Animals
FEATURED SPECIES
Malayan Tiger
QUICK FACT
Each tiger’s stripes are unique just like our fingerprints.
View DetailsAfrican Lion
African Painted Dog
North American Black Bear
Chimpanzee
King Cobra
Giraffe
Western Lowland Gorilla
Guinea Hog
North American River Otter
Raccoon
Malayan Tiger
Bog Turtle
Hamadryas Baboon
Cuban Crocodile
Bat-Eared Fox
White-Handed Gibbon
Oberhasli Goat
Silvered Leaf Langur
Red Panda
Red Panda Cubs
Linnaeus’s Two-Toed Sloth
Red Wolf
Animal Encounters
Big Al
Step into the wayback machine to hear about Big Al, an Aldabra Giant Tortoise who shell-a-brates over 50 years here at Zoo Knoxville. Learn the natural history of this gentle giant and his compatriots, as well as Big Al’s personal history in human care. At over 150 years old (and that’s human years!), he has a lot of stories to share. Learn how conservation has changed over the years and the current efforts to protect this unique species.
Cuban Crocodiles
Get ready to meet snappy personalities Miguel and Rose, our critically endangered crocs, at our Cuban Crocodile feeding session!
Max’s Aviary
At Max’s Aviary, guests are invited to experience a unique, dynamic interaction with our vibrant macaws. Our staff will present about a variety of unique natural behaviors and communication skills that these birds possess, while also sharing details about how to protect rainforests.The aviary’s open design allows guests to watch the birds climb and play freely. This immersive experience fosters a deeper appreciation for these colorful creatures!
Ostrich Feeding Experience
Get ready for a close-up with the zoo’s tallest and sassiest birds! Our Ostrich Feeding Experience lets you offer a tasty snack to these curious, long-necked giants while learning all about their fascinating behaviors from our animal care team. Watch their speedy pecks and quirky personalities in action—an unforgettable chance to connect with one of the largest birds on Earth!
Rat Snake Research
Gray Rat snakes are one of the most widespread native snakes in East TN. Rat Snake Research at Zoo Knoxville plays a vital role in understanding their role in an urban environment. By studying rat snake behavior and ecology, Zoo Knoxville helps support biodiversity while deepening our appreciation of these misunderstood animals.
Rhino
Get nose-to-horn with our two incredible white rhinos during this exciting daily encounter! Hear amazing stories and fun facts from the expert who cares for them, and learn what makes these powerful yet gentle giants so special. It’s your chance to connect with one of the planet’s most iconic species like never before!
VIP Rhino Experience
Get up close and personal with one of the zoo’s most incredible animals during our VIP Rhino Experience—a behind-the-scenes encounter where you’ll meet and learn all about these gentle giants up close from the experts who care for them. You might even have the rare opportunity to touch one—an unforgettable moment you’ll never forget!
Joe the Sloth
Step into the slow lane and hang out with Joe the Sloth, at the ARC! Watch as this slow-moving superstar descends from the trees for a snack and an unforgettable close-up encounter.
Otters
Dive into fun at our Otter Encounter with our resident river otters Clayton, Reed, and Pascal, champions of clean water!
Great Apes
Step into the wild world of our gorilla and chimpanzee families! Hang out with our Great Ape caretakers and get the inside scoop on these fascinating family dynamics.
Lions or Baboons
Get a front-row seat as the powerful lions or intelligent baboons show off their skills in a special encounter!
Red Pandas
Get ready for an encounter that will steal your heart! At Zoo Knoxville’s Red Panda Encounter, you’ll come face-to-face with one of our most beloved residents. Perfect for animal lovers!
Tigers
Prowl over to the Tiger Temple Encounter area and come face to face with the majestic Malayan tigers, Tahan and Batari!
Gibbons or Langurs
Head up two stories to the Gibbon Encounter to meet Georgie and Malay, or jump down into Langur Landing to see our awesome langurs. Prepare for an exhilarating encounter with our aerial acrobats!
Giraffe Feeding
Get eye-to-eye with our tallest residents! Guests will have the chance to hand-feed a giraffe and watch their long tongues gently grab a snack right from your hand. It’s a fun, up-close encounter perfect for all ages.
Tortoise Trail
Get ready for a slow and steady adventure on our Tortoise Trail experience! Join our guided mini tour, where you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with our Madagascar Radiated and Aldabra Tortoises. Feel the texture of their shells, give them a gentle scratch, and even feed them! If you’re lucky, you might witness their hilarious “booty shaking” behavior when brushed on the rump of their shell. $5/person
Budgie Landing
Step into the vibrant world of Budgie Landing, where over 250 budgies and 50 parakeets call home! Experience the lively aviary as colorful birds flutter and chirp all around you. With the chance to interact with these charming feathered friends up close, it’s an adventure that will leave you feeling like a part of their flock! $2 to feed.
Langurs
Get ready for some high-flying fun at our Langur Encounter! Meet our curious and agile silvered-leaf langur family in the stunning Langur Landing. Watch as they navigate their climbing structures, playing to their heart’s content. Get a bird’s-eye view from the top of the treehouse and observe a training session with their keepers. It’s a thrilling adventure that will have you swinging from the trees with excitement!