The Knoxville Zoo is a local favorite where visitors can see giraffes, red pandas, tigers, chimpanzees, and more just minutes from downtown. It’s an easy choice for a weekend outing, a school break, or a day spent with visiting family.
Animals at Knoxville Zoo
Boyd Family Asian Trek
The Asian Trek area is home to some of the zoo’s most popular animals, including red pandas and Malayan tigers.
Red pandas are especially fun to watch as they climb through the trees and move around their habitats. Zoo Knoxville is also well known for its successful red panda breeding and conservation programs.
Grasslands Africa
Grasslands Africa is a favorite stop for families, especially those who enjoy seeing larger animals up close.
Visitors can watch giraffes, zebras, and other African wildlife throughout this area. The giraffes are a particular highlight, and the zoo offers opportunities to feed them.
Chimp Ridge
Chimp Ridge is another entertaining stop, where visitors can watch chimpanzees climbing, playing, and interacting with one another.
More Animals Around the Zoo
Beyond these main exhibits, visitors can also see animals such as African lions, southern white rhinos, elephants, ostriches, gorillas, reptiles, and various birds.
Family Fun
The zoo has several attractions and activities geared toward children, including:
- Wee Play Adventure: An indoor play area where younger children can enjoy hands-on activities and take a break from walking.
- Animal encounters: Opportunities to get a closer look at certain animals through scheduled experiences.
- Keeper presentations: A chance to hear from zoo staff and watch animals during special presentations.
- Seasonal events: Special activities and celebrations throughout the year, including the popular Boo! at the Zoo Halloween event.
There are also places to grab lunch, enjoy a snack, and take a break before heading to the next exhibit.
Planning Your Visit to Knoxville Zoo
Zoo Knoxville is located at 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville, TN 37914, just east of downtown Knoxville.
Visit the official Zoo Knoxville website for current tickets, hours, memberships, and upcoming events.
Living in Knoxville Tennessee
Zoo Knoxville is just one of the many attractions that make living in Knoxville enjoyable. From local parks and greenways to museums, outdoor recreation, and family activities, residents have plenty of options for spending their free time without traveling far from home.
If you’re considering moving to Knoxville, having attractions like Zoo Knoxville nearby is another benefit of calling East Tennessee home.