The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is 65-years-old, so some Tucsonans may only visit every decade or so.
"85 percent is actually outdoors, so we are an immersive experience," says Marketing Specialist, Kat Rumbley.
Stingrays are just one of the more than 200 species you'll meet at the museum. We met otters and hummingbirds in the nearly 50-acre developed park.
"It's such a peaceful place," says Rumbley. But also really cool because you'll be walking around and all the sudden you'll hear a little hummingbird go 'WOOO' right by you.
To attract and educate more guests, even the young ones, the museum is always brining in new exhibits, like the Packrat Playhouse.
"Kids can climb over cholla cactus pads, they can go through secret tunnels, they can go through an oversized rattle snake," says Rumbley.
The playhouse was built this year, and stingray touch was added in 2016. Museum staff hopes different experiences like these will keep people coming back for years to come.
"We want people to feel connected, so that when they see those wildlife out in their backyards, because that happens in Tucson, they'll know what they are, and if they might be dangerous, and what to do and handle them," says Rumbley.
By getting up close and personal, the folks at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum say they hope you'll leave with a newfound respect for wildlife.
