaviors led by educational zoo staff three times a day. Guests can also watch sea lions do tricks with trainers at Shipwreck Cove two times per day. After the show, step up to feed the sea lions.

4. Aquarium: This facility has a four-building aquarium filled with hundreds of fish, amphibians and more. The zoo boasts that the South Pacific Reef tunnel tank is the longest acrylic tunnel in Arizona.

5. Safari Park: A new expansion brings the size of this attraction to about 25 acres. Guests can see African lions, a variety of African birds and other various animals including three white rhinos from South Africa. Take a tram ride through several animal exhibits or walk around the park.

6. DragonWorld: There are large acrylic panels with underwater views to see a giant saltwater crocodile and a rare white alligator. Of course, there are also snakes, insects, iguanas and lizards.

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How to get there

The zoo is located at 16501 W. Northern Ave. in Litchfield Park off Loop 303. The Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park's website lists multiple ways to get to there.

From the north: Take I-17 to Loop 101 West. Exit 101 at Northern Avenue and head west 8 miles, which turns into Northern Parkway. Exit Northern at Sarival, turn left and then turn right at Northern.

Guests can also take Loop 303 south and exit Northern Parkway. Turn left, turn right onto Reems Road and then turn right onto Northern Avenue. Take this for two miles to the main entrance.

From the east: Take I-10 west to Loop 101 north. Exit 101 at Northern Avenue and head left 8 miles where Northern Avenue becomes Northern Parkway. Exit Northern at Sarival Exit 1. Turn left onto Sarival and go south for half a mile.

From the west: Take I-10 east to Loop 303 and go north. Exit 303 at Northern Avenue and head right toward the main entrance.

Guests should arrive at the front gates for entry or ticket sales and not the administrative offices.

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Discounted tickets

For daytime admission, tickets are $41.50 plus tax for adults 13 and up, and it's $23 plus tax for children 3-12. Kids 2 years old and younger get free admission.

There is a $2 discount per person for groups of 10 people or more, but it can't be combined with other offers. Seniors get $5 off every Tuesday, and there is a AAA discount for $5 off per person for the names on the card with a valid card.

Coupons for $5 off admission per person for up to four people at Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park also come in the mail with other coupons. 

The parking is free, and gift shops and food service is available. Stroller rentals are $8 while wheelchair rentals are $20. Public bird feedings and Wildlife Encounter Shows are included with admission, but the rides are an additional charge. Most of the rides are $6 per person, but the carousel is $3.50 per person and the 650-foot long zip line is $15 per person.

If interested, guests can buy a membership, which includes free unlimited zoo and aquarium admission all year. Members also get 10 percent off all purchases in the gift shop and one complimentary pass with each adult membership. Adult memberships are $150 each while children memberships for ages 3-12 are $75 each.

Best time to visit the zoo

The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the aquarium is open from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. each day year-round. Yes, that includes holidays.

Staff recommends walking the zoo first and then seeing the aquarium to cap off the day's adventure, especially during the hot Arizona summers.

Contact Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park for more details at 623-232-8741 or visit wildlifeworld.com.