About
Phoenix Zoo Camps take place within the Phoenix Zoo and are part of the zoo’s broader educational programming. These camps are connected to the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation, which advances the stewardship and conservation of animals and their habitats while providing experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world. The camps are offered by one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., which cares for over 3,000 animals representing nearly 400 species, including many that are threatened or endangered.
Phoenix Zoo Camps operate under the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation, whose mission is to advance the stewardship and conservation of animals and their habitats while providing experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world. The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest private non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations in the country and is the only zoo in the Valley accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo has welcomed more than 43 million guests since 1962 and has a history that began when the Arizona Zoological Society held its first meeting on April 27, 1961; the zoo officially opened on November 21, 1962, and the name was changed to the Phoenix Zoo in 1963. Its conservation work began in 1962 with Operation Oryx, which has contributed to a global Arabian oryx population of more than 7,000 and set a precedent for later conservation initiatives involving Black-footed ferrets, Chiricahua leopard frogs, narrow-headed gartersnakes, thick-billed parrots, Mexican wolves, and others. Educational programming at the zoo has grown from the arts and crafts-based Summer Institute for Children in 1965 to math and science-based ZooLab and Distance Learning programs offered through several Arizona school districts. The organization’s leadership includes Larry Fink (Board Chair), JoEllen Doornbos (Board Chair-Elect), Julie Gable (Chair Strategic Outcomes), David Kohne (Chair Governance and Nominating), Gabrielle Vitale (Chair Finance and Audit and Treasurer), Kris Yamano (Secretary), and Linda Hayes (Executive Committee Member-at-large). The Phoenix Zoo’s development is described as born of a spirit of community and the efforts of a small group of dedicated volunteers, and it has been supported by millions of people over its first 50+ years.
Last updated January 16, 2026.
Phoenix Zoo Camps operate under the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation, whose mission is to advance the stewardship and conservation of animals and their habitats while providing experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world. The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest private non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations in the country and is the only zoo in the Valley accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo has welcomed more than 43 million guests since 1962 and has a history that began when the Arizona Zoological Society held its first meeting on April 27, 1961; the zoo officially opened on November 21, 1962, and the name was changed to the Phoenix Zoo in 1963. Its conservation work began in 1962 with Operation Oryx, which has contributed to a global Arabian oryx population of more than 7,000 and set a precedent for later conservation initiatives involving Black-footed ferrets, Chiricahua leopard frogs, narrow-headed gartersnakes, thick-billed parrots, Mexican wolves, and others. Educational programming at the zoo has grown from the arts and crafts-based Summer Institute for Children in 1965 to math and science-based ZooLab and Distance Learning programs offered through several Arizona school districts. The organization’s leadership includes Larry Fink (Board Chair), JoEllen Doornbos (Board Chair-Elect), Julie Gable (Chair Strategic Outcomes), David Kohne (Chair Governance and Nominating), Gabrielle Vitale (Chair Finance and Audit and Treasurer), Kris Yamano (Secretary), and Linda Hayes (Executive Committee Member-at-large). The Phoenix Zoo’s development is described as born of a spirit of community and the efforts of a small group of dedicated volunteers, and it has been supported by millions of people over its first 50+ years.
Last updated January 16, 2026.
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