Get ready for a wildly fun adventure at Zoo Knoxville — the largest cultural institution in Knoxville and one of the premier zoos in the Southeast! Every visit helps us protect wildlife and wild places across the globe. With acres of immersive habitats and incredible up-close animal encounters, Zoo Knoxville invites explorers of all ages to learn, laugh, and make memories that last a lifetime. Here’s a peek at some of the must-see highlights waiting for you!
Opened in Spring 2022, Clayton Otter Creek remains a guest favorite. Home to three playful North American river otters—Clayton, Pascal, and Reed—the exhibit features underwater viewing, interactive education about clean waterways, and sustainability efforts like refillable water stations throughout the Zoo.
Boyd Family Asian Trek
This 5-acre award-winning exhibit showcases Malayan tigers lounging among ancient temple ruins, a canopy trail with sweeping views, and a treetop experience with Georgie, the beloved white-handed gibbon. Don't miss the rare clouded leopards either!
Clayton Family Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus (ARC)
One of the top reptile and amphibian conservation facilities in the United States, featuring endangered species from around the world. New behind-the-scenes tours and a hands-on educational lab have been added to give guests an even deeper experience.
Southern Savanna – NEW!
Leading the excitement is the Southern Savanna habitat, where you can watch majestic southern white rhinos roam the grasslands. The habitat will soon expand to include zebras and giraffes as part of our African Grasslands project.
Great Apes
Visit our dynamic Great Apes complex, where you’ll connect with two incredible species— chimpanzees and Western lowland gorillas. These intelligent, social animals remind us of our shared connection to the natural world.
Endangered Red Wolves
Zoo Knoxville is at the forefront of red wolf conservation. Come face-to-face with one of the rarest canids on earth and learn about how we are working to save this critically endangered species.
Kids Cove
A perfect stop for families with young children! Kids Cove offers a nature-themed playground, interactive animal encounters, and a beloved petting zoo where kids can meet goats, sheep, and more up close.
Soaring Eagle is an exhilarating flight experience and an exciting way to see the zoo from an eagles-eye view. This tandem zip ride pulls guests backwards to the top of the ravine. After taking in the view at 65 feet above the treetops, they are released to glide back to the landing pad at over 100 feet.
Clayton Safari Splash
Clayton Safari Splash is a 5,000 square-foot safari-themed water play area that is included with general Zoo admission. Located next to Grasslands Africa!, the splash pad includes play areas designed for all ages. With life-sized giraffes that spout water, water hoops and loops, team sprays that use cooperative play to send water several stories in the air and colorful giant flowers, it’s the ideal spot to cool off.
Carousel Rides
Take a spin on Zoo Knoxville’s beautifully crafted vintage-style carousel. Perfect for guests of all ages, it's a classic, can’t-miss part of every Zoo adventure.
Animal Feeding Opportunities
Get even closer to the animals with unforgettable feeding experiences throughout the Zoo. Watch curiosity come to life as you hand-feed friendly residents.
VIP Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Step beyond the public paths and explore the Zoo like never before with exclusive VIP tours. Meet the keepers, see hidden areas, and experience Zoo Knoxville from a whole new perspective!
Raise a glass for conservation! Enjoy an evening stroll through the Zoo while sampling craft beers, ciders, and spirits from local and regional favorites. Live music, food trucks, and animal encounters make this an unforgettable 21+ event. Check zooknoxville.org for dates and ticket information.
Boo! At the Zoo
Knoxville’s favorite Halloween tradition! It’s a not-too-scary celebration featuring trick-or treating through the Zoo, dramatic lighting, giant inflatables and the Monster Mash dance party. Additional activities include the Scary-Go-Round and the BOO! Choo Train. Visit zooknoxville.org for updates on dates, times and special character experiences.
Zoo Lights
Experience a magical night at the Zoo with glowing silk lanterns of exotic animals. Journey through an enchanted forest of trees wrapped in lights and twinkling stars to experience an unforgettable holiday tradition. Festive food and drinks are part of the fun, too
Zoo Knoxville is committed to helping guests of all ages and abilities enjoy the ‘wildly fun’ experience of interacting with and viewing animals from around the world. We are a KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue. Sensory Bags are available at the front ticket booth. Quiet Zones are located at the Barn Loft and African painted dog viewing area, and Headphone Zones are located at Kid’s Cove, Wee Play Adventure, and Safari Splash.
Open 9am - 5pm daily. Closing time will change to 4pm on September 6th.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Last admissions one hour before the Zoo closes each day.
What is the price of admission?
Zoo Knoxville Members FREE
Adults $26.95
Children ages 3-12 $21.95
Seniors ages 65+ $21.95
College Student Ticket $21.95 (with current student ID and front gate purchase)
Children 2 and under FREE
Where do I park?
Parking is available in the Zoo’s upper and lower lots. Parking is $5.00. Zoo Knoxville members park for free.
Are there dining options at Zoo Knoxville?
Yes! On-site restaurants include: The Beastro, Safari Smokehouse, Al’s Cantina, Tennessee Dogs, and The Graze food truck.
How does my visit impact conservation?
When you purchase a ticket to visit Zoo Knoxville you support conservation both locally and globally. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Zoo Knoxville is part of the largest conservation movement on the planet. Zoo Knoxville and other AZA partners maintain a healthy, genetically diverse population in zoos to ensure animals are not lost to extinction when wild populations are in peril. Also, proceeds from every ticket and membership sold goes to hardworking conservation organizations in the field. To learn more about conservation at Zoo Knoxville visit https://zooknoxville.org/about/conservation/.
This post was originally written in 2022 by Scarlett Rockhold, updated 2025 by Jamie Schneider
Zoo Knoxville’s mission is to deliver dynamic guest experiences while inspiring action to save wildlife and wild places. Zoo Knoxville is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Plan your visit to Zoo Knoxville at www.zooknoxville.org.
