SSA Group, an award-winning provider of visitor amenities, has taken over dining and catering services at a leading Arizonian zoo venue.
Working with the team at Wildlife World in Phoenix, US, SSA Group has been focused on delivering high-quality food and beverage options since it officially took over on 28 September 2022. The transition took place exactly 38 years to the day since Wildlife World first opened to the public in 1984.
SSA Group has implemented a program founded on its sustainability initiatives, now featuring sustainable serveware and drinkware, with the firm also removing single-use plastic bottles and sourcing produce and beverages from local vendors.
Further upgrades are being planned to ensure food locations are modernised and are kept guest-friendly, including self-order kiosk stations and mobile ordering.
Variety of animals
Wildlife World is a zoo, aquarium and safari park, homing the state’s largest collection of exotic and endangered animals, with over 600 separate species. The attraction is also home to a petting zoo, a range of rides, and daily performances for guests.
Visitors can choose to take a train ride through the Safari Park, or uncover 80 species including rays and sharks at the aquarium.
The zoo is home to a selection of themed environments including Dragon World, home to giant ectotherms – reptiles that use the environment to control their body temperatures, and Adventure Land, with animals from North and South America including tapirs, mountain lions and the red fox.
Enhancing the experience
Wildlife World is a family-owned and operated venture, with SSA saying that its latest collaboration is a natural fit as the two organisations share many of the same values.
“We are thrilled about the new partnership with Wildlife World supporting daytime dining and catering, says SSA Group regional vice president Mark Kathman. “We look forward to enhancing the guest experience through elevated dining options and catering programs. The future of Wildlife World is bright, and we are honoured to be a part of it.”
SSA Group recently announced its appointment of Yontae Johnson as the company’s in-house DEAI Manager, a role which focuses on Diversity, Equity, Access and Inclusivity.