Fun on the outside, serious about animals on the inside. Zoo Knoxville is committed to being part of the solution to save species from extinction, both locally and globally.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Zoo Knoxville is part of the largest conservation movement on the planet. We work with other AZA members on a collective Species Survival Plan for all animals that live in AZA-accredited zoos in North America. Working together, we maintain a healthy, genetically diverse population in zoos to ensure we don’t lose animals to extinction when wild populations are in peril.
AZA SAFE:
Saving Animals from Extinction focuses on the collective expertise within AZA accredited zoos and aquariums and leverages their massive audiences to save species. Zoo Knoxville currently participates in 6 SAFE programs and is a founding member of 4.
- North American Turtle (Founding Member)
- Radiated Tortoise (Founding Member)
- Monarch Butterfly (Founding Member)
- American Red Wolf
- Cuban Crocodile (Founding Member)
- African Lion
- North American Songbird
- Gorilla
- African Painted Dog
- Giraffe
- Chimpanzee
Bog Turtles
Since 1986, Zoo Knoxville has been playing a major role in the survival of a critically endangered turtle species, the bog turtle, here in Tennessee. Bog turtles are one of the smallest turtle species in the world and are threatened by extinction due to habitat loss, illegal trafficking, and predation.
The late herpetologist from Zoo Knoxville, Bern Tyron, along with other turtle conservationists, made the bog turtle discovery in Tennessee back in May of 1986. Besides beginning a project to better understand these turtles in the wild, Bern also initiated a captive breeding program to eventually head-start and release turtles bred at the zoo to be returned to the wild. Once those turtles hatch, the herpetologists nurture the turtles and keep them active throughout the winter instead of allowing the offspring to hibernate like they would normally in the wild. This head-start allows the turtles to be significantly larger than their same aged wild counterparts, before releasing them back into the wild.
Malagasy Tortoises
Zoo Knoxville is one of the top zoos in the world for the breeding and husbandry of Malagasy tortoises.
Red Pandas
Zoo Knoxville is considered the red panda capital of the world. With more than 110 births, more red pandas have been born at Zoo Knoxville than at any other zoo in the world.
Otters on a Mission
Clayton Otter Creek located in Zoo Knoxville’s plaza is home to high energy otters Pascal, Clayton, and Reed. These otters are championing the Zoo’s conservation mission as ambassadors for clean water. They are advocates for their species, emphasizing how critical clean water is for otter habitats by encouraging Zoo visitors to bring reusable water bottles or purchase water in aluminum cans in order to help prevent micro-plastics from polluting our local waterways.
The Paws Behind the Cause
Zoo Knoxville’s lion cubs Anga and Maji are taking on an important mission to help save their species. Lions are endangered around the world due to serious threats like habitat loss, poaching, and human-animal conflict. Anga and Maji are leading the fight to save their pride, here at Zoo Knoxville, by raising awareness. Proceeds from each Zoo Knoxville ticket and membership sold goes to hardworking conservation organizations such as Lion Landscapes to help fund programs like their Ruaha Carnivore Project. You can learn about all of the boots on the ground work being done by Lion Landscapes in the Ruaha Village by clicking here.
