The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum has been named one of the best zoo’s in the country by The Intrepid Traveler, , a travel publisher in Branford, Conn.

Here is more information from the news release:

(Branford, CT) The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson has been honored as one of “America’s Best Zoos 2008” by The Intrepid Traveler, a travel publisher located in Branford, CT. The ASDM, which exhibits only animals native to the Sonoran Desert, was cited for its diverse animal collection, special programs for visitors, knowledgeable and committed staff, and excellent exhibits. Among the must-sees: Hummingbird Aviary, where seating areas allow visitors to admire the seven different hummingbird species that fly freely around the 3,300 square foot exhibit, and Life Underground, a dark, 60-foot tunnel where animal lovers can spot several desert dwellers trying to escape the heat of the day, including foxes and kangaroo rats. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum was selected for the award by Allen W. Nyhuis and Jon Wassner, co-authors of America’s Best Zoos: A Travel Guide for Fans and Families (©2008, The Intrepid Traveler, $15.95). Nyhuis, a statistician and father of four who has visited over 200 zoos worldwide, and Wassner, a former zookeeper, note that the zoo’s many attractions also include the “Live & (sort of) On the Loose” show, which gives spectators an up-close look at venomous reptiles of the Southwest. America’s Best Zoos is a comprehensive guide to the 60 best zoos in the U.S., each one offering a different experience to visitors. Arranged geographically to encourage many zoo-oriented trips, it calls out not to be missed exhibits and opportunities for interaction with the animals, as well as non-animal attractions—with special emphasis on children’s activities of all kinds. The Intrepid Traveler publishes travel how-to and guidebooks, many of them oriented toward family travel.