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Bearizona replaces scheduled shows with impromptu animal encounters

Hops, a crowned crane, enjoys a stroll through Bearizona Wildlife Park with trainer Megan. The park now features surprise encounters with a variety of animals in the walk-thru fort.  (Photo/Bearizona)

Hops, a crowned crane, enjoys a stroll through Bearizona Wildlife Park with trainer Megan. The park now features surprise encounters with a variety of animals in the walk-thru fort. (Photo/Bearizona)

WILLIAMS, Ariz. — Bearizona is excited to introduce its all-new “surprise” element throughout the park’s walk-thru fort.

Just when you thought you couldn’t have any more unexpected animal encounters with free roaming animals at Bearizona, the new impromptu encounters showcase various species — including both long-time visitor favorites as well as some brand new species to Bearizona. These encounters are designed to surprise visitors and offer a more interactive experience for guests as they explore the walk-thru section of the park.

With the help from Steve Martin and his company Natural Encounters, Inc. (NEI), based in Winter Haven, Florida, Bearizona has introduced this new approach to guest interactions which includes several species of birds from around the world.

During a visit to Bearizona, guests may now experience even more animals, including, but not limited to:

• The Livingstone’s turaco, a beautiful and brightly colored rainforest bird, jumping from arm to arm of visitors as they would from tree branch to tree branch

• The pied crow picking up plastic bottles and putting them into the recycling bins

• The trumpeter hornbill flying dynamically in pairs and catching grapes mid-air

Bearizona is focused on educating people about wild animals and the habitats in which they live. Now with these new encounters the park said they are able to show guests first-hand how incredible these animals are.

Additionally, both the Bearizona and NEI team are working behind the scenes to increase the quality of care Bearizona provides its animals with next level medical training. Their top predators like the bears, wolves and jaguars are learning things like voluntary injections, nail trims and oral exams which help tremendously during routine vet exams.

“We are excited to be taking our guest experience to a new level by working with NEI on random surprise and delight encounters throughout the day,” said owner Sean Casey. “This is a new concept in the zoological theme park world and allows the guests to part of the show. NEI is the company that has been doing various shows and consulting contracts worldwide for more than 40 years and we are lucky to be learning from the best.”

The inception of these “surprises” also stems from the prevention of crowding guests into small spaces because of COVID-19.

The new element will permanently replace Bearizona’s previous scheduled birds of prey shows in the amphitheater.

Bearizona is open 7 days from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Information provided by Bearizona.


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