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Mickey Ollson, founder of Wildlife World Zoo, dies at 80
LITCHFIELD PARK, Ariz. - The founder of the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in Litchfield Park has died.
Zoo officials said in a news release that founder and owner Mickey Ollson died on Jan. 9 after a short battle with cancer. He was 80 years old.
The zoo recalled Ollson as a "dreamer" determined since childhood to open his own zoo.
Ollson was a teacher but retired in his mid-40s to pursue running his own zoo.
Ollson opened the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in 1984.
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Wildlife World Zoo's founder turned childhood dream into reality
"Thoughts become things": that saying just may be the case with the owner of one of the largest private zoos in the nation. FOX 10's Anita Roman reports.
He is survived by his wife, Connie, four children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Memorial services are pending.
In lieu of flowers, Ollson's family is asking for donations to Save Giraffes Now at https://savegiraffesnow.org/donate/.
The Associated Press (AP) contributed to this report.
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