(Zoo Update: June 2008 - The Phoenix Zoo has remodeled some areas and unfortunately our train display has been put into storage as there was no longer a space available for it).

The idea to install a train table was first proposed by Board of Director and Co-Chair of the Desert Division Kids Club, Thomas Plies in the spring of 2003. Thomas thought that it would be a viable project for the Kids Club to participate in. Working as a volunteer at the
Phoenix Zoo, Thomas first approached the management of the park to see if there was any interest in the project. Getting assurances that the Zoo was indeed interested in an operating layout the Desert Division Board of Directors gave the nod and work began. The plans and concept needed to be changed and modified as input and suggestions were offered from those involved. It was decided that due to the scale of the trains it was not feasible to do an actual scale replica of the Phoenix Zoo, but rather pick certain key landmarks and attractions and highlight them on the module. Elevating the trains above the layout rather than having them have them on the table top so as not to hide the attractions was another change in plans. It was also decided to try and add some interactive operating accessories to the display.

Certain zoo landmarks and "personalities" were faithfully reproduced while others gavway to artistic renditions. Here and there a bit of whimsy was added to make young eyes play a little hide and seek as they explored the table top. The Phoenix Zoo's unique entrance portal greets guests to the zoo and was faithfully rendered on the module. A school bus sits nearby, dropping children off for a field trip to the zoo. Train collectors visiting the zoo will see fellow train collector and Disney animator, the late Ward Kimball, trying to coax his creation Jiminy Cricket out of hiding. Over in one corner is our tribute to one of the Phoenix Zoo's most colorful and endearing guests, Ruby the Elephant who will always be remembered fondly by those of us who grew up and visited the zoo over the past two decades. Popular with the children who visit the zoo is a tree house and playhouse area called the Enchanted Forest. K-Line's Steven's Hideout and an operating swing set from Lionel helped us to recreate this area and bring it to life. Always popular whenever kids come to the Phoenix Zoo, the Harmony Farm and the petting zoo also has a spot on the layout, along with numerous fenced area for lions, tigers, giraffes, along with a mountain for some Arizona Bighorn Sheep and Arabian Oryx.