U.S. News Names Sonora Desert Museum​ Among Best Zoos In Nation

TUCSON, AZ — We love the Sonora Desert Museum as much as anyone. And while folks in the Tucson area may not be shy about their fondness for our zoo, it’s always nice to get some national recognition. That’s exactly what happened this week when U.S. News & World Report named our zoo one of the 30 best in America.

• Knowledgeable staff and docents make the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – a multipurpose complex featuring a zoo, a botanical garden, a natural history museum, an aquarium and an art gallery – an educational must-see.
• What's more, the property features 2 miles of walking trails and 56,000 plants. Don't miss the seasonal Raptor Free Flight demonstration and the hummingbird aviary. Also take advantage of the on-site restrooms' complimentary sunscreen, since the facility is 85 percent outdoors.

Other zoos that made the list: The Alaska Zoo in Anchorage, Memphis Zoo in Tennessee, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and the Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde, Arizona.

The Alaska Zoo, which has rescued abandoned and injured animals, features a facility dedicated to teaching visitors about climate change, the report said. It also promotes bear conservation.

Thotse who enjoy imbibing adult drinks will love the Memphis Zoo, which hosts conservation fundraisers including Pints for Pangolins, Wine for Rhinos and Beers for Bears. Because nothing says “I support animals” like tipping back a few boozy beverages.

Being named one of the 30 best zoos in the country is no small feat. According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a nonprofit that represents such facilities across the globe, there are 215 accredited zoos and aquariums in 45 states and Washington, D.C.

Those accredited organizations contributed more than $22.5 billion to the U.S. economy in 2016.

Patch national staffer Dan Hampton contributed to this report.