Our Mission
Zoo Knoxville’s mission is to inspire people to protect the natural world though connections with wildlife.
Human-Wildlife Coexistence
The Challenge
Balancing human needs with wildlife conservation is increasingly complex due to factors like human population growth, habitat loss, climate change, and land use shifts. These challenges contribute to rising instances of human-wildlife conflict, affecting both communities and wildlife populations.
The Opportunity
At Zoo Knoxville, we’re actively engaged in initiatives aimed at enhancing wildlife habitats, supporting rehabilitation and release programs, and advocating for policies that promote harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Wildlife Trafficking Alliance
The Wildlife Trafficking Alliance (WTA) is a conservation initiative that is being led by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Zoo Knoxville is one of more than 80 leading companies, non-profit organizations, and AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums working together to reduce, and eventually eliminate, the illegal trade of wildlife and wildlife products. We are a coalition of reputable and trusted animal care facilities who provide monetary resources and immediate medical care and housing for wildlife that are trafficked through U.S. ports of entry, allowing wildlife law enforcement to concentrate on their core functions: the investigation and prosecution of criminals.
Species Recovery
Bog Turtles
As Tennessee’s smallest and most threatened turtle species, Bog turtles confront serious conservation challenges due to specialized habitat needs and susceptibility to habitat loss. Zoo Knoxville collaborates with federal and state agencies, including USFWS and the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, as well as organizations like The Nature Conservancy, to breed, headstart, and reintroduce Bog turtles. The zoo also monitors reintroduction efforts closely.
Radiated Tortoise
Native to southern Madagascar, Radiated Tortoises are identified by their distinctive radiating shell pattern. Driven by habitat loss, poaching for the pet trade, and consumption, their population has plummeted by 75% over the past two decades. As leaders in the Radiated Tortoise SAFE Program, Zoo Knoxville partners with the Turtle Survival Alliance to rehabilitate, release, and protect confiscated tortoises, contributing to population recovery efforts.
Red Wolf
The Red Wolf is one of the most endangered canids in the world. Once the apex carnivore of the eastern and southeastern United States, they were driven to near extinction in the 1970’s due to habitat degradation, intensive predator control programs and hybridization with coyotes. Zoo Knoxville is proud to have been involved in the Red Wolf SSP/SAFE and the Red Wolf Recovery Program as a holding and breeding institution for 34 years. During this time, we have cared for over 40 wolves and had 23 pups born. Zoo Knoxville also participates in numerous research projects designed to enhance species recovery.
Tennessee Butterfly Monitoring Network
The Tennessee Butterfly Monitoring Network, led by Zoo Knoxville, engages citizens in tracking butterfly populations and enhancing pollinator habitats. Our SAFE North American Monarch program educates communities and advocates for conservation to protect monarch butterflies. Join us in safeguarding these vital pollinators and their habitats!
Red Panda
Zoo Knoxville has been involved with red pandas since receiving our first pair, Buster and Bernice, in 1977. We welcomed our first cubs in 1978 and have had over 110 cubs born since. Zoo Knoxville is a supporting member of the Red Panda SAFE program formed in 2024. The SAFE program partners with the Red Panda Network (RPN), an in-situ conservation organization, to raise awareness about red panda and mitigate issues facing them in their range countries.
Cuban Crocodile
Zoo Knoxville serves on the steering committee for the Cuban Crocodile SAFE program, and provides financial support to conserve these crocodiles in Cuba. The species is classified as Critically Endangered due to habitat loss and competition with introduced species. Cuban crocodiles now occupy a very restricted range.