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Merrill: Arizona Highways photos now on display at Phoenix Zoo

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Arizona has many amazing treasures. It’s not just that we have spectacular scenery and an abundance of wildlife.

We also have talented photographers who capture images of this beauty for ADOT’s Arizona Highways magazine.

There’s no better place to display some of these photographs than along the walls of another Arizona treasure, the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/Phoenix Zoo.

The two organizations have collaborated to create an exhibit featuring large photographs by nine famed Arizona Highways photographers. It will be on display with a general admission ticket through Jan. 31 in the Zoo’s Savanna Gallery.

“The photographs are absolutely stunning,” ACNC/Phoenix Zoo President and CEO Bert Castro said in a press release, referring to works by Jack Dykinga, Paul Gill, Joel Hazelton, Lisa Langell, Suzanne Mathia, Eirini Pajak, Willis Peterson, John Sherman and Bruce D. Taubert.

Among artwork on display is a snowy egret flying across water that is reflecting yellow foliage, taken by Bruce D. Taubert, giving a white on yellow experience.

There’s a peaceful photo of the Little Colorado by Jack Dykinga, a green insect atop a desert mushroom by Eirini Pajak and Canyon Magic by Suzanne Mathia.

Zoo visitors have the option of purchasing these and 45 others if they wish to add another touch of beauty to their homes.

Twenty percent of the proceeds go back to the nonprofit zoo for the care of more than 3,000 animals.

“We’re proud to partner with the Phoenix Zoo on this wonderful exhibit,” Robert Stieve, editor of Arizona Highways, said. “For almost 100 years, we’ve been showcasing the beauty of Arizona, and a big part of that beauty is the state’s wildlife. It’s our hope that these photographs will inspire people to protect the many species that make our landscape so unique.”

Editor’s note: Laurie Merrill is a spokeswoman for the Arizona Department of Transportation. Visit azdot.gov.