KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- Spring is in full swing and the "Great Race" is on again at Knoxville Zoo. Big Al, the zoo's 120-plus-year-old Aldabra tortoise, his buddy Tex a youngster at more than 80-years-old, and the three Aldabra tortoise juveniles will make their annual trek outdoors in the zoo's Great Race for Spring at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 2.  The little ones will be too small to take up permanent residence outdoors, but will be brought out periodically for Keeper Chats throughout the summer.

The tortoises are housed indoors during the cold months and brought out each May to enjoy the warm weather. The tortoises will "race" to their outdoor exhibit, which provides easy viewing for visitors.
           
Attention: Media interested in attending this annual Great Race for Spring should meet at the zoo's ranger station at 9:40 a.m. For more information, please call Janya Marshall, Media Relations Manager, 865.637.5331, ext. 353. 

Knoxville Zoo is located off exit 392A from Interstate 40 and is open every day except Christmas Day. The zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, the zoo is open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and on weekends from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.  Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3 p.m. For more information, please call 865.637.5331 ext. 300 or visit www.knoxville-zoo.org