Tucson, AZ -- Soon you’ll be able to travel to the world’s largest continent every time you visit Reid Park Zoo. Pathway to Asia is opening Friday, November 13, bringing 4.5 acres of animals, architecture, foliage and discovery to your Zoo.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Tucson community. Their generosity and support have made this incredible new space, along with so many of the improvements we’ve seen at the Zoo over the past several years, possible,” said Daniela Siqueiros, Reid Park Zoological Society Board Chair. “Pathway to Asia represents such an exciting new chapter for Reid Park Zoo, and we cannot wait to open the gates and welcome everyone to experience it.”

This addition will feature the Zoo’s first-ever reptile house, welcome red pandas, and fill the Zoo with the beautiful sound of gibbon song in the morning. Major habitats also include those for Malayan tigers — establishing the Zoo as a conservation and breeding center for these highly endangered big cats — Asian small clawed otters, sand cats, and an aviary with up-close views of brilliantly plumed birds. In total, 30 new species will be introduced to the Zoo in Pathway to Asia.

“Reid Park Zoo has served as a classroom where kids and adults learn to be better humans through the act of caring for animals and ecosystems. Now, with the completed Pathways to Asia exhibition, they will have a brand new world of animals to inspire them,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “I want to thank the voters who approved a one-tenth of a cent sales tax in 2017 to keep investing in our world-class zoo. We must continue to keep educational spaces accessible to invite kids and adults from every corner of Tucson to be conservationists.”

Over two years in the making, Pathway to Asia is inspired by aspects of the ancient Khmer architecture in Angkor, Cambodia with intricate stone facades and pillars that are painstakingly crafted to look centuries old on the exterior, while housing modern, state-of-the-art environments carefully fitted for each animal’s unique needs on the interior. As they step through the exhibit’s towering stone archway, guests will feel as if they have entered another realm where the animals have taken over ancient ruins. 

The Pathway to Asia project was made possible by the voter-approved one-tenth of a cent sales tax passed in 2017, and additional support by private donors and foundation grants. The project will complete Phase I of the Zoo’s 10-year Master Plan to refurbish infrastructure and enhance the Zoo, bringing it into the future.

Animals for the new exhibits are starting to arrive at the Zoo. They’ll spend a little time behind-the-scenes, completing standard quarantine periods, bonding with their care teams, and settling into their new homes.

The facility is still under construction but in the final stages of completing habitats, pouring walkways, and planting vegetation. The Robert H. Hamilton Tropical Discovery Center is the first piece of the project to have completed construction. The space will be home to Komodo dragons, reticulated python, and tortoises, as well as straw colored fruit bats, offering intimate views and interactive interpretive exhibits.

Photos and video are available on Dropbox.

Opening Details

Friday, November 13, 2026

Ribbon Cutting and Ceremony: 8:30 a.m. with City of Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and key city officials

Public Opening: 10:00 a.m. (Note: Monks from Wat Buddhametta will offer a peace blessing at 7:30 a.m. and there will be cultural performances by local Asian groups during the morning).

Public Opening Celebration Weekend: November 14 and 15 

Asian cultural performances throughout the day 

Talk by wildlife tiger conservationist Tara Harris - November 15 at 2 p.m.

Timed Tickets

For everyone’s comfort, timed tickets must be reserved in advance for guests visiting the Zoo in the first weeks after Pathway to Asia opens. Tickets will be available starting October 27. More details will be available in advance of the November opening.

 

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