Our Zoo Knoxville Visit
Tom said, “A zoo is a zoo.” But that didn’t stop him from wanting to tag along with our kids to see Zoo Knoxville. Nor did it stop him from taking 200+ photographs during our afternoon visit.
Zoos are more fun with “the littles” (as we call young kids). But when you can stroll at your own pace, watch the animals and laugh at their antics, it’s great fun for all ages.
And that’s just what we did. We took our time, lingering to watch behavior, both close up and from a distance. But with a pro using a long lens, those from a distance can be enjoyed close up!
Bamboo lined both sides of the path offering awesome shade on a very sunny day.
Location:
3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive
Knoxville, TN 37914
Contact:
(865) 637-5331
Hours:
9-5, daily
Fees:
$15 +
Website:
Zoo Knoxville
What's not to love about the sweet face of a tiger—just really glad he was behind glass.
The Cats are Always a Favorite
I have always loved cats—and tigers in the zoo are a huge favorite. Their coloring is beautiful. The stripes are remarkable to study. But the eyes? Those are stunning. All that said, seeing these beautiful animals up close—but through the glass—was a treat.
Tom was more interested in the lion. He spent quite a long time watching and waiting for some action. The lion was lounging in the sun….and yawning. Patience paid off as he caught the full yawn!
Have you ever watched a lion yawn? Caught it for you!
Camel exhibit allowed us to get just close enough.
Watching Animals with Character
Knowing camels often “spit” at people, we kept our distance. Didn’t really want to wear regurgitated stomach contents during our visit.
But watching—and capturing—animal expressions were part of our zoo visit plan. Caught this guy with a bit of a smile, or was he just showing his teeth? You decide.
Not sure what this camel was trying to say....but look at those teeth!
Where we were standing....and what a long range lens can catch.
Close ups.....from a Distance
Colossal animals are best viewed from a distance—and behind a strong fence. The rhinos are massive and their horns definitely look lethal. Click on the photo above to enlarge the image. There you can get a close view of that horn.
Even though the elephant exhibit had areas where visitors could get a closer view, it was apparently lunchtime.
The elephants were in the far reaches of their habitat, however still in range for close ups with a long camera lens. I had fun watching one smaller elephant tossing greens on its back!
Another close up alongside an image showing just how far away we were from the elephants.
Moving Gracefully....and Slowly
I stood for quite a while just watching the giraffes move around. Those graceful animals have always been a bit fascinating to me.
While Tom moved on to take other images, I snagged a video so you could get a feel for the exhibit size. There is a place at the far end out of my video shot where you can actually feed the giraffes.
Sandhill cranes were plentiful in Florida where we lived. Graceful animals.
Cranes are another fun animal to watch move. They are never in a rush. We know that from experience when living in Florida as the Sandhill Cranes took their sweet time crossing the road. I enjoyed watching these again, reminding me of fun memories.
Great name for an eatery inside the Zoo!
Primates pics also taken from a distance. None of the animals were too social during our trip.
Zoo Knoxville—Great Place for a Relaxing Afternoon
Would you enjoy Zoo Knoxville? Yes, if you love watching animal antics. And yes, if you want a place for a relaxing stroll all the while surrounded by sounds of nature.
Zoo Knoxville promises to deliver educational experiences that inspire guests of all ages. Not sure the zoo inspired us, however we did enjoy the stroll and learned quite a few things.
Zoos aren't just for kids. They are great places to stroll, watch, and laugh the afternoon away. Plan a visit to Zoo Knoxville.
Safari jeep near the entrance.
About Zoo Knoxville
Even though the idea hatched for a “zoo” in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1923, it wasn’t born until much later. Over the years, desire was high but funds were not. It was 1971 when the Knoxville Zoo finally opened.
Later renamed “Zoo Knoxville,” its commitment to help save animals from extinction is a big part of the Zoo’s mission. Additionally, the zoo has many 1sts in its accomplishments list, such as:
- 1st African elephant born in Western Hemisphere
- And 1st zoo in the world to breed (successfully) Arakan forest turtles in captivity
- Plus 1st zoo in the world to hatch northern spider tortoises
The 53-acre zoo is divided into East Zoo and West Zoo. (Map HERE) West Zoo is larger and has more to see. East Zoo has more interesting pathways. With the entrance centered between the two, you must backtrack to see both sections.
More than 400,000 visitors come to see the 800+ animals each year. Also, new exhibits under construction continue to expand the Zoo Knoxville offerings.
Wanting more ideas on relaxing, playing or learning?
Check out our "Things to Do" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
