About the Knoxville Zoo
The Knoxville Zoo has 53 acres to enchant visitors of all ages. The zoo is located a short distance east from downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. The Knoxville zoo is open every day except Christmas and over 400,000 people visit each year. Discounted tickets are available for purchase in Kroger grocery stores.
The Knoxville Zoo offers many special services to the community. They offer a summer zoo camp for children kindergarten through fifth grade. The Knoxville Zoo has a Zoomobile that transports animals to schools, churches or other organizations for science and conservation programs. Visit the Knoxville Zoo website for more information.
The Knoxville Zoo has several animal habitats for guests to enjoy and learn about the animals. The zoo is home to over 900 animals and the zoo spends $160,000 on food per year. The zoo offers several locations for purchasing food and drinks at the Safari Grill or concession stands. Vending machines are also located in the park.
Red Panda Village
Red Panda Village has been home to red panda’s since 1978. There have been 93 red panda’s born at the Knoxville zoo. The Village offers two viewing areas outdoors and one indoors. Zoo guests can see the red panda cubs in the nursery area. The exhibit offers a walk-through area to view the red panda without barriers.
Black Bear Falls
Black Bear Falls offers a multi-level viewing experience to allow the visitors to be closer to the bears. The exhibit is designed to look like the Smoky Mountains. There are three black bears that call the Falls home since 2002. The dens allow visitors to view the bears through windows. Enjoy walking through the 40-foot log tunnel to view the exhibit from a different view.
Chimp Ridge
Chimp Ridge is home to eight chimpanzees and opened in 1999. The Chimp Ridge offers year round viewing in both indoor and outdoor areas. Chimps are the most skilled animals making and using tools. The exhibit has an interactive sound wall and a children’s chimp nest play area beside the sound wall.
Grasslands Africa
Grasslands Africa exhibit is home to elephants, giraffes, greater kudu, zebras, gazelles, weaverbirds and the ostrich. The exhibit offers several viewing areas for the enjoyment of the animals. Observe the animals scratching on the rock enclosure and play in the baobab tree.
The Knoxville Zoo also offers several other animal habitat exhibits for your enjoyment including Kid’s Cove and Animal Encounter Village. The zoo offers membership for local residents to enjoy the excitement on a regular basis.