PRESCOTT -- Everyone has been to a zoo, maybe several and maybe even the one in Camp Verde. There is a zoo, not far away in cool Prescott, that tells an interesting story of rescue and conservation.
One of the many volunteers, Fernando Lorenze, who helps keep the nonprofit sanctuary running, says, the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary is not typical. It is more intimate.
"Sometimes people are unhappy, thinking we are like the Phoenix Zoo. The difference is that if you get close to Cassie the tiger, you are only this far away." He measures three feet between his outstretched arms. "And, you think, 'I am glad there is a fence between her and me.' And that's the way it is with all our exhibits. You can get a lot closer than the bigger zoos."
There are exotic cats from Asia and Africa, yes. But there are also many animals native to the United States. All have come to the zoo by a rescue.
Trisha Williams and Bob Mathews started the park in 1985, after there was word that the Payson Zoo would have to close and move its animals elsewhere. Williams, who already rescued animals, saw an opportunity and convinced the city to donate some land.
The Payson Zoo never closed, but that did not stop what is now called the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary. A variety of animals both exotic and native live there, each with interesting stories.
The first resident was a Bengal tiger named Shikar, and a jet black jaguar. The tiger outgrew its home as a personal pet. The jaguar, Inca, came to the zoo, after its mother rejected it. Both were cubs at the time and both are now gone.
Shasha is a black bear that was taken when its mother was inadvertently shot by a hunter.
But the stories are typical of the type of rescue for which the zoological sanctuary is known.
The zoo is a "treat," on a wooded hill overlooking the city.
Try to go first thing in the morning when it is cool or during the afternoon at feeding time.
Otherwise, you may get cats and other animals that also retreat to the shade.
Ferdinand says it is a wonderful place to volunteer. He has been working there for several years. Jo Traynor, another volunteer is on her 10th year and is a storehouse of history about the place.
The Park is also an education reserve for kids and adults and offers a Summer Zoo Camp and ZooTeens programs.
One hundred fifty animals call the Zoological Park home, including animals from almost every continent as well as snakes and spiders
In addition to visits, the zoo offers birthday parties, weddings and special events like Christmas with the animals.
Jo says a nonprofit is always a struggle. The zoo always has a number of fund-raising events like ZooDazzle. A raffle prize for ZooDazzle will win a diamond necklace.
For more information see: www.heritageparkzoo.org.
