Located in Litchfield Park, Arizona, the Wildlife World Zoo exhibits more than
300 species of animals on 45 acres. With more than 1,400 animals, it boasts the
largest collection of exotic animals in Arizona. However, the the real reason
for my trip was to see, ride, and photograph the Wildlife World Zoo's miniature train.
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The 16" gauge railroad runs 5/8 of a mile through two different animal
enclosures that allows passengers a close encounter with a number of the
zoo's residents. During the 8 minute trip the engineer provides commentary
about the many sights over the PA system that is wired into each of the train's cars.
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After departing the station, the train heads south through the first gate into
the scimitar horned oryx enclosure. The southern end of the layout's dogbone
provides an excellent look at gazelles, waterbuck, nyala antelope, and ostriches.
After passing beside the elevated giraffe feeding station, the train crosses a
short trestle and heads north back into the oryx enclosure. After passing through
a second gate the train exits the animal enclosures, circles past a children's
petting barn and play area along the northern dogbone, and returns to the train station.
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The Wildlife World Zoo's "African Train Ride" was established circa 1997. The motive
power is provided by a J&E Railroad Company powered tender that pushes a mock steam
engine. The engine is a 4-4-0 configuration that uses a drive chain to keep the false
drive wheels synchronized. Two right hand load cars that each contain 8 bench seats
have the roofs decorated with thatch to provide a "safari" theme. A third passenger
car (out of service) could be spotted on a spur line.
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The Wildlife World Zoo is open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM seven days a week, 365 days
a year. For train ticket prices, days and hours of operation visit the
Wildlife World Zoo website.
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