What a nice zoo! The grounds are gorgeous and, in some places, make you forget you're in Phoenix! The park is very spread out, so there was a lot of walking (especially since we had a 1 1/2 year old with us who insisted on walking by himself!). But, it would be a great little workout if you got a season pass!
So why the 3 stars? At one point we were hungry for food and stopped at 3 different food stands throughout the park only to find each one closed upon arrival! All of the food stands are super spread out across the park and, after the third one we approached being closed, I have to admit I was getting mad! I wish they would put little magnetic "Closed" signs on the direction arrows they have pointing to food vendors across the park or something. It was a slow day, so I understand why they were closed, but it was very frustrating and I was starting to get hangry. Turns out, the only food stop open in the park that day was the one by the front entrance. Ugh...
The giraffe experience was blah. Not worth the $5 if you ask me. I've been to tons of zoos that let you feed giraffes and this experience was very controlled and very, very brief. You barely even have time to take a pic before they move you along and out of arms reach of them.
I hope to be back to this zoo next time I'm in town. I love me a good zoo and it's super fun watching my adorable little nephew react to all the animals. I want to ride the little boats I saw on the lake!