Thursday, August 28, 2008

Navajo Nation Zoological and Botanical Park, Arizona

The Navajo Nation Zoo and Botanical Park 7 acres (28,000 m²) is a free admission zoo and botanical garden located in Window Rock, Arizona, USA. Set beneath sandstone pinnacles known as The Haystacks, it showcases native animals and plants that relate to Navajo culture, and is the only tribal zoo licensed by U.S. Department of Agriculture. The zoo contains about 30 species of wild animals and birds of prey in natural habitats, almost all of which are native to the Navajo Nation. Its wild creatures include black bear, bobcat, cougar, coyote, elk, gila monsters, rattlesnakes, skunks, and red foxes and grey foxes, as well as cranes, golden eagle, red-tailed hawk, and great horned owls. The botanical park is a native "dwarf forest" of piñon pine and juniper (commonly called "cedar") interspersed with grasslands. Four-winged shadscale is common within the park, as are the non-indigenous Siberian Elms. The park also exhibits a traditional male and female hogan as well as a shadehouse. The zoo recently received an expanded budget and is now a program of the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife. Future plans include: an expanded herpetological exhibit, a native fish aquarium, a brand new red fox exhibit, and expanded educational opportunities. Group tours can be arranged by contacting the zoo. There is also an "Adopt-an-Animal" program and an annual "Zoo Sponsor Appreciation Day."





from wikipedia.org

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