While many people don’t realize that one of the largest non-profit zoos in America is right here in Arizona, most people don’t have any idea the only walk-through monkey village in the US is right here in Arizona too. It’s located inside the Phoenix Zoo – and if cute little primate squirrel monkeys pull at your heart strings, then you’ll want to go asap.
The Phoenix Zoo happens to be the largest privately owned, non-profit zoo in the United States and has more than 400 species living on campus.
TripAdvisor/finfun
And while there is much to see and admire at this fantastic zoo, it may be the squirrel monkeys that garner the most in the way of oohs and ahhs from visitors.
TripAdvisor/Lesliewin
That’s primarily due to the unique habitat the zoo has created for this cute group of residents.
Facebook Phoenix Zoo
They actually have their own little village, appropriately named “Monkey Village.”
TripAdvisor/finfun
And you can walk through it and enjoy all the cute antics of the lovable bunch of Monkey Village residents.
Facebook/Phoenix Zoo
Everyone in the family should love spotting these free-roaming cute little Monkey Squirrels walking about and swinging from the ropes and limbs in this open habitat within the zoo.
TripAdvisor/Sunshine12509
Oh but don’t worry, the monkeys are safe from escape. There’s a plastic barrier wall (of which you will be on the inside) that keeps them safe from breaking free and being forced to survive outside of their habitat.
TripAdvisor/CBish2014
The zoo creates special moments for the monkey residents in the village. For example, at Halloween, they may place carved pumpkins around the village. As you can imagine, it doesn’t take long for the monkeys to figure out how to eat the insides of those fragrant orange objects. The monkey in the photo below is enjoying a pie.
Facebook/Phoenix Zoo
And at Thanksgiving time last year, the zoo held “The Feast for the Beast” a few days ahead of the big day. They created a formal dining table, complete with place settings and food.
Facebook/Phoenix Zoo
Visitors to the park enjoyed watching the squirrel monkeys and their Feast for the Beast antics.
Facebook/Phoenix Zoo
The only walk-through Monkey Village in America is open to zoo guests during specific hours that change based on the season. Weather permitting, the village is open according to the following schedule: September 1 – October 31: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; November 1 – January 14: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; January 15 – May 31: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and June 1 – August 31: 8 a.m. – noon. Entrance into Monkey Village is included in your general admission ticket for the Phoenix Zoo. Entry fees into the zoo are as follows: ages 14+ $24.95; ages 3-13 $14.95; children under 3 are free.
TripAdvisor/finfun
TripAdvisor/Lesliewin
Facebook Phoenix Zoo
Facebook/Phoenix Zoo
TripAdvisor/Sunshine12509
TripAdvisor/CBish2014
The Phoenix Zoo is located at 455 N Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85008 and is open year-round, with the exception of Christmas Day. Hours are as follows: June 1 – August 31 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.; November 1 – January 14 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; September 1 – October 31 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; January 15 – May 31 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. More information is available on the official website of the Phoenix Zoo.
(Photos above attributed to the Facebook page of the Phoenix Zoo may not be reproduced or used without permission.)
For another fun day trip near Phoenix, visit this incredible train park just north of the city!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
