The Knoxville Zoological Gardens at 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive in Knoxville, Tennessee has more than 1,000 animals and over 200 species, such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, gorillas, bears, red pandas, reptiles, etc. There are four premier exhibits: Black Bear Falls, a 40-foot log tunnel provides visitors a walk way to see the exhibit and bear dens; Chimp Ridge with indoor and outdoor viewing areas; Stokely African Elephant Preserve with 3 outdoor pools and a mud hole; and Grasslands Africa, complete with a 30-foot tall concrete Baobab tree. There is also a petting zoo for the kids and the kid-at-heart, and in the summer there are camel rides.
When it’s time for food or refreshments you can stop in at the Safari Grill. Concessions and vendors are also located throughout the zoo, or you can bring your own and enjoy a family picnic. The Knoxville Zoo is open every day except Christmas Day. Stroller and wheelchair rentals are available.