Upcoming Events
Fly Away Home
Art on the Wild Side is proud to present Fly Away Home: Arizona’s Amazing Migratory Birds. Hundreds of birds migrate annually through Arizona along the Pacific Flyway, making the state of Arizona one of the richest locations in the world for birding and bird watching. Sharing our Arizona home with these beautiful species enriches our lives and helps us connect to the nature around us. Come be inspired by Arizona’s amazing migratory birds!
A Life in the Wild
The breathtaking images captured by renowned nature photographer, Thomas D. Mangelsen will be on display at the Phoenix Zoo’s Wild Side Gallery from January 29 through May 31, 2026. The exhibition features forty of Mangelsen’s most iconic wildlife images – personally selected “legacy photographs” that span a remarkable career of nearly 50 years. The expansive exhibition showcases wildlife and wild places from around the world, including American bison, Arctic fox, bald eagle, Bengal tiger, elephant, giraffe, great gray owl, moose, mountain lion, redwood forests, Alaskan landscapes and many more – some printed on a dramatic scale up to nearly nine feet across. The exhibition is presented as part of the Zoo’s Art on the Wild Side program, which features rotating art exhibits throughout the year in both the Wild Side and Savanna Galleries. In addition to the exhibit on display, Mr. Mangelsen will make a special appearance at the Phoenix Zoo’s Doornbos Discovery Amphitheater on Friday, February 27. This extraordinary event includes an inspiring presentation by the artist himself, up-close animal encounters, hors d’oeuvres, beverages and an exclusive visit to the Zoo’s Wild Side Gallery to view his breathtaking exhibition – A Life in the Wild.
In Your Wildest Dreams
In Your WILDEST Dreams invites guests to step into a vibrant and imaginative world where creativity meets conservation. This captivating exhibit showcases the work of four exceptionally talented artists, each bringing their own unique vision to life. Through bold color palettes, whimsical depictions of animals and thought-provoking interpretations of nature, the exhibit sparks curiosity and wonder. From playful reimagining of wildlife to inspiring reflections on our relationship with the natural world, In Your WILDEST Dreams celebrates the beauty of animals and the importance of protecting them. This one-of-a-kind experience blends artistry with advocacy, encouraging guests to see conservation not only as a responsibility, but also as a source of joy, creativity and imagination.
Comic Conservation
The Phoenix Zoo is proud to announce its first exhibit of comic book art and other forms of graphic illustration featuring each artist's unique and bold interpretation of wildlife and the natural world. Animal Inspiration: Animals and the natural world have long inspired comic creators. many superheroes are based on familiar animal species, and superpowers are often exaggeration of animal adaptations. Comics & Conservation - A Dynamic Duo: "Comic Conservation" features artwork created by a diverse group of comic artists from the Southwest and beyond. This exhibition is an opportunity for the artists to share their love for the natural world and encourages others to do the same. Why Comics? Part art and part literature, comics are hugely popular worldwide, as demonstrated by the ongoing success of comic-related films, toys and conventions. Comic books, graphic novels, newspaper strips and other forms of comic storytelling have entertained, informed and influenced people for over a century. What a great way to celebrate nature!
My Favorite Wild Thing: An Art Exhibit by the Kids Who Know the Zoo Best
Step into a world of creativity, color and wild imagination in My Favorite Wild Thing - a heartwarming art exhibit featuring original works by the children of Phoenix Zoo staff, volunteers and partners. Through drawings, paintings and mixed-media pieces, these young artists share their favorite animal - from the fierce and majestic to the small and silly - and what makes them so special. Each piece is a unique celebration of wildlife through a child’s eyes. Come see how the next generation of animal lovers expresses their passion for conservation, connection and the natural world.
Wild Inspiration: An Exhibit by Phoenix Zoo Staff, Volunteers & Zoo Partners
The Phoenix Zoo’s Art on the Wild Side program is proud to present a special group juried exhibition featuring original artwork created by Zoo staff, volunteers and partners. This unique show highlights the creativity and passion of the Zoo community through a diverse collection of more than 60 two-dimensional and three-dimensional works. All artwork will be available for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the non-profit Phoenix Zoo.