Massive Indoor Rainforest Project Faces Hurdles in Arizona Desert
Plans for a nearly 93,000-square-foot climate-controlled rainforest attraction in the Sonoran Desert have encountered delays and community concerns.
Developers are moving forward with plans for Paradise Earth, a proposed 93,000-square-foot indoor rainforest attraction featuring free-flying birds, sloths, and exotic plants, intended for a site on Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community land near Scottsdale, Arizona. The project aims to be the largest indoor rainforest in North America.
The attraction is designed to offer visitors a multi-level experience, with pathways at the forest floor, understory, and canopy levels. The plans include elaborate wildlife exhibits with freshwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, alongside play areas for children. A themed restaurant, "Roost," is envisioned to resemble a Victorian birdcage, offering views of free-flying birds. Entertainment features are also planned, such as an aerial bird show and an animatronic production.
The project has faced a prolonged development timeline. Initially promoted around 2018 and expected to open in 2020, construction was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Developers resumed the approval process in 2022. At least one family reportedly purchased lifetime passes before the attraction broke ground.
Paradise Earth has recently encountered resistance from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Council. The council unanimously postponed a vote on the project's conditional-use permit, requesting more information regarding water consumption, waste management, and animal sourcing. Concerns were also raised about the potential impact of Arizona's summer heat on wildlife housed beneath a largely glass structure, with one council member drawing a comparison to "Jurassic Park." Developers have stated the facility will be climate-controlled and that its glass ceiling would function similarly to that of a neighboring attraction, Butterfly Wonderland.
Despite the postponed vote, Arizona Boardwalk officials have indicated their commitment to the project. However, even with potential approval of the conditional-use permit, Paradise Earth must still pass design review and secure a construction permit. No groundbreaking or opening date has been announced.
The design and visitor experience elements of the project are being handled by entities with ties to Los Angeles, including Gensler's entertainment division and the Entertainment Design Corporation. Paradise Earth would be situated near other attractions on Arizona Boardwalk, such as OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland. 
