Tucson’s Reid Park Zoo is set to unveil its long-awaited expansion, Pathway to Asia, on Friday. This initiative, which began in 2019 and cost $50 million, aims to showcase a variety of iconic Asian animals in a new environment.
The expansion spans 4.5 acres and will introduce over 30 new species, including sand cats, Muntjacs, red pandas, and two critically endangered Malayan tigers, Maya and Berani. “There’s been a lot of excitement,” said Chelo Grubb, the zoo’s spokesman. “It’s a long time coming.”
The tiger habitat played a central role in the development of the expansion, as it was designed to provide the animals with more space and better living conditions. “The tiger habitat is kind of the reason we have Pathway to Asia in the first place,” Grubb explained. “We’re really proud of this.”
Maya and Berani will contribute to the conservation efforts for their species, which has an estimated population of only 150 individuals left in the wild. The design of their new habitat includes two separate enclosures that allow for better breeding conditions, as the tigers can only see each other when in the same space.
To ease the transition for Maya, lead keeper Megan Keller visited Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens to learn about her routine and preferences. “This is the biggest thing she’s ever done in her life,” Keller noted. “We definitely saw a little bit of that at the beginning, but she is getting braver every day.” Maya has also shown a playful side, enjoying the water features in her new habitat.
Visitors will have the opportunity to view the tigers using underwater viewing areas included in the enclosures. The expansion also features a Tropical Discovery Center, home to fruit bats, tortoises, snakes, lizards, and a notable 18-foot reticulated python, which has become a highlight of the zoo.
The architecture of the new habitats draws inspiration from structures in Cambodia and Thailand, enhancing the thematic experience of the Pathway to Asia. “We haven’t had a dedicated reptile space before, and this has a little bit more focus,” Grubb stated. Inside the center, guests can see various reptiles, including emerald skinks and monitor lizards.
As part of the grand opening, the zoo will implement a temporary timed-entry system to manage initial crowds and ensure a positive experience for both visitors and animals. While the Pathway to Asia will officially open on Friday, some animals, including gibbons and red pandas, will not arrive until the following weeks, dependent on their needs and weather conditions.
Weekend Celebration Events
This weekend’s celebration will feature a series of performances to honor the opening. On Saturday, attractions will include shows by the Tucson Sino Choir, Tucson Sino Dance, and Tucson Sino Martial Arts. On Sunday, visitors can experience traditional Chinese dance and music, along with presentations by conservationist Tara Harris on Malayan tiger conservation.
For more details on the expansion, including ticket information, visit reidparkzoo.org.
