Adventure Brief
Get hands-on with Arizona’s native reptiles, mammals, and more in this intimate 30-minute encounter at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary. Perfect for animal lovers of all ages.
30 minutes
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Get hands-on with Arizona’s native reptiles, mammals, and more in this intimate 30-minute encounter at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary. Perfect for animal lovers of all ages.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
30 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; activity involves listening and light movement.
Wildlife
History
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary was established to provide refuge for injured, orphaned, and non-releasable wildlife, emphasizing education and rehabilitation.
Conservation
The sanctuary actively participates in local conservation efforts, focusing on habitat preservation and public awareness of Arizona’s native species.
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary
Get hands-on with Arizona’s native reptiles, mammals, and more in this intimate 30-minute encounter at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary. Perfect for animal lovers of all ages.
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary in Prescott, Arizona is a community-focused zoological park dedicated to animal care, education, and conservation. The Sanctuary operates year-round and offers a wide range of experiences for families, students, photographers, and event planners. Visitors can attend seasonal events such as WildLights and Holiday Cheers, themed celebrations like Thanksgiving with the Lemurs and Santa with the Animals, and special admission days including Veterans Day and Dollar Day.
Educational programs include ZooLittles preschool sessions, School Guided Tours, School Self-Tours for groups of 10 or more, animal presentations tailored to classroom topics, and outreach visits to schools and senior centers. Hands-on experiences range from Behind the Scenes Photo Tours and Private Behind the Scenes Tours to immersive Keeper for a Day and Junior Keeper for a Day opportunities; several programs require pre-registration to ensure animal welfare and safety.
Venue rentals such as the Pronghorn Deck and Half Pence Pavilion provide outdoor event space with views of Willow Lake, zoo admission options, and support for catering or food trucks. The Sanctuary also offers private guided tours, private animal presentations, and community specials like Free Kids Week and Dollar Day.
All programming emphasizes animal health, safety, and education, and staff-led activities are guided by experienced keepers. The Sanctuary’s calendar blends seasonal festivals, conservation-focused education, and community outreach to create accessible wildlife experiences for Prescott residents and visiting families. Some events, venue rentals, and program fees help support wildlife conservation efforts at the Sanctuary and fund animal care, enrichment, and educational resources.
Location
Prescott, AZ
Park site near Willow Lake
Events & Festivals
Seasonal
WildLights, Holiday Cheers, ZooFest
Educational Programs
School & Youth
Tours, presentations, keeper programs
Private Experiences
Tours & Rentals
Venue rentals and behind-the-scenes
Check event schedules, reserve Keeper for a Day or photo tours, and book venue rentals or school programs to secure preferred dates.
Book Ahead for Small Group Access
Private Animal Presentations accommodate up to nine guests, so reserving early ensures your preferred time slot.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Light, breathable layers work best for indoor and outdoor parts of the sanctuary, especially during warmer months.
Prepare for Hands-On Interaction
Be ready to gently handle select animals; listening carefully to staff instructions helps ensure a safe encounter for both participants and creatures.
All Ages Welcome
This presentation is designed for animal lovers of all ages, making it a great family-friendly activity.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Sturdy shoes help while moving throughout the sanctuary grounds.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen and a hat protect against Arizona’s strong sun during outdoor segments.
spring|summer|fall
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated, especially in warmer months when the desert heat intensifies.
summer|spring|fall
Light Jacket
A warm layer is helpful for cool mornings or during winter visits.
fall|winter