FriendZ of the Zoo
The FriendZ of the Reid Park Zoo are a group of commuity members who have committed to conservation, outreach, philanthropy, and the continued growth of the Zoo.
ACCESS Members of FriendZ have extended access to the Reid Park Zoo. Their entire household receives free, unlimited access to the Zoo during regular business hours, invitations to special behind-the-scenes tours of Zoo facilities, opportunities to take part in and volunteer at special Zoo events, and much more.
PROGRESS Through an annual gift of $300 or more, FriendZ members help the Reid Park Zoological Society support, advocate for, and enhance the value of Reid Park Zoo to the community.
OUTREACH A portion of each FriendZ members’ dues are used to provide sponsored, no-cost, annual Zoo memberships for families served by Child & Family Resources, a non-profit group dedicated to servicing under-privileged Tucson households. By providing Zoo access as a resource, we can encourage healthy, whole-family activities that educate as well as entertain.
For more information, please call the Reid Park Zoological Society office at (520)881-4753 or join online by making a general donation of $250 or more by clicking here.
Benefits
- Unlimited access to Reid Park Zoo during regular business hours
- A portion of each FriendZ members’ dues sponsors no-cost memberships to the Zoo for under-privileged Tucson families
- Two transferable individual passes good for free admission
- Discounts at the Zoo restaurants and gift shop
- Discounted and free admission to Reid Park Zoo special events
- Discounted or free admission at over 160 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
- Invitations to special behind-the-scenes tours
- Opportunities to take part in special Zoo events
FriendZ of the Reid Park Zoo Past Events
Summer 2011 San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Tour
Come beat the heat and join us on a tour to San Diego to see their Zoo and Safari Park and the elephants that will be coming to Tucson as part of Expedition Tanzania!
Fall 2011 Born Learning Trail
Come help us install a Born Learning Trail at the Zoo! Thanks to our partnership with United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, we are able to provide this interactive, playful and visible community engagement tool. It is designed to help parents, caregivers and communities support early learning.
April 14, 2011 An Evening with artist Kioko Mwitiki, 5:30pm
Kioko Mwitiki, a renowned metal sculptor from Kenya, will show how he breathes life into recycled metal. His designs have been exhibited across East Africa, Europe and the San Diego Zoo. Recognized as a pioneer, Kioko doesn’t use any new iron sheets and only uses recycled metal. Kioko will be giving a public lecture at 6:00 and his sculptures will be shown and available for sale during the event. A wide range of his sculptures will be available and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Reid Park Zoological Society.
Here are some pictures of Kioko’s art on display at the Zoo.
January 27, 2011 FriendZ of the Reid Park Zoo Inaugural Reception
This kickoff for FriendZ of the Reid Park Zoo featured ‘insider updates’ on the latest news at the Reid Park Zoo including information about our new lion and our new tiger coming soon. Guests were entertained with encounters with our education ambassadors including
March 13, 2011 An Afternoon with Dr. Charles Foley
Dr. Charles Foley, the head of the Tarangire Elephant Project in Tanzania, Africa gave a fascinating presentation on elephants and other wildlife in East Africa following a check presentation by our teen volunteers to support his conservation work. Many of the educational features in our new exhibit, Expedition Tanzania will be based on the research work of Dr. Foley. Guests were also able to get a “sneak peak” at the Expedition Tanzania construction site.
