Chattanooga Zoo
A charming and clean wildlife park in Chattanooga, TN, featuring diverse animals in well-designed enclosures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are active, pleasant weather
Chattanooga Zoo
Best Time
Animals are active, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming and clean wildlife park in Chattanooga, TN, featuring diverse animals in well-designed enclosures.
"This was one of the cleanest zoos that I have visited! All of the animals was cared for like personal pets."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and skip the line by purchasing your Chattanooga Zoo tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the exhibits at the Chattanooga Zoo.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Red Pandas
Red Panda House
Adorable and often active, these charismatic creatures are a must-see. Get up close with a Wild Encounter!
+1
Meerkats
Meerkat Enclosure
Watch these social and energetic animals as they pop up and interact. Always a crowd-pleaser!
Porcupines
Porcupine Enclosure
Don't underestimate these cute, spiky residents with their distinctive red teeth.
Capybaras
Capybara Enclosure
These gentle giants are a unique sight, often seen lounging or interacting with other animals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Snack Smart
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and skip the line by purchasing your Chattanooga Zoo tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the exhibits at the Chattanooga Zoo.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in warmer months, bring water bottles or utilize the cooling stations.
📸 Capture the Moments
The zoo offers great photo opportunities, especially with the red pandas and meerkats.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and skip the line by purchasing your Chattanooga Zoo tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the exhibits at the Chattanooga Zoo.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in warmer months, bring water bottles or utilize the cooling stations.
📸 Capture the Moments
The zoo offers great photo opportunities, especially with the red pandas and meerkats.
⏰ Allow About an Hour
The Chattanooga Zoo is compact, so plan for roughly an hour to see most of the animals.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Chattanooga Zoo for its cleanliness, well-cared-for animals, and thoughtful enclosure designs that offer both indoor and outdoor options. Many appreciate its manageable size, making it a quick and enjoyable visit. However, some note that animal activity can be low during hot weather, and certain accessibility features could be improved.
"This was one of the cleanest zoos that I have visited! All of the animals was cared for like personal pets and had their enclosures set up to their likings. I was also impressed that ALL the animals had indoor air conditioned or heat/ outdoor enclosures that they could choose from. Cooling stations all throughout the zoo for the visitors and educational programs. The zoo is not huge but it is definitely worth the visit and I was so happy to see the animals looked happy!"
Jessica Champion
"This is a nice little zoo and can be walked in full within an hour or so. A decent amount of exhibits to see even though most of the animals opted to stay inside their enclosures to escape the July heat. It also seems there's construction throughout the zoo, mainly for expansion and building new exhibits. We enjoyed it a lot and it was a nice little stop on our trip."
Jim Vallès
"Small zoo, but we had a great time! The animals were active and most of the exhibits were open, which made it fun to walk through. It only takes about an hour to see everything, so it’s not too long. Overall, a good zoo—just don’t expect something on the scale of the Nashville Zoo. Much smaller, but still enjoyable!"
Melissa Sisco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chattanooga Zoo is located at 301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN.
The zoo is accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options may also be available depending on your starting point in Chattanooga. Check local transit schedules for details.
Yes, there is parking available at the Chattanooga Zoo.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off at the zoo entrance. This is a convenient option if you are staying in downtown Chattanooga.
From downtown Chattanooga, head north on Broad Street and turn right onto Holtzclaw Avenue. The zoo will be on your left. It's a short drive, typically under 10 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the Chattanooga Zoo typically range from $14-$20 per person, with children aged 2 and under being free. Purchasing tickets online can save you about $3 per ticket.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the gate, but buying them online in advance is recommended to save money and potentially avoid lines.
The zoo sometimes offers discounts, and buying tickets online can provide savings. They also offer free admission for veterans.
The Chattanooga Zoo is typically open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for any seasonal changes or special holiday hours.
Yes, the Chattanooga Zoo offers membership options, which can be a great value if you plan to visit multiple times a year. Check their website for current membership benefits and pricing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that it takes about an hour to see everything at the Chattanooga Zoo, as it's a smaller, more manageable size.
Animal activity can vary depending on the weather. On hot days, many animals may seek shade or stay indoors. Visiting in the morning or during cooler seasons often leads to more visible animals.
Popular exhibits include the Red Pandas, Meerkats, and Capybaras. The zoo also features a variety of other animals from around the globe.
While the zoo has made efforts, some areas might present challenges for wheelchairs, such as ramps to certain exhibits or inclines. The carousel is noted as having a ramp.
Yes, the Chattanooga Zoo has a train ride, but it may not be wheelchair accessible.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Reddit discussions suggest that some zoos may have restrictions on outside food. It's advisable to check the Chattanooga Zoo's official policy regarding outside food and beverages.
The zoo typically has a concession stand or cafe offering snacks and light meals. Specific offerings can vary, so check their website for current menus.
While not explicitly mentioned, smaller zoos often have limited picnic facilities. It's best to confirm with the zoo directly if you plan to bring a picnic.
Based on one review, a small stuffed animal from the gift shop was considered overpriced. Food prices at zoo concessions can sometimes be higher than average.
Concession stands usually offer standard fare like hot dogs and fries. For specific dietary needs, it's recommended to contact the zoo in advance or bring your own suitable food if permitted.
📸 📸 Photography
The Red Panda exhibit and the Meerkat enclosure offer fantastic photo opportunities due to their active nature and clear viewing areas.
Generally, personal cameras and DSLRs are allowed. However, professional photography or videography might require special permits, especially for commercial purposes. Check the zoo's policy.
While general photography is encouraged, avoid using flash photography directly at animals, as it can disturb them. Also, be mindful of other visitors and do not block pathways.
You can expect to capture close-ups of various animals, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. The zoo's layout allows for good viewing angles for many exhibits.
The 'Wild Encounters' with animals like the Red Pandas offer unique, up-close photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking tickets online to save time and money. While the zoo has some accessibility features, like a ramp on the carousel, it's wise to check ahead if you have specific mobility concerns for your child. 💰 Budget Travelers
The zoo's manageable size means you can enjoy a fulfilling experience in a shorter amount of time, potentially saving on overall costs. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The zoo's layout provides good viewing angles for capturing clear shots. While professional equipment is generally allowed, always be mindful of zoo policies regarding commercial photography. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Chattanooga Zoo's Animal Collection
Key attractions include the charismatic Red Pandas, known for their playful antics, and the highly social Meerkats, whose constant activity is captivating. The zoo also features Capybaras, the world's largest rodents, offering a unique viewing experience. While some visitors note that certain animals might be less active during hot weather, the zoo's commitment to providing comfortable environments for its residents is evident.
For those interested in specific species, the zoo's animal list is available on their website. It's worth noting that while elephants are a popular animal, they are not currently part of the Chattanooga Zoo's collection, which was a point of disappointment for one visitor.
Accessibility and Family Considerations
For families with young children, the zoo's manageable size is a significant advantage, allowing for a visit to be completed within an hour or so, preventing overtiring.
Activities like the train ride are available, but it's important to note that not all attractions may be fully accessible.
Maximizing Your Visit: Tips from Visitors
This is especially beneficial during busy periods. Comfortable footwear is essential, as you'll be exploring the zoo's grounds on foot. Given Chattanooga's climate, staying hydrated is crucial, particularly during warmer months. The zoo offers cooling stations, and bringing your own water bottles is a good strategy.
Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities, especially at the Chattanooga Zoo red panda and meerkat exhibits, which are known for their photogenic residents.
+1 Remember to be respectful of the animals and other visitors by avoiding flash photography and not blocking pathways. The zoo's gift shop offers souvenirs, though one reviewer found prices to be on the higher side. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit