Did you Know?

Fun facts about Knoxville Zoo

Did you know?
Knoxville Zoo is the Red Panda Capital of the World, having the greatest success in breeding and survival of baby Red Pandas. In 2003, the zoo celebrated the birth of two pandas bringing the total of babies born in Knoxville to 80 since 1978.

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There are more than 800 animals at Knoxville Zoo and the food budget for the year exceeds $180,000. Weekly, the animals consume 9,614 lbs. of hay, 327 bananas, 832 lbs. of meat, 42 heads of lettuce, 2,517 lbs. of grain and lots of greens. That is one large grocery bill!

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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 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.

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Knoxville Zoo has been noted as having one of the finest reptile collections in the nation with more than 500 specimens representing around 100 species. The reptile department has established an international reputation for the successful breeding of rare and endangered species. Knoxville Zoo was the first in the world to breed Papuan pythons, is the only zoo breeding Tiger rattlesnakes, and was the second zoo to breed Philippine pit-vipers and is still one of only three zoos doing so. The zoo is a leading zoo breeder of Indian star tortoises and is one of only two zoos to successfully breed African Cape Speckled tortoises. Zoo staff has taken a leading role in conservation efforts in Tennessee by releasing more than 90 bog turtles into the wild that were born at Knoxville Zoo.

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Knoxville Zoo has produced 26 Southern white rhino calves-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. This is believed to help stimulate breeding. 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.

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Tonka, our bull African Elephant weighs at least 13,000 pounds and is one of only a few bull elephants on display in the nation.

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The African Elephants, Mamie, Jana, Edie and Tonka are accomplished artists and can paint with their trunks. Paintings have sold for as much as $1,350.

Did you know?
The first African Elephant bred and born in captivity in the Western Hemisphere was here at Knoxville Zoo in 1978. Her name is Little Diamond and she currently resides in North Carolina.