Discover the Heat of the Habitat
The Conservatory was built and T.J. Ziems was appointed first official “keeper” of the Zoo in 1904. The building has served as a tropical plant exhibit and winter holding for Galapagos tortoises. Now, the Ziems Conservatory was reimagined by Reptile House staff and will be open to the public daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., beginning on March 29.
The refreshed space offers an immersive experience, featuring two desert biome exhibits with real cacti, free-roaming lizards and more. The hot desert exhibit mirrors the native climate of its species, meaning its animals' behavior will align with what is observed in the wild. On hot days, animals may seek cooler retreats, making early morning the best time for viewing them as they emerge to warm up for the day.
Zoo staff will guide guests through Ziems Conservatory. We ask visitors to please watch where they step and do not touch the cacti. The exhibit is wheelchair accessible. Strollers can be parked outside the building.
Conservatory plants generously funded by Tom, Gretchen and Lisa Ziems.
Animals
Frilled Dragon
Chlamydosaurus kingii
Bearded Dragon
Pogona vitticeps
Central Blue tongued Skink
Tiliqua multifasciata
Spiny Lizard
Sceloporus magister
Attractions
Arizona Exhibit
An immersive walkthrough experience without barriers that features cacti and other plants native to the Southwestern United States and free-roaming species like Chuckwallas, Desert iguanas, Whiptails and Spiny lizards.
Australia Exhibit
This exhibit is separated by a 5 ft. glass barrier where guests can view native trees and shrubs from Australia and observe species like Bearded dragons, Frilled dragons, Kimberly rock monitors and Central blue tongue skinks.
