Reid Park Zoo staff feeds the elephants during their morning checkup. Although Tucson is located
multiple hours from the nearest seashore, the Reid Park Zoo is inviting the public to a beach party featuring elephants, alligators and plenty of other animals that love to splash in the water. The beach party is the latest installation in the Reid Park Zoo s Summer Safari Nights, where the public can enjoy some special talks about various animals, plus live music, food and drinks, family games and activities with the wildlife. On Saturday, May 22, their Pollinator Power themed night highlighted animals like bees, hummingbirds and butterflies. The Beach Party night on Saturday, May 29, will show off the sandy and aquatic elements of elephants, otters, bears and more.
As scientists warn that some South American flamingos could be threatened with extinction, the Reid Park Zoo is taking steps to help the aquatic birds. Along with fostering 26 flamingos in its own lagoon, the zoo recently partnered with the Zoo Conservation Outreach Group and Association of Zoos & Aquariums to lead the Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) program for South American flamingos. SAFE flamingo efforts are focused on the three species living in the Andean highlands: the Andean flamingo, Chilean flamingo and James s flamingo. Reid Park Zoo submitted a three-year plan in 2020 involving steps for uniting research and education to ensure the bird s survival.