Phoenix Zoo celebrates grand opening of ‘Big Cats of Arizona’ habitat
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Guests can transport themselves into the world of “big cats” at the Phoenix Zoo’s newest habitat starting this weekend!
The zoo is celebrating the grand opening of its Big Cats of Arizona habitat, a new state-of-the-art space showing some of Arizona’s elusive native predators – mountain lion and jaguars.
The exhibit provides more than double the space for the zoo’s two jaguars, Caipora and Saban. In addition, the zoo’s mountain lion, Mystic, will move into a space that is five times larger than her current home. Sadly, Mystic’s sister Sierra passed away from renal failure before she could move into her new home.
Both habitats will give the animals plenty of new space to play and explore. Thanks to the generosity of donors, nearly $5.4 million was raised to bring the exhibit to life.
Guests will be able to get an up-close look at the magnificent animals through the zoo’s first-ever “catwalk.” This will allow guests to walk directly below the cats as they walk overhead throughout their new habitats. Don’t worry if you can’t see them overhead — there will be multiple viewing angles and windows to allow guests to see their favorite animals.
The cats all received wellness exams and have been acclimating with their new environment for the past two weeks. While it took Mystic a few days to warm up to her new environment, zoo staff says Caipora and Saban both love the birds-eye view on the catwalk. Guests should keep their eyes peeled for the two!
Zoo members are invited to check out the exhibit Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. The grand opening to the public will be Saturday, April 5 at 12:30 p.m.
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