Sahuarita’s Animal Park Takes Exciting Steps Forward

Plans for an animal conservation and care center northeast of Pima Mine Road are progressing, with efforts underway to annex the facility into Sahuarita.

“It’s moving slower than expected, but we remain committed and eager to see the project through,” stated Bert Castro, president and CEO of the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation.

Initially announced in 2018, the conservancy plans to create a management center focused on wildlife population sustainability and potential reintroduction efforts. Castro emphasized that the area’s elevation, arid climate, and potential collaboration with Southern Arizona partners influenced their location choice.

The project is supported by a 50-year lease for 1,120 acres, secured in 2018 with Freeport McMoRan. This site is roughly ten times the size of the Phoenix Zoo, comparable to Quail Creek’s developed and undeveloped land.

The property extends northeast of Pima Mine Road and Nogales Highway, with its southern edge located near Walden Grove High School. While plans may evolve, the current outline includes a welcome center, a drive-through animal safari park, conservation areas for endangered species, and various recreational facilities like camping and glamping options.

Castro noted that the project will likely bear the name of a future significant donor.

During a 2022 Sahuarita Town Council meeting, the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation presented a five-year plan for the center. Castro acknowledged that the pandemic had delayed progress by a couple of years. Currently, the foundation is focused on completing a $33 million veterinary medical center in Phoenix before turning its attention to the Sahuarita initiative.

In establishing the project, Castro and his team have researched similar efforts nationwide, studying facilities like the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. Discussions regarding the annexation of the entire project into Sahuarita are ongoing, with a third of the project already within town limits.

“We have been evaluating the annexation benefits for both the center and the town,” Castro said. Town Manager Shane Dille confirmed the town’s support for the annexation, noting that discussions have been fruitful.

This process includes collaboration with FICO, Pima County, and local authorities, focusing on surveying the land, evaluating water supply and septic systems, and planning access points. Some preparatory work has already been completed.

Castro reported approximately $10 million in commitments for the project, with Phase I estimated to cost between $15 million and $18 million, a rise from the original $12 million due to increased construction expenses.

“We’re very enthusiastic about the project and anticipate it will greatly benefit Southern Arizona upon completion,” Castro added, expressing optimism for the development’s future.