A little bit about Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center…
The center is located in North Scottsdale, Arizona which is about an hour from Downtown Phoenix. What they do here is truly amazing and definitely deserves attention. The Conservation Center rescues, rehabilitates and houses wildlife that has been abandoned, mistreated, and/or injured and can no longer safely live in the wild. Some of these animals were even once kept as pets that were illegally acquired. They also educate and inform their visitors through guided tours and even offer on-site and outreach programs. The Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is a privately funded through donors and volunteers and receive no assistance from federal or state funding. They offer scheduled tours that you can book online at https://www.southwestwildlife.org/visit-us/, all of the proceeds aid in funding the center.
Now, our experience at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center…
We had the opportunity (thanks to my husband’s wonderful parents) to check out a sneak peek of the Conservation Center this past weekend. Our group consisted of three toddlers aged 14 months to 2 years old, two boys five and under, and two girls 10 and 11, as well as eight parents and two grandparents. Everyone had a total blast. The kids were in awe of being so close to the wild animals, and we all enjoyed and appreciated the information and back-stories given about these amazing animals.
When we arrived we were directed where to park, there is not a typical parking lot so this was a little hectic. Once we were parked and out of the car (we brought our stroller, my sister-in-law a wagon) we headed over to the Center’s visitor area which featured a large covered area with several picnic tables and a light lunch provided for the visitors. While we ate and waited for our scheduled tour time, the children were able to participate in complimentary arts and crafts. I absolutely loved the thought put into this event. The art/craft project, which was decorating a real horseshoe, was a lot of fun for the kids and kept them occupied without getting too antsy while we waited.
Once it was time for us to go through, a tour guide took us into a gated area that was very well shaded by beautiful mesquite trees. We were promptly greeted by a friendly and fast moving desert tortoise named Goliath that was roaming freely within the gated section. Our guide took us around and introduced us to the various animals in that section of the Conservation Center. In this area we got to take a look at a few coyotes, foxes, and a porcupine. There are two barriers between you and the animals, one of them being a waist high fence and the other appears to be a full enclosure for the inhabitants. We were actually pretty surprised at how close you are… I would guess about 10 feet if the animal is right up next to the fence, which most of them were. After we finished that section we were headed for the gate, and so was Goliath, we actually had to race a tortoise to the gate.
We crossed the main area where we had lunch and were taken into another gated area that was also very well shaded by trees. This area housed some of the larger rescue animals. We met a couple of mountain lions, bobcats, a few bears and even a jaguar. Our guide told us about the previous lives these animals had led and explained their need to remain in the conservation center.
Overall…
We truly enjoyed the experience and I feel that the shorter 45 minute tour was perfect for the smaller children. We stopped in at the gift shop on our way out to purchase a stuffed animal for each of my children, the proceeds from the gift shop also go directly to the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center. My husband and I do plan to return for a longer tour and possibly one of the night events. So, if you live in the Phoenix area or plan on visiting, I highly recommend scheduling a tour and contributing to a good cause. If you cannot visit but would still like to help you can donate online at https://www.southwestwildlife.org/donate/. There are also other items they are looking for and can be donated found in the link above.
Thank you for reading, and I would love to hear from you in the comments section!
What’s beautiful place Amanda great learning opportunity for the kids!
I love animal and wildlife conservation centers and have a real appreciation for all that they do! We have several in our area and my family has enjoyed visiting them, especially my 6 yr old self-proclaimed animal expert, lol. Enjoyed your pics and review 🙂
Looks like soo much fun! We are always looking for fun places to go while traveling with little ones!
This looks awesome! I wish I would’ve known about this when I visited. Next time for sure!
I would love to visit here with my kids!!!! They would love it.
Great pics! Looks like a great time for the entire family.
This looks like so much fun! If I am ever in the area I will have to check it out! Thanks!
This looks like so much fun! Great for a family day out. Thanks for sharing.
Seems like the perfect family activity! I absolutely love turtles, so seeing that tortoise I would have been in heaven. I live in ND, but if I am ever in that neck of the woods I will be visiting for sure!
This looks like so much fun! We lived in Mesa for a couple years but never visited. We totally should have!! My kids would love this place!
OMG you just decided where Im taking the kids this weekend. I live in AZ probably 30 min from there and never knew it existed. Thank you
You definitely should, but you do need to schedule a tour online☺
Thank you so much for this! It looks like a wonderful place to visit. My favorite is the portrait of the old turtle ~ he looks like he’s got some wisdom to share ;-D. Blessings!!
I love new experiences for family time. Looks like a great time was had by all!
Definitely putting this on the list of places to visit. Great pics. I agree, It’s cool how close you can get
I’m still learning from you, as I’m trying to reach my goals. I definitely love reading everything that is posted on your blog.Keep the stories coming. I loved it!