Wildlife World Zoo - A Place For Animal Lovers
If you are looking for a special day out, a place where you can get close to creatures from around the globe, then you might want to consider a visit to a spot that truly celebrates the wild. This place, actually, holds a really big collection of different animals, many of them quite rare, right here in Arizona. It is a setting where you can see many kinds of life, from those that walk on land to those that swim in the water, and even some that fly above. You could say, it is a whole world of creatures waiting to be discovered.
The experience here is more than just looking at animals from a distance; it is about stepping into their spaces, in a way, and learning about them. You get to witness things you might not see every day, and there are chances to interact with some of the animals, which is pretty neat. It is a spot built from a deep love for living things, and that feeling, you know, comes through in how everything is set up.
From its very beginnings, this place has been about providing a home for creatures and sharing their stories with people. It is, basically, a family effort that grew into something quite substantial, offering a chance for folks of all ages to connect with the natural world. So, if you are curious about wildlife and want a memorable outing, this could be just the ticket.
Table of Contents
- Mickey Ollson - The Vision Behind Wildlife World Zoo
- What Kinds of Amazing Animals Can You See at Wildlife World Zoo?
- Arizona's Big Collection at Wildlife World Zoo
- Up Close with Birds and Aquatic Life at Wildlife World Zoo
- How Can You Get Closer to the Animals at Wildlife World Zoo?
- Is Wildlife World Zoo Easy to Visit?
- What Makes Wildlife World Zoo Special for Animal Care?
Mickey Ollson - The Vision Behind Wildlife World Zoo
Every special place has a story, and often, that story begins with someone who has a really big idea and the drive to make it happen. For Wildlife World Zoo, that person is Mickey Ollson. He is someone who, apparently, was meant to be involved with animals from the very start. It is quite interesting, you know, how some people seem to find their true calling so clearly.
Mickey Ollson's connection with animals runs deep, more or less, in his family. It is not just a job for him; it seems to be a part of who he is. His personal history with creatures, from the smallest to the largest, really shaped the kind of place Wildlife World Zoo has become. It is a reflection of a lifelong passion, which is something you can definitely feel when you walk through the grounds.
Personal Details - Mickey Ollson
| Role | Founder of Wildlife World Zoo |
| Childhood Influence | Grew up in a home with unusual animals; father and grandfather raised various creatures from chickens to koi. |
| Early Ventures | Sold birds to Walt Disney Resort's Discovery Island. |
| Founding Action | Used earnings from bird sales to acquire 30 acres in a secluded part of the West Valley for animal breeding. |
A Childhood Shaped by Creatures
Mickey Ollson's upbringing was, to be honest, a bit different from what many people might experience. He grew up in a home where animals were not just pets; they were, in a way, part of the family fabric. His father and grandfather had a knack for raising all sorts of creatures, from everyday chickens to beautiful koi fish. This kind of environment, you know, pretty much set the stage for Mickey's own path.
This early exposure to a wide variety of animals, some quite out of the ordinary for a household, clearly gave him a unique perspective. It taught him, perhaps, about their needs and behaviors from a very young age. This hands-on learning, you could say, laid the groundwork for his future ambitions. It is fascinating, really, how childhood experiences can shape what someone decides to do with their life.
So, it is no surprise that he felt a pull towards creating a place where many different animals could live and where people could come to see them. This deep connection, rooted in his family's history with animals, is, in some respects, the very heart of Wildlife World Zoo. It is a story of passion passed down through generations, leading to a truly special place.
Building a Dream - The Start of Wildlife World Zoo
The idea for Wildlife World Zoo did not just appear out of nowhere; it was, actually, a dream that Mickey Ollson worked hard to make real. He had this thought, you know, "I should have a zoo." It was a simple idea, but it required a lot of effort and dedication. He started by using what he had, literally, the money he made from selling birds.
These birds, apparently, found a home at the Walt Disney Resort's Discovery Island, which shows you the quality of the animals he was raising. With the funds he gathered from these sales, he then took a very important step. He purchased a sizable piece of land, about 30 acres, in a somewhat quiet area of the West Valley. This land, you see, was meant for breeding animals, which is quite a foundational step for any zoo.
This purchase was, in a way, the first physical step towards building what would become Wildlife World Zoo. It shows his foresight and his commitment to creating a place not just for showing animals, but also for helping them thrive and grow their numbers. It is a testament to how a single idea, backed by determination, can grow into something truly significant for both animals and people.
What Kinds of Amazing Animals Can You See at Wildlife World Zoo?
When you visit a place like Wildlife World Zoo, one of the biggest questions on your mind might be, "What kinds of creatures will I get to meet?" Well, you are in for quite a treat, because this spot is home to a truly diverse collection of living things. It is, basically, like taking a trip around the world to see its many different inhabitants, all in one convenient spot.
From the animals that walk on four legs to those that glide through the water, and even those with feathers that soar through the air, there is, honestly, a wide range to observe. You will find animals that come from far-off places, some of which you might not even know exist. This variety, you know, makes every corner of the park a chance to discover something new and interesting.
So, whether you are interested in big, powerful creatures or smaller, more delicate ones, the zoo has something that will probably catch your eye. It is, in some respects, a living encyclopedia of animal life, offering a chance to learn about the many forms life takes on our planet.
Arizona's Big Collection at Wildlife World Zoo
Wildlife World Zoo is, quite simply, home to Arizona's largest group of animals that come from other parts of the world, and also many that are considered quite rare. We are talking about more than 600 different kinds of animals here, which is a pretty big number when you think about it. This means there is a lot to see and a lot to learn about.
You will find all sorts of creatures, from the big, shaggy bears that roam the northern forests, to the tapirs with their interesting snouts that live in tropical places. There are also mountain lions, which are, you know, quite impressive hunters, and capybaras, which are the largest rodents in the world and love to hang out near water.
And that is not all; you can also spot sloths, moving slowly through their trees, and llamas, with their long necks and gentle faces. Seriously, there is so much more beyond these examples. It is a collection that really shows off the incredible variety of animal life on Earth, giving everyone a chance to see creatures they might only have read about before.
Up Close with Birds and Aquatic Life at Wildlife World Zoo
Beyond the land animals, Wildlife World Zoo also has a truly impressive section dedicated to water creatures and birds. The aquarium, for instance, has over 80 different kinds of aquatic life. This means you can spend time watching fish of all colors and sizes, as well as other amazing beings that call the water home. It is, actually, a very calming experience to watch them glide through their watery spaces.
Then there are the birds, and this is where Wildlife World Zoo did something quite special. It was, as a matter of fact, the first zoo in the whole country to set up a lory feeding exhibit. This is a chance for you to get really close to tropical birds from the South Pacific. They are known for their bright colors and their playful nature.
Picture this: you hold out a small piece of apple, and these beautiful birds, you know, might just land right on your arm to nibble on it. It is a very personal kind of interaction, giving you a real sense of connection with these feathered friends. This kind of experience, you could say, makes your visit truly unforgettable, letting you feel a bit of the wild up close.
How Can You Get Closer to the Animals at Wildlife World Zoo?
Many people want more than just to see animals from a distance; they want to feel a connection, to experience something a bit more hands-on. At Wildlife World Zoo, there are, apparently, several ways you can do just that. It is about creating moments that stick with you, moments where you feel a part of the animal world, even if just for a little while.
These interactions are, in a way, designed to give you a deeper appreciation for the creatures that share our planet. They offer a chance to learn about animal behaviors and personalities in a very direct way, which is something you do
A guide to the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park in Arizona
Wildlife World Zoo | encouraging an appreciation of nature | blooloop
Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium | Litchfield Park, AZ - visitorfun.com
