Knoxville Zoological Gardens, located at 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive in Knoxville, Tennessee, is situated on 53 acres on the city's east side. More than 400,000 people visit the zoo each year to see the nearly 200 mammals, and more than 160 birds and 450 reptiles. The site also is home to a variety of insects, spiders and amphibians.
A 30-foot concrete Baobab tree, wrapped in misters and vines, separates displays of African elephants, as part of the Stokely African Elephant Preserve, and giraffes in the zoo's Grasslands Africa exhibit. The exhibit also features zebras, eland - the world's largest antelope - weaver birds, greater kudu, common waterbuck and Thomson's gazelles. Children can climb into a camouflage-painted Land Rover and pretend to be on an African safari. To commemorate the experience, they can have their picture taken as a souvenir.
Some exciting elements of the zoo include Meerkat Lookout, Penguin Rock, Chimp Ridge, the Pridelands, River Otters, Cheetah Savannah, Gorilla Valley and Black Bear Falls, which showcase amazing creatures in natural habitats. Kids Cove, the Night Club, Bloomin' Butterfly Gardens and the Barn Loft also offer fun and exciting opportunities. Concession stands and the Safari Grill offer a variety of food choices, from snacks to meals.
The zoo's Green Team touts conservation initiatives, as well as promotes education and research about captive breeding programs and re-introduction of species into the wild. The team ensures the appropriate use of zoo's resources, as well as suggests efficiency measures and involves visitors and the community by listening to ideas and promoting the implementation of those ideas when applicable. At the zoo, conservation is viewed as an important local issue, as well as a global one.
Offering entertainment, as well as a wealth of educational programs for visitors of all ages, the zoo is connected to the surrounding community and often hosts events, such as Feast with the Beasts, Zoofari and Boo at the Zoo. It supports existing local and regional partnerships and forges new ones. Groups of 20 or more can take advantage of reduced admission rates with registration in advance. The Zoo Shop gift shop, as well as gift stands and carts throughout the grounds, provide an assortment of gift and souvenir ideas, including animal-themed items. Special accommodations through stroller and wheelchair rentals lend to the Knoxville Zoological Gardens' family friendly atmosphere. It is an ideal location to learn about animal and plant life, as well as the social relevance of conservation efforts.
The Zoomobile program allows any organization or agency the chance to enjoy what the zoo has to offer, without stepping foot on the grounds. Traveling to Southern Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee, the Zoomobile brings small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, spiders and insects with it. Some of the animals can be touched, as part of an interactive component to the offsite visits. Animals are featured in a controlled setting.
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