Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary

The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary(PHS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is a statewide facility that includes a surrender facility, education program, summer camps and rescue and rehabilitation. The PHS Mission Statement is to "Promote conservation and preservation of native and non-native reptiles through education, rehabilitation, rescue, and relocation". In the simplest of terms, we believe in conserving animal wildlife through education.

PHS was founded in 2001 by three long-time, passionate reptile enthusiasts with a vision to make a difference for reptiles in the state of Arizona. There were plenty of organizations to rescue many species of animals from dogs and cats to birds. However, reptile owners had no outlet to relinquish ownership if needed nor was there a resource to acquire accurate, reliable information on the care and husbandry of reptiles as pets. In addition, native and non-native species were being destroyed by state facilities and other animal rescue agencies solely due to lack of knowledge regarding care and housing of these amazing creatures - native and exotic. In response, the Phoenix Herpetological Society (PHS) was launched.

Today PHS is a fully operational, 2½ acre rescue and rehabilitation center with an onsite reptile clinic and research center located in northern Scottsdale. A dedicated team of over 80 individuals volunteer regularly to maintain the sanctuary and care for over 1,700 reptiles housed at the facility. PHS works with state and federal wildlife officials and law enforcement to care for and house unwanted or seized reptiles from across the U.S.

Most of the animals at the sanctuary were abandoned, abused or confiscated from individuals who possessed them illegally. For example, Arizona law prohibits private citizens from owning alligators or crocodiles - only licensed zoos (such as PHS), certified educational facilities, or accredited rescue shelters are permitted to keep them in captivity. PHS houses these, and all the rescued reptiles, until proper placement is established. PHS makes every effort possible to locate a permanent residence for the animals, including adoption of legal pets in Arizona.

Humane societies from across the country have contacted PHS to assist in placement, care and treatment of reptiles in need. Several universities and accredited international zoos have partnered with PHS on research projects involving venom studies and various programs to reestablish declining species populations. The level of knowledge, combined experience, and the approachable and receptive team members have quickly turned PHS into THE go-to source for everything reptilian. Working with others having the same compassion for reptiles brings many learning opportunities for PHS as well. No matter the background or experience of any PHS team member, there is always something new to learn or teach.

PHS strongly believes that "Conservation begins with Education." A large amount of time and energy is put into educating the public about reptiles and the importance they have in our ecosystem. Each year PHS visits with over 250,000 school-aged children as part of that education effort.

An onsite Wildlife Education and Conservation Center was recently completed, a longtime dream of PHS founders. This custom-designed building is outfitted to comfortably accommodate physically and mentally challenged visitors, who previously were unable to experience a facility like PHS. Several programs for both children and adults are being developed specifically for these extraordinary individuals so they, too, have the opportunity to discover and experience a whole new world with hands-on interaction. Other programs and projects are currently underway that will make this facility accessible to everyone. At no time should anyone be turned away who wishes to learn about wildlife and our environment due to a challenge - physical, mental or otherwise.

Testimonials

"As Indiana Jones so famously said, "I hate snakes." Well, I'm like that. However, my husband had visited this sanctuary a couple of years ago and he has been prodding me to go ever since. We found the location easily and should report that the guide began our tour promptly on the appointed reservation hour. We were in a small group which included young and old. Kevin, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and for three hours spoke to us and shared as much info as he could possibly provide. There are many, many, many critters to see and the chance to see so many in a short period of time is special." - Jo B., TripAdvisor, Nov. 2019

"Fantastic tour of a wonderful animal care organization
Whether you're a reptile lover or not, you are sure to enjoy and most likely see/learn something new with a tour of the Phoenix Herpetological Society facility. Be sure to make advanced reservation (call or book online) as that is a must...