Zoo Knoxville

So once again, I'm here to advise people on great places to go in my hometown of Knoxville. And I know the zoo seems a bit of a cliche recommendation, but not for me.

First, for all the people who are like: "zoo's are bad! animals in cages! RAWRRR! Mistreated animals!" You are NOT wrong. Usually. But that's why I enjoy Zoo Knoxville. Through a rough and slow beginning, zoo Knoxville took conservation and research seriously and it took the lead in working toward the conservation of endangered species.

In 1978 they were the place where the first and second African Elephants to have ever been born in America were brought into this life. It's also the first zoo in America to breed several critically endangered tortoises and turtles. They are also one of the most prestigious zoos for breeding captive red pandas. They are accredited by the AZA, and they put all of their efforts into research, conservation, and building the best habitats they possibly can for the animals they take care of.

The Asian monkeys have a huge swinging path they can take, over the Asian habitats and walkways. The red pandas are in an open space that you walk into, the Siberian Tiger's enclosure is so big that you can't see it all, and it has plenty of privacy. There are several spots you can stop and peek into its private domain in hopes of seeing it. None of the animals are kept in habitats that look too confining, and they are all lushly decorated and well-maintained. If you can't see the animals in their enclosures it's because the creatures have a choice whether or not they are outside with the public or getting some quiet time.

And the animals aren't the only attractive thing at Zoo Knoxville either. There is a lot to do here, including the Halloween event Boo at the Zoo, and many other events that the zoo hosts. They have a carousel, the kids can ride a cute little train (some of these events require payment), a water park and splash pad, playground areas, and indoor playgrounds with animals to look at. You can walk with the turtles and pet them, and feed the giraffes. They have so much education just littered through the park that you unknowingly learn new things about nature and history while you're there. There are food joints, vending machines, and clean bathrooms scattered around the zoo. They even have a zipline.

I will say, something I discovered this past Father's Day last Sunday, one of the indoor play areas by the reptile house has a nursing room. With a comfortable rocking chair and calm decor. And right next to the nursing room, is a safe little comfortable Infant crawl area. After hauling our 11-month-old around the zoo for 5 hours at this point, both Xander and my handsome partner were thrilled to take a break while the kids played out the last of their energy. When I saw the nursing room, Zoo Knoxville leveled up again for me. That is literally the most considerate thing a theme park of any sort could put into its repertoire of utility rooms.

If you live locally or close, it's worth buying a year-long membership. There are several types of memberships. My family chose the family of two adults and up to 6 unnamed children to the zoo, whenever you like. It gets you discounts on internal events and rides and waives the $5 parking fee. But here's a little secret a lot of people don't know. If you have WIC/Foodstamps, year memberships are 70% off (PSA: I bet there are discounts like this at a lot of places across America, they just don't advertise it!)

Zoos can be pricey, and I'm not going to lie, Zoo Knoxville is no different. However, I will say, if I'm going to support a zoo with my fiance's hard-earned money, it will always be Zoo Knoxville. It's not the biggest, not the most famous, and most definitely not the most extravagant but it is among the best. I've long admired Zoo Knoxville for its breeding programs and its efforts in conservation and education. And I will continue to admire it with my family all year long.

3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive

Knoxville, TN 37914

865.637.5331

Everyday:

9:00 am – 5:00 pm