b'A View ofTHE ZOOWildlife World Zoo Founder Mickey Ollson Passes AwayT he valley loses a homegrown business pioneer,In his early adulthood, Ollson chose a different career path. philanthropist, leader, and educator, with the passing ofHe graduated from ASU and became a teacher, educating Wildlife World Zoo founder and owner Mickey Ollson.thousands of students in his public school classrooms. But Ollson died Sunday, January 9th, at the age of 80 after aduring his teaching career, his love for animals never waned short but courageous battle with cancer. He was born andand continued to grow. "I was raising exotic birds for other lived his entire life in the West Valley, where he eventuallyzoos and other collections, and in the early \'80s, with the founded his zoo and opened its doors to millions of happygrowth of the West Valley, we decided to go ahead and open visitors over the past 38 years. a zoo here." In his mid-40\'s Ollson retired from teaching and took a chance to fulfill his dream of opening his own zoo.Mickey Ollson was a dreamer. His vision and hard work entertained and educated millions of people through theFor nearly four decades, Ollson was onsite at the zoo every Wildlife World Zoo. He was born and raised in the Westday, checking in with all the keepers and the animals, Valley, and he leaves an indelible mark there for futurebuilding and adding pieces and exhibits year by year, proud generations. He gave back to his community. He was anof all that was accomplished by his team. His childhood inspiration to his family and everyone who knew him,vision would grow into Arizonas largest exotic animal Wildlife World Zoo Media Director Kristy Hayden. collection, a 100-acre zoo that houses 6,000 animals.He leaves behind his wife Connie, children Micalin, Louis,Mickeys drive and talents led to numerous industry firsts Kenny, DeShawn, eight grandchildren, and three great- in the zoological community, including the first zoo to grandchildren. have a public exotic bird feeding, and the first zoo toWildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park is located athave overhead jaguar viewing! Late last year, Mickey was16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park, AZ (SE Corner of State Mickey lived a truly amazing life. He was only a childthe recipient of the Zoological Association of AmericasRoute 303 and Northern Ave.) Open seven days a week, 365 days a some 70 years ago when he subconsciously made plansLifetime Achievement Award! This award is the highestyear, including all holidays. Zoo exhibits are open from 9:00 a.m. to for his zoo. As a little boy, he had a dream that one day heZAA honor for professional excellence and contributions to6:00 p.m. (last zoo admission is at 4:30 p.m.) Aquarium exhibits are would open his own zoo. "I had chickenpox, so I couldn\'tthe zoo industry. After getting that award, Mickey reflectedopen from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Admission includes access to the go to school for a couple of weeks," said Ollson. To passon his career and said he wouldn\'t change a thing, becauseZoo, Aquarium, and Safari Park.the time, he drew a map of his future zoo, which ended upit all came together just as he envisioned as a little boy,For more info: (623) 935-WILD (9453) or visitlooking amazingly like the early-era Wildlife World Zoo hedreaming, and drawing a map.Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @ZooWildlife,eventually built.and www.WildlifeWorld.com.Contributing photographers: Charles Ralston, Lee Magenheim, Lorenzo Fuentes and Jolene WesterlingSee Some Cool Cats.Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park. 6,000 animals, 8 shows daily,tons of rides, a thousand thrills and a million smiles. All in One Day! Everyday!Arizonas Ultimate, Year-Round Family Fun Destination. GOOD FOR FOUR! Off Admission Per Person/$20 Value Not valid with any other discountsArizonas Largest Collection of Exotic Animals.Northern Ave. and the 303 Freeway623-935-WILD (9453)WildlifeWorld.com5$2022 WWZASP Real Country HP.indd 1 12/21/21 9:37 AMArizonaRealCountry.com February 2022 41'