African wild dogs, giant flying squirrels arrive at West Valley’s Wildlife World Zoo
The Wildlife World Zoo in Litchfield Park said guest will be able to see African wild dogs and a type of flying squirrel from Asia on their next visit.
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PHOENIX — Guests at the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park (WWZ) in the West Valley will be able to see some new animals on their next visit, including one species that can’t be found at any other public zoo in the United States.
On Monday, the zoo announced the arrival of a pack of African wild dogs, along with red and white giant flying squirrels.
The squirrels cannot be found at any other public zoo in the U.S., WWZ added.
What are African wild dogs?
African wild dogs are one of the world’s most endangered mammals, as about 1,400 remain in the wild, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
The dogs typically live in packs of about 10 and can run as fast as 44 mph, WWF added.
At the Wildlife World Zoo, the dogs live in a brand-new exhibit, which was created to meet their specific behavioral and environmental needs.
What are red and white giant flying squirrels?
According to WWZ, red and white giant flying squirrels are nocturnal animals that are native to Asia.
They mainly live in areas higher than 2,600 feet in elevation in China and Taiwan, according to Coke Smith Wildlife.
The squirrels have soft reddish fur and can be seen using membranes located on the sides of their bodies to glide between trees, WWZ said.
Other events happening at the Wildlife World Zoo
In addition to the debut of the wild dogs and giant flying squirrels, Wildlife World Zoo said it is opening a new private penguin encounter, where guests will be able to meet the zoo’s African penguins and learn about the birds from zookeepers. Guests will also be able to take pictures with the penguins.
The encounter is not included with zoo admission and costs $69 per person.
On Saturday, WWZ will also hold its Halloween Spooktacular after-hours event from 7 to 9 p.m. The event will feature trick-or-treating, “spooky” sea lion shows, a costume contest, pumpkin painting, face painting and more. The zoo is encouraging guests to wear costumes to the event.
Tickets are required for the Halloween Spooktacular and cost $25 for adults and $15 for kids. Tickets can be purchased on the zoo’s website.
Additionally, Wildlife World Zoo will also host the Giraffe Jam Family Fun Run on Nov. 1. All proceeds from the race will benefit Save Giraffes Now, a nonprofit organization focused on giraffe conservation. More information on the race can also be found on the zoo’s website.
Wildlife World Zoo is located at 16501 W. Northern Ave. in Litchfield Park, just off of Loop 303. The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Comments
2 Comments
Unfortunate that, in many cases, zoos have become the last refuge for species that no longer have safe habitats in the wild. Hopefully they flourish
According to Mr. Google, the African Wild Dogs aren't dangerous to humans unless cornered, but still can't be domesticated due to their complicated social structures. They look cool however.