- Attraction: Zoo Knoxville
- Location: 3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr, Knoxville, TN 37914
- Industry: Zoo
- Website: https://www.zooknoxville.org/
Walk past the threshold where history collides with modern conservation, and you might just encounter a red panda cub that was born into zoo royalty.
Zoo Knoxville holds a title that no other facility on Earth can claim: the Red Panda Capital of the World, with more than 110 births of these endangered bamboo-munchers since 1978.
This isn’t some stuffy, old-fashioned menagerie, though. Spanning 53 acres just east of downtown Knoxville, this accredited zoo houses over 1,500 animals representing 200 species and welcomes more than 585,000 guests annually.
The zoo’s journey from a simple alligator exhibit in 1951 to becoming a Southeast powerhouse of conservation tells quite a tale. They made headlines in 1978 by breeding the first African elephants born in the Western Hemisphere and have continued pushing boundaries ever since.
Today, you’ll discover award-winning exhibits that have earned national recognition, including the Boyd Family Asian Trek (voted a top 10 zoo exhibit in the country for three years straight) and the cutting-edge Clayton Family Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus, which earned top design honors from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
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Keep Exploring →Blockbuster Exhibits & Must-See Animals
The Boyd Family Asian Trek: This five-acre masterpiece takes you through ancient temple ruins where critically endangered Malayan tigers Tahan and Batari lounge in lush vegetation.
The exhibit features a canopy trail with sweeping views, plus a treetop experience where you can meet white-handed gibbons swinging through their habitat. The silvered leaf langurs add another layer of intrigue to this immersive Asian landscape.
Red Panda Village: As the breeding capital, this is where the magic happens. You can step into the village’s aviary for remarkably close encounters with these rust-colored cuties.
During warm months, daily keeper chats let you learn about the conservation efforts that have made this zoo internationally famous for protecting this endangered species.
Clayton Family Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus (ARC): This world-class indoor facility showcases scaly and slithering creatures from around the globe, with a special focus on endangered turtles and tortoises.
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Discover MoreThe exhibit includes behind-the-scenes tours and a hands-on educational lab that gives you deeper insight into reptile conservation. You might even catch Joe the Sloth hanging around, as this gentle giant occasionally comes down from the trees for enrichment activities.
Clayton Otter Creek: Three energetic North American river otters named Clayton, Pascal, and Reed keep guests entertained with their playful antics. The underwater viewing areas let you watch these aquatic acrobats zoom through the water, while interactive education stations teach about clean waterways and sustainability.
Neely Family Center for Rhino Conservation: The new Southern Savanna habitat features two impressive male southern white rhinos, Mylo and Ranger, who opened to the public in May 2025.
This grassland habitat will eventually expand to include zebras and giraffes as part of the African Grasslands project.
Valley of the Kings: Home to African lions and Hamadryas baboons, this exhibit offers some of the zoo’s most dramatic animal encounters. Watch the big cats during enrichment activities that showcase their power and intelligence.
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Keep Exploring →Great Apes Complex: Meet the zoo’s chimpanzee and Western lowland gorilla families. The teenage gorillas and toddler chimp interactions often remind visitors of their own family dynamics, making this one of the most relatable exhibits.
Red Wolf Conservation Area: Come face-to-face with one of the planet’s rarest canids. Zoo Knoxville sits at the forefront of red wolf conservation efforts, working to save this critically endangered species from extinction.
Special Experiences & Interactive Activities
Animal Feeding Encounters: Multiple daily opportunities let you hand-feed giraffes from an elevated platform, getting eye-level with these gentle giants and watching their impressive tongues snag leafy treats.
You can also feed colorful budgies, meet tortoises, or opt for the VIP Rhino Experience where you might actually touch one of these massive creatures behind the scenes.
Soaring Eagle Zip Line: This tandem zip ride pulls you backward 65 feet above the treetops before releasing you to glide back to the landing pad at speeds over 100 feet. The eagle’s-eye perspective gives you a completely different view of the zoo grounds.
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Discover MoreKids Cove & Wee Play Adventure: Perfect for families with young children, these areas feature nature-themed playgrounds, interactive animal encounters, and a beloved petting zoo where kids can get hands-on with goats and sheep.
Zoo Choo Train: This cheerful ride takes you on a whimsical journey around the vibrant koi pond, complete with bright colors and happy tunes that make it irresistible for little ones.
Fuzzy-Go-Round Carousel: The vintage-style carousel features animals from around the world, offering a classic amusement park experience that appeals to all ages. Scooter Pals (adorable fuzzy electric scooters shaped like animals) provide another fun way to navigate the grounds.
Seasonal Events & After-Hours Fun
Brew at the Zoo: This exclusive 21+ evening event lets you explore the zoo after dark while sampling craft beers, ciders, and spirits from local and regional favorites. Live music, food trucks, and animal encounters make it an unforgettable date night or social outing.
Boo at the Zoo: Knoxville’s favorite Halloween tradition features not-too-scary festivities including trick-or-treating throughout the zoo, dramatic lighting, giant inflatables, and the Monster Mash dance party. The Scary-Go-Round and BOO! Choo Train add extra seasonal flair.
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Keep Exploring →Zoo Lights: During winter months, glowing silk lanterns shaped like exotic animals transform the zoo into a magical wonderland with festive activities and photos with Santa.
Atmosphere & Layout
Manageable Size: At 53 acres, the zoo feels substantial without being overwhelming. Most visitors spend 3-4 hours comfortably touring the grounds, though you might want to budget more time if you plan to revisit exhibits during peak animal activity periods.
Divided Sections: The zoo splits into East and West zones, each featuring large naturalistic outdoor habitats alongside smaller indoor exhibits.
Upon entering, Black Bear Falls featuring American black bears native to the nearby Great Smoky Mountains provides a perfect introduction to the zoo’s mission.
Modern Renovations: The newer exhibits like the Asian Trek and ARC showcase contemporary zoo design with immersive environments, while some older sections are gradually being updated. The contrast shows the zoo’s evolution and commitment to continuous improvement.
Accessibility Features: Zoo Knoxville earned KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue status, with sensory bags available at the ticket booth, designated quiet zones at the Barn Loft and African painted dog viewing area, and headphone zones at Kids Cove, Wee Play Adventure, and Safari Splash.
Amenities & Practical Considerations
Dining Options: On-site restaurants include The Beastro, Safari Smokehouse, Al’s Cantina, Tennessee Dogs, and The Graze food truck. You’re also welcome to pack your own picnic lunch, with tables located throughout the property.
Climate Control: Clayton Safari Splash provides 5,000 square feet of safari-themed water play included with general admission.
Located next to Grasslands Africa, this splash pad features life-sized water-spouting giraffes, interactive hoops and loops, and colorful giant flowers, making it the perfect cool-down spot during hot Tennessee summers.
Parking Situation: Parking costs $5 (free for members) and is available in upper and lower lots with handicap and RV spaces. During busy days, arriving early helps secure convenient spots.
Rental Options: Strollers, wheelchairs, and electric scooters are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis, though scooters aren’t available during rain.
Pricing Structure: General admission runs $26.95 for adults, $21.95 for children ages 3-12 and seniors 65+, with kids under 3 entering free.
A $2 in-park service fee applies to tickets purchased on-site, so buying online saves money and lets you skip the line. Annual memberships offer excellent value for repeat visitors, providing free admission and access to more than 130 other AZA zoos nationwide.
Conservation Mission: The zoo operates as 86% self-funded through admissions, memberships, and concession sales, meaning every ticket directly supports animal care and global conservation initiatives.
As part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, your visit contributes to maintaining genetically diverse populations and supporting field conservation organizations worldwide.
Optimal Visiting Times: Arriving early morning or later afternoon typically means more active animals, as many retreat to holding areas for meals around midday. The zoo opens at 9am daily (closing times vary seasonally).
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The zoo caters wonderfully to all ages, with animal signs positioned at kid eye level, multiple play areas, and interactive experiences designed to engage young minds while teaching conservation principles.
Zoo Knoxville
📍 3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr, Knoxville, TN 37914
