In accordance with Arizona Law, “A zoo or wild animal park may prohibit a service animal, including a dog guide or service dog, from any area of the zoo or wild animal park where the service animal may come in direct contact with the animals contained in the zoo or wild animal park.”

The law also states that “It is not discriminatory to exclude a service animal from a public place if one or more of the following apply:

• The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
• The animal fundamentally alters the nature of the public place, goods, services, or activities provided.”

Out of Africa is a full-contact facility, where keepers interact with animals inside their enclosures. Bringing service animals near an enclosure while keepers are inside may result in serious injury. For this reason, service animals are required to remain on trams with their owners when on the preserve. Dependent on the specific situation, service dogs may be permitted to walk directly from trams to shows and back again. When at the Tiger Splash™ Arena while big cats are present, they are required to sit at the back of the stands (out of view of the big cats) and remain still throughout the show. They are not permitted to ride the safari tour where people come in direct contact with exotic animals. If possible, we recommend that patrons board their service dogs at a local kennel facility.

Posted in: General Park Information