Welcome to Nature Joe’s Tiki Outpost: home of the party animals and the next chapter in a 30-year journey of wildlife education, animal care, and community connection.
The Tiki Outpost is a dream years in the making:
+ a desert sanctuary where rescued reptiles, amphibians, birds, and other critters can thrive…
+ a hands-on educational space where families and classrooms connect with nature…
+ and a one-of-a-kind retreat where visitors can celebrate events, explore the desert, and meet the Party Animals up close.
After decades of traveling to schools, camps, and communities across the country, Joe is finally bringing the Outpost home to Arizona where his passion for nature first began. Now, he’s inviting supporters to help bring the Tiki Outpost to life.
For more than three decades, Nature Joe has introduced thousands of people to the wonder of wildlife. Through school programs, camps, community events, and private experiences, the Party Animals have inspired curiosity, awe, and respect for creatures many never get to see up close.
The Tiki Outpost will be a permanent home for the animals and a destination for people who want to learn, connect, and experience the natural world in a new way.
It will be:
A rescue-friendly habitat for reptiles, amphibians, birds, and desert species
A retreat space for private tours, events, and overnight stays
A hub for Nature Camp and hands-on learning
A place for volunteers, families, and visitors to explore the desert and meet the animals
A Tiki-inspired environment filled with creativity, education, and connection
Your contribution helps secure the land, build the habitats, and open the doors to a sanctuary where animals and people can thrive together.
Reward:
Digital Tiki Outpost postcard
Your name added to the Founding Friends Wall at the Outpost
Reward:
Personalized thank-you video from the herbivore crew
Name on the Founding Friends Wall
Feeds tortoises, iguanas, and millipedes for a full week.
Reward:
Personalized thank-you video
Behind-the-scenes feeding photo or mini clip from Nature Joe
Name on the Founding Friends Wall
Feeds the meat-eaters for a full week.
Reward:
Early-access invitation to one Member Day event once the Outpost opens
Personalized thank-you video
Reward:
Private tour for you + one guest
One-night stay at the Outpost once open
20% off programs and merch
Name on the Founding Friends Wall
Reward:
Private tour for up to one carload of friends or family
One-night stay
20% off programs and merch
Name on the Founding Friends Wall
Reward:
Family Contributor rewards
Extended private group tour at the Tiki Outpost with lunch included
Thank-you video from the event
Bring Animal Island to a public event of your choice or let Nature Joe choose a surprise pop-up location!
Reward:
Personalized video of your sponsored habitat
Your name on a carved recognition sign
Family Contributor benefits (tour, stay, discount)
Name on the Founding Friends Wall
Choose the habitat you want to help bring to life.
These higher-level supporters help fund the foundation of the Outpost — land, infrastructure, and major habitat builds.
Reward:
Your name carved onto the Founders Circle installation
One-night stay every year
Invitation to the annual Founders Gathering
First access to new exhibits, programs, and events
Insider updates on land purchase, construction, and habitat progress
Payment will not be collected until 75 pledges are confirmed.
“For over 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing animals with thousands of people across the country. Arizona is where the dream first sparked at a summer nature job and later at the University of Arizona.
Now it’s time to build a permanent home for the animals and a place where people can experience the magic of wildlife up close.
If you feel inspired to contribute, become a Founding Supporter, or share this project with others, I am truly grateful.”
— Nature Joe
Whether you sponsor a tortoise, help build a habitat, or support solar power and infrastructure, you’re helping create a joyful desert sanctuary where animals thrive and where you can experience the magic up close.
Come party with the animals. Help build the Tiki Outpost.
A one-of-a-kind sanctuary in the making.