“You Gotta Do this”, is a compilation of the weekly radio Program, hosted by Barry Barbe on KJZA – 90.1.  Each week, we go on a different High Country adventure, as we explore our little corner of the world, and the people and businesses that make it all happen.”

Things have certainly changed since my fist visit to Heritage Park Zoo 13 years ago.  In all honesty, one of the things I remember most about that trip was the three legged lemur.   –  I’m  serious!   This guy was almost out done by the one winged hawk. But, my, how things have changed.

Since that trip, the zoo, which is actually an animal sanctuary, has evolved and grown to attractively fill its’ ten acre parcel.  Keep in mind, that animals at Heritage are not “collected” or “farmed”.  Without Heritage Park Zoo, most of these animals would have no home. 

Heritage houses animals that have been abandoned, mistreated, or injured to the point of not being able to re enter their natural habitat.  Some are “surplus Animals”.  Surplus animals are the result of zoos or individuals having more creatures than they are able to care for, and fortunately, some find their way to Heritage.

Located just minutes from Downtown Prescott, directly across from the main entrance to Embry Riddle University, Heritage Park Zoo is home to over 150 creatures -  Shash the black bear, Abbey, the mountain lion, Onyx and Opal, Quilber and Bandit the raccoon.  Add to that a Special Events Pavilion, a manicured lawn that hosts wedding ceremonies, and an incredible Kids Korner (a mini farm and petting zoo),  provided by the local Kiwanis Club and you have something truly unique and special.

On rather short notice, we had the pleasure of sitting with Events and Marketing Coordinator Heather Brown.  Like many of the employees at the Zoo, Heather started as a volunteer. With a degree in zoology and experience in event planning, this was a perfect fit.

Heather is charged with the task of organizing the many educational, fundraising and private special events at the zoo.  She was also able to pass my “stump the Zoo employee” with most any question asked.

Jumping on board with the Arizona Centennial Celebration, the Zoo is hosting their own event in October that focuses on conservation, “living with your animal neighbors”, and the changes in Arizona wildlife over the last 100 years.

“Merriam’s Elk, The Flat-Billed Parrot and Grizzly Bears are just three of the species that have disappeared from Arizona over the last 100 years.”  stated Brown.  “Taking their place are the European Starling, The Red Eared Slider Turtle, and various species offFish are just a few new inhabitants.” 

Upcoming events include “Boo at the Zoo”, an opportunity for kids young and old to explore the zoo at dusk, while collecting candy.  Breakfast at the Zoo!  - a great way to first enjoy a continental breakfast, and then help the keepers feed and care for the animals as they start their day.

With extremely reasonable entrance fees , $5.00 for the kids, up to $8.00 for adults – this sanctuary is a great way to spend a couple of hours relaxing – and learning.  After all, that’s what this zoo is all about.   

As a 501(C)3, the Zoo relies on fundraising, donations, and gate fees to maintain their operations.  Add to that a slew of volunteers and docents, and you get a glimpse of the organization needed to keep this operation flowing.

I love zoos.  Despite the PC of it, I really like zoos.  And Heritage Park Zoo does it better than anyone I know.  Where else can you spend an afternoon with your kids for under $30.00 and feel like you have the place to yourself?  Trust me, this doesn’t happen in Phoenix, San Diego or Atlanta.  This is why you live in Prescott.

Hannah, Simon and I spent a couple hours walking around the zoo, petting the goats, learning about alpacas, taking pictures of tortoises , doing the walabi walk about, visiting Shash, and “ehwwing” at the reptile room and tarantula grotto.

The only downside?  …Simon announces, “I really wanted to pet the Llama, but he spit at me.”

 …the Heritage Park Zoo – with surplus animals and more…  “You Gotta Do This!”

 Heritage Park Zoo
1403 Heritage Park Road
Prescott, AZ
928-778-4242

www.heritageparkzoo.org  (constantly  being updated)

Open 365 days a year      
Kids $5 – Adults $8 senior discounts and younger ones for free
Group Rates and Zoo Memberships available (Membership is a deal)

Special Thanks to Heather Brown for taking time out to show us around!  -  the zoo is lucky to have you.  

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