Did you know?
Knoxville Zoo is the red panda capital of the Western hemisphere, having the greatest success in breeding and survival of red pandas. In 2007, three red pandas from New Zealand came to live at Knoxville Zoo to create a new red panda bloodline as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). In 2008, the zoo celebrated the birth of two pandas bring the total number born in Knoxville to 93 since 1978.

Did you know?
There are more than 900 animals at Knoxville Zoo and the food budget for the year exceeds $160,000. Weekly, the animals consue 5,200 lbs of hay, 120 lbs bananas, 735 lbs of eat, 2,200 lbs of grain and lots of greens. That is one large grocery bill.

Did you know?
Black Bear Falls is one of the best bear exhibits in the nation with both horizontal and vertical space for the bears to roam. The three-fourths of an acre, open-air exhibit houses the zoo’s four black bears. It has been designed to simulate the bears’ mountain habitat with natural-looking trees, tumbling waterfalls and flowing streams. The exhibit also offers guests an inside view of their den.

Did you know?
Knoxville Zoo has been noted as having one of the finest reptile collections in the nation with more than 400 specimens representing over 80 species. The Herpetology department has established an international reputation for the successful breeding of many rare, threatened, and endangered species. Knoxville Zoo was the first in the world to breed Papuan pythons, was one of only a few zoos to have success with the little-known Philippine pit-viper, and is the only institution to have had consistent breeding success with tiger rattlesnakes.

Turtles and tortoises have become a primary conservation priority for the Herpetology department, and currently these animals comprise over 50% of the reptile and amphibian collection. The zoo was the first in the United States to have breeding success with the endangered Madagascar flat-tail tortoise, and has had consistent success with Madagascar spider tortoise and Indian star tortoise. Numerous species of turtles have been produced including Vietnamese black-bellied leaf turtles, Australian snake-neck turtles, Malayan spiny turtles, and North American wood turtles. Zoo staff has taken the lead role in a long-term conservation program for the threatened bog turtle. This program combines the study of this species in the wild and a highly successful captive-breeding/head-starting/release program through which over 135 young bog turtles have been released into a mountain wetland in our state. In 2008, the first bog turtle hatchling was found at the Ripshin Bog.

Did you know?
Knoxville Zoo has produced 28 Southern white rhino calves – ranking the zoo as third in North America. In addition, the zoo is able to house a large social group of rhinos in a large area and is capable of housing more than one male. Knoxville’s climate also allows the zoo to keep the herd outdoors for most of the year. These are thought to be the most significant factors for reproductive success in the species.

Did you know?
Knoxville Zoo is home to nine chimpanzees at Chimp Ridge. Chimpanzee George was born July 19, 2008 to mother Daisy and father Jimbo. George was the first baby chimpanzee born at Knoxville Zoo in 20 years.

Did you know?
Tonka our bull African elephant weighs around 15,000 pounds and is one of only a few mature bull elephants on exhibit in the nation. The African elephants, Jana, Edie and Tonka are accomplished artists and can paint with their trunks. Paintings have sold for as much as $1,350.