On my new resolve to visit a zoo in every city we travel too, we popped in to the Phoenix Zoo. I had no expectations (I prefer going without others interpretations). I was pleasantly surprised. The parking is super easy and ticketing is too. You will have choices if you want just an entrance fee, the \"wild\" (all inclusive) price or a membership. We chose the \"wild\" so that we could experience everything. I found the extra's to not be very special for us, especially since we are adults, it might be more beneficial if you are traveling with children.\n\nThe zoo is very easy to navigate and has a natural flow with the trails. You can easily see all the attractions without even referencing the zoo map. What I loved the most about this zoo is that many of their attractions are the kind in which you walk into the attraction. Meaning that quite often you are literally face to face with the animal life. At one point I was only a foot away from a free flying Turkey Buzzard, who found us amusing and followed us around the enclosure. The opportunity to photograph these amazing animals with nothing to impede your camera is AWESOME. \n\nThe negatives are that you are in the desert and are subject to high temperatures. The day we were there the temperature was in the low 100's and when you are walking in the areas that have no shading you start to really feel it. Then you will come across an exhibit like the Orangutan's and you are in a perfectly air conditioned environment. I also found the train ride to be absolutely a waste of time. It is a guided tour through the park that takes 25 minutes, but I have to warn you, it doesn't go a route that you can't walk on your own and it NEVER stops. As the guide tells you to look for an animal under a tree, behind a bush or whatever, you are lucky if you spot it before he has moved onto the next exhibit. For you photographers, don't even bother, it was useless. Also if there are loud people or kids in your section of the train you will not be able to hear a bloody thing the guide is saying. Halfway through I put down my camera and just looked around, usually for the wildlife that was not in an exhibit.\n\nSpeaking of the wildlife, the grounds at this zoo are beautiful. It is for the most part natural desert landscaping, with water moving throughout the park. There are many picturesque spots to stop in and get out of the heat and enjoy the natural environment. There are TONS of indiginous wildlife running around you in these areas. I took equal amounts of photos between the exhibited animals and the ones that have chosen to make the zoo their home.\n\nI love LOVE that the majority of the exhibits are large and in a natural state for the animal they are housing. They have given the animals the choice on whether they want to be seen or not. And even though this may upset some guests, I love that it is in the animals favor. A must see is The Monkey Village, it is a very rare opportunity to be in a monkey enclosure with nothing between you and the Squirrel Monkey. One more area that merits special attention is the Stingray area. It is included in the \"wild\" purchase price or you can pay extra to go into it. Here you will have the opportunity to pet and feed stingrays. They were fun to watch and pet. \nThere are other one on one opportunities in the park, like feeding giraffes. If you've always wanted to get up close and personal this is your chance.\n\nDefinitely would recommend visiting the Phoenix Zoo, make sure you check their schedule because their hours change depending on the season.