Zoo Knoxville
Discover diverse wildlife, engaging animal encounters, and family fun at Zoo Knoxville, a hub for conservation and education.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals
Zoo Knoxville
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover diverse wildlife, engaging animal encounters, and family fun at Zoo Knoxville, a hub for conservation and education.
"A great zoo with friendly staff and neat experiences! 10/10 recommendation for a fun experience in Knoxville!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Beat the crowds and secure good parking by arriving shortly after opening. :car:
🎟️ Check for Discounts
Look for potential discounts on tickets and passes online before your visit. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Red Panda Cubs
Boyd Family Red Panda Village
Witness the adorable debut of playful red panda cubs exploring their new home. A heartwarming and rare sight!
Giraffe Feeding
African Savanna
Get up close and personal to feed a giraffe! A truly memorable and exciting experience for all ages.
Chimpanzee Troop
Chimpanzee Exhibit
Observe the social dynamics of chimpanzees, including the heartwarming story of Stevie, born on Earth Day.
Dinosaur Exhibit
Various Locations
Roam with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs from March to September for a prehistoric adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Construction
Interactive Experiences & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Beat the crowds and secure good parking by arriving shortly after opening. :car:
🎟️ Check for Discounts
Look for potential discounts on tickets and passes online before your visit. :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking between exhibits, so wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera to snap photos of the animals and your family's fun day. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Beat the crowds and secure good parking by arriving shortly after opening. :car:
🎟️ Check for Discounts
Look for potential discounts on tickets and passes online before your visit. :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking between exhibits, so wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera to snap photos of the animals and your family's fun day. :camerawithflash:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring water bottles or be prepared to purchase drinks. :droplet:
🗣️ Engage with Staff
Zoo staff are knowledgeable and friendly; ask them questions about the animals! :man_teacher:
🦕 Dinosaur Exhibit Fun
Don't miss the large-scale animatronic dinosaur exhibit running March-September. :dinosaur:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Zoo Knoxville for its happy and well-cared-for animals, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and family-friendly attractions like animal feeding and rides. Many appreciate the accessibility and the immersive exhibit designs. Some visitors have noted ongoing construction and occasional closures of food services, with a desire for more transparency regarding these disruptions.
"Wonderful experience, despite the dreary weather on the day we came. Animals seem very happy and well cared for. All Zoo staff were extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. I brought my camera and snagged a few good photos. ❤️ Can't wait to go back!"
Miranda Hill
"We arrived a little after opening and were pleasantly surprised to find plenty of parking and very few crowds. It was the perfect time to go — we got to see lots of animals up close without the usual wait or hustle.
The zoo is very family-friendly with tons of fun things for kids, including a splash pad, carousel, and interactive areas that kept our little one entertained the entire time. Everything felt clean and well-maintained, and the staff was friendly and helpful.
Overall, we had a great experience and would definitely recommend it for families or anyone looking for a fun day out in Knoxville!"
Hello EastTN
"Oh wow! We had an amazing experience at Zoo Knoxville! Great zoo, with friendly staff, and neat experiences!! I was able to feed a giraffe, a tortoise, and some budgies all in the same day! (I will be able to die happy now). The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable about the animals. The enclosures seemed clean and there were enrichment items for the animals in many of them. Lots of great plaques with information about the animals. 10/10 recommendation from me for a fun experience in Knoxville!"
Hailee Tyynismaa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Zoo Knoxville is located at 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville, TN 37914. Visitors can easily reach the zoo by car via I-40 East or West, taking exit 394 for James White Parkway. Follow signs for the zoo. Public transportation options may be limited, so driving is generally recommended. +1
Yes, Zoo Knoxville offers ample parking for visitors. Arriving early, especially on weekends or during peak season, is advised to ensure convenient parking spots.
While specific bike paths directly to the zoo might not be extensively detailed, cycling is an option for those in the vicinity. Check local cycling maps for routes.
From I-40, take exit 394 for James White Parkway and follow the signs for Zoo Knoxville. This is a straightforward route for most visitors. +1
Yes, Zoo Knoxville is noted as being handicap accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's best to check the official Zoo Knoxville website for the most current pricing. Look for 'knoxville zoo ticket prices' or 'knoxville zoo prices' online. Discounts may be available for certain groups.
Yes, purchasing 'knoxville zoo tickets' online in advance is often recommended to save time and potentially secure better rates.
Various discounts may be offered, including for military personnel or through special promotions. Searching for 'knoxville zoo discounts' or 'zoo knoxville discounts' can provide more information.
Zoo Knoxville hours can change seasonally. It's crucial to check the official website for 'knoxville zoo hours' or 'knoxville tennessee zoo hours' before your visit.
Yes, Zoo Knoxville offers membership options, which can be a great value for frequent visitors. Search for 'knoxville zoo membership' or 'zoo membership knoxville'.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Zoo Knoxville features a diverse range of animals, including red pandas, chimpanzees, giraffes, and Cuban crocodiles. You can find 'animals at knoxville zoo' listed on their website. 
Absolutely! Visitors can enjoy experiences like feeding giraffes and budgies, and there are also interactive areas for children.
Yes, Zoo Knoxville offers a mini-train and carousel rides, which are popular attractions for families with young children. +1
From March 1 to September 7, Zoo Knoxville hosts a large-scale animatronic dinosaur exhibit, offering a prehistoric adventure for visitors.
Zoo Knoxville is highly recommended for families, with many attractions and interactive elements to keep children entertained. +2
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There have been instances where food stands and restaurants were closed, even during busy periods. It's advisable to check the zoo's operational status or bring your own snacks.
While specific policies can change, it's generally a good idea to check the zoo's guidelines on outside food and beverages. Bringing snacks might be a good backup plan.
Typically, the zoo offers various food and snack options. However, as noted by a visitor, these may not always be available, so confirming in advance is wise.
📸 📸 Photography
The exhibits themselves offer great photo opportunities, especially the red panda village and giraffe feeding areas. The close proximity of animals allows for excellent shots.
Yes, photography is generally permitted for personal use. Remember to be respectful of the animals and other visitors.
While not explicitly stated, standard zoo etiquette applies. Avoid using flash photography directly at animals, as it can disturb them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss out on interactive experiences like feeding the giraffes or budgies, which are sure to be a hit with kids. The zoo's commitment to accessibility also means it's a comfortable outing for families with varying needs.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Mental Health Seekers
The close proximity of many animals offers a unique viewing experience, making it easy to connect with the wildlife. The friendly and knowledgeable staff also contribute to a welcoming and positive atmosphere for solo visitors.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2Remember to be mindful of lighting conditions and avoid using flash directly at the animals to ensure the best results and respect their well-being. The variety of species and the naturalistic enclosures offer diverse backdrops for your photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Conservation Efforts at Zoo Knoxville
Beyond red wolves, the zoo also celebrates successful breeding programs for other species, such as the recent birth of red panda cubs. These cubs, born to parents Sisu and Doofah, have made their public debut, showcasing the zoo's dedication to the survival of these animals.
+2 The zoo's efforts extend to educating the public about these conservation challenges and inspiring action. Family Fun and Accessibility
Interactive experiences, such as feeding giraffes and budgies, are a major draw for families, providing memorable moments and educational opportunities.
Unique Animal Encounters
The zoo is also home to fascinating individuals like Einstein, a 30-year-old African grey parrot known for his impressive vocal impressions.
You can also marvel at the Cuban crocodile, Miguel, and observe the social dynamics of the chimpanzee troop, including young Stevie, who was born on Earth Day. +1 These unique residents and encounters contribute to the memorable experience at Zoo Knoxville.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit