Reid Park Zoo set a record for the most people to ever visit in a fiscal year when the guest number 618,358 arrived Tuesday.
The previous record was set nine years ago after Nandi, the first African elephant born in Arizona, was born, according to a news release marking the attendance achievement.
Elephant siblings Meru, Penzi and Nandi play in the mud at Reid Park Zoo. Video courtesy Reid Park Zoo
“This is all thanks to a number of wonderful things that have happened this year,” said Nancy Kluge, Reid Park Zoo’s President & CEO in a video posted on social media.
Watch Reid's Park's baby giraffe snuggle with his mother
Kluge said that some of the heightened interest in the zoo included the opening of the World of Play, the zoo’s new sensory nature playground. And the birth of Tucson’s newest giraffe calf, Moyo, and baby elephant, Meru.
Reid Park Zoo's baby elephant Meru practices her climbing skills. Video courtesy Reid Park Zoo.
The record-setting guest received a gift package, complimentary annual membership, free admission and tickets to enjoy zoo activities and a commemorative brick in the Zoo’s entry plaza donated in their honor, the release said.
Reid Park Zoo‘s fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30, so the attendance record will continue to grow for another few days.
The zoo from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Like many Tucsonans, the Reid Park Zoo elephant family is cooling down by playing in water. The zoo shared a video on July 18 of the animals playing with their zookeeper.
