Did you know that the Navajo Nation has its very own zoo? It’s true, the Navajo Nation Zoo and Botanical Park is the only Native American Zoo in the United States. The zoo is an established Navajo Nation Government Program that works within the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Zoo has been operational since 1977 and welcomes new visitors from around the country each and every year!
The Navajo Zoo has over 100 different kinds of animals and 50 different species native to the southwest. They boast that nearly all of their animals are native to the Navajo Nation. To add to that, most of their animals come in as rescues where they are nurtured back to health and then ensured a happy, healthy life. The zoo provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn and make a connection with native animals of NavajoLands, where they might not get the chance at any other zoo in Arizona. In addition to all the perks mentioned above, the Navajo Zoo is settled against the natural sandstone Window Rock and provides a quiet atmosphere for their approximated 50,000 annual visitors to relax and enjoy.
Navajo Nation Zoo Animals
Mammals
- DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP
- ELK
- MULE DEER
- BLACK BEAR
- BLACK-FOOTED FERRET
- BOBCAT
- COUGAR
- COYOTE
- GREY FOX
- MEXICAN GRAY WOLF
- RED FOX
- RACOON
- PORCUPINE
- CHIPMUNK
- SQUIRREL
- PRAIRIE DOGS
- RABBIT
Reptiles
- GILA MONSTER
- COLLARED LIZARD
- LEOPARD LIZARD
- RED-EARED SLIDERS
Birds
- CANADIAN GOOSE
- GAMBEL’S QUAIL
- GOLDEN EAGLE
- HORNED OWL
- RED-TAILED HAWKS
- SANDHILL CRANE
- SCALED QUAIL
- SWAINSON’S HAWK
- WILD TURKEY
In addition to all of the species above, they also have native amphibians, reptiles, fish and invertebrates! There truly is something for everyone at the Navajo Zoo. Something special that the zoo offers that many others don’t is their Golden Eagle Sanctuary. The Golden Eagle Sanctuary and Education Center officially opened on July 1, 2016 and is open to the public for viewing these majestic birds-of-prey. Their facility features natural, native landscape, and a quiet, tranquil environment for injured, non-releasable Golden Eagles. The eagles have many perching opportunities within the 4,000 sq. ft. open-air building, and a waterfall/pond to provides natural background sound. As of right now, the sanctuary cares for 17 golden eagles that are eligible to be released back into the wild.
Traditional Navajo Information on the Golden Eagle
Golden Eagle is called “Atsáshzhiin” in the Navajo language. Golden Eagle is a very sacred and important bird in the Navajo culture. They should be respected and greatly honored. It is said that a Navajo person can keep an eagle feather only after it is properly blessed by a medicine man.
Adopt an Animal Program
The Navajo Nation Zoo offers an excellent opportunity to show support for your favorite animal. Our “Adopt-an-Animal” program allows you to sponsor an animal for just $150 per year. The Navajo Zoo uses these funds to help offset the cost of feeding and animal care.
With your sponsorship, you will receive a certificate, framed picture of your animal, and your name is proudly displayed at the animal’s enclosure. Sponsoring an animal is easy…check the list of currently available animals,provide your information and funds either in-person, or through the mail…and get your sponsorship started today.
Zoo Information
Address: AZ Hwy.264, Bldg.34, Window Rock, AZ 86515
Contact: dmikesic@navajozoo.org
Phone: (928) 871-6574
Hours: Monday – Saturday | 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Admission is FREE
CLN Community & Event Sponsor
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