Zoos & Aquariums in Tennessee

Tennessee boasts some of the nation's premier zoos and aquariums, including five AZA-accredited facilities. From the world-class Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga to drive-through safari parks and interactive petting zoos, Tennessee offers diverse wildlife experiences for families across the state.

12+

Zoos & Aquariums

5

AZA Accredited

10,000+

Animals (TN Aquarium)

188

Acres (Nashville Zoo)

AZA-Accredited Facilities

Tennessee Aquarium AZA

Downtown Chattanooga, TN
Accredited through March 2030

One of the world's largest freshwater aquariums featuring 10,000 animals in 200,000 square feet. Includes River Journey (opened 1992) and Ocean Journey (opened 2005) buildings, plus IMAX theater.

Hours: Daily (check website for seasonal hours)

Admission: Both buildings included, ages 4 and under free

Plan: Minimum 3 hours recommended, purchase timed-entry tickets online

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Nashville Zoo AZA

6 miles south of downtown Nashville
Accredited through March 2030

188-acre facility (9th largest zoo by landmass in USA) with 3,000+ animals representing 350 species. Features giraffes, red pandas, kangaroos, lemurs, clouded leopards, interactive exhibits, petting zoo, and Jungle Gym playground.

Opened: 1991 | Welcomes 1+ million visitors annually

Recognition: Best Regional Attraction in Tennessee

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Memphis Zoo AZA

Overton Park, Midtown Memphis
Open Daily

Home to 3,500+ animals featuring aquarium exhibits with fresh and saltwater species. One of the oldest and most established zoos in Tennessee with diverse exhibits and seasonal experiences.

Hours: Spring/Summer 9am-6pm, Winter 9am-5pm (last entry 1 hour before closing)

Admission: Adults (12+) $21, Seniors $20, Children $16, Under 2 free

Parking: Free street parking nearby, lot available $10

Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day

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Zoo Knoxville AZA

Knoxville, TN
Accredited through March 2026

Nationally accredited facility committed to highest standards in animal care, conservation, and education. Participates in AZA Species Survival Plans and conservation breeding programs.

Standards: AZA accreditation ensures ethics, conservation, education excellence

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Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies AZA

Gatlinburg, TN
Accredited through March 2029

Major aquarium attraction in the Smoky Mountains featuring interactive exhibits and diverse aquatic species. Part of the renowned Ripley's Entertainment network.

Location: Downtown Gatlinburg tourist district

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Safari Parks & Drive-Through Experiences

Tennessee Safari Park

637 Conley Road, Alamo, TN 38001

Terrific drive-through park featuring 7.5-mile safari drive and 20-acre walk-through zoo. Over 60 species and 300 animals with close-up interactions and feeding opportunities.

Features: Drive-through safari, walk-through zoo, petting zoo with pygmy goats

Animals: Small primates, wallabies, kookaburras, cranes, foxes, antelope, sloths, and more

Experience: Very clean exhibits, hands-on feeding experiences

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Safari Wild Animal Park

Collierville/Bartlett (near Memphis)
466 Acres

Authentic African drive-through and walk-through safari park featuring face-to-face encounters with camels, buffalo, zebras, and hand-feeding opportunities with giraffes.

Experience: Drive-through safari, walk-through trails, petting zoo, lorikeet feeding

Size: 466-acre authentic safari experience

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Briarwood Ranch Safari Park

Tennessee

Family-friendly safari park with tractor-pulled wagon rides through animal habitats and relaxing petting zoo areas for hands-on animal interactions.

Admission: Starts from $16, family and season passes available

Activities: Wagon rides, petting zoo, safari viewing

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Brights Zoo

Near Jonesborough, TN

Interactive zoo featuring rare animals including one of the world's rarest giraffes - a spotless giraffe. Offers "Keeper for the Day" program where visitors distribute food to zebras, giraffes, bongos, and more.

Special Program: Keeper for the Day (advance registration required)

Highlight: Spotless giraffe - extremely rare worldwide

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Family Farms & Petting Zoos

Lucky Ladd Farms Largest Petting Zoo

Eagleville (near Nashville), TN

Tennessee's largest petting zoo attraction with 100+ friendly farm animals. Features the famous Goat-A-Coaster where confident goats scale over the barn roof, plus Lucky's Barnyard where sheep, llamas, and goats roam freely among visitors.

Highlight: Largest petting zoo in Tennessee

Activities: Brush, pet, and feed animals; watch Goat-A-Coaster shows

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Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo

Sevierville, TN

Exotic petting zoo featuring combination of domesticated animals and docile wild species. Perfect for families visiting the Smoky Mountains area.

Location: Heart of Smoky Mountains tourist area

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Tennessee Petting Zoo

Tennessee

Exotic petting zoo featuring combination of domesticated animals and wild species that are docile enough to touch and feed safely.

Experience: Hands-on interactions with domestic and exotic animals

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Little Ponderosa Petting Zoo

Tennessee

Small rescue and petting zoo perfect for families seeking less crowded, more intimate animal interactions. Good for all ages from toddlers to seniors.

Atmosphere: Less crowded than major zoos, more hands-on touching

Audience: Great for families with young children (ages 2-5) and all age groups

Additional Animal Attractions

The Elephant Sanctuary AZA Related

Hohenwald, TN
AZA Accredited Related Facility through Sept 2028

Natural habitat refuge for elephants providing sanctuary, individualized care, and protection. AZA-accredited related facility dedicated to elephant welfare and conservation.

Mission: Sanctuary and care for elephants in need

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Rainforest Adventures

Pigeon Forge, TN

Interactive rainforest-themed attraction featuring exotic animals and immersive educational experiences in the heart of Pigeon Forge tourist district.

Location: Pigeon Forge entertainment area

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Chattanooga Zoo (Warner Park Zoo)

Chattanooga, TN

Local zoo providing animal exhibits and educational programs for the Chattanooga community.

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Tiger Haven

Kingston, TN

Big cat sanctuary dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation, and care of tigers and other large felines.

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By Region

East Tennessee

  • Tennessee Aquarium (Chattanooga)
    AZA 10,000 animals, IMAX
  • Chattanooga Zoo (Chattanooga)
    Warner Park location
  • Zoo Knoxville (Knoxville)
    AZA Conservation leader
  • Ripley's Aquarium (Gatlinburg)
    AZA Smoky Mountains
  • Brights Zoo (Jonesborough)
    Spotless giraffe, Keeper program

Middle Tennessee

  • Nashville Zoo (Nashville)
    AZA 188 acres, 1M visitors/year
  • Lucky Ladd Farms (Eagleville)
    Largest petting zoo in TN
  • The Elephant Sanctuary (Hohenwald)
    AZA Related Elephant refuge
  • Tiger Haven (Kingston)
    Big cat sanctuary

West Tennessee

  • Memphis Zoo (Memphis)
    AZA 3,500+ animals
  • Safari Wild Animal Park (Collierville/Bartlett)
    466 acres, drive-through safari
  • Tennessee Safari Park (Alamo)
    7.5 mile drive, 20 acre walk

Frequently Asked Questions

Tennessee has five AZA-accredited facilities: Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga (accredited through March 2030), Nashville Zoo (accredited through March 2030, member since 2003), Memphis Zoo (AZA member), Zoo Knoxville (accredited through March 2026), and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg (accredited through March 2029). Additionally, The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald is an AZA Accredited Related Facility (accredited through September 2028). This makes Tennessee one of the states with the most AZA-accredited facilities, demonstrating commitment to highest standards in animal care, conservation, and education.

Nashville Zoo is the largest zoo in Tennessee by land area, spanning 188 acres (with only 90 of 188 acres currently developed), making it the 9th largest zoo in the country by landmass. The zoo is home to over 3,000 animals representing 350 species and welcomes more than 1 million visitors annually since opening in 1991. Memphis Zoo is notable for having the most animals with 3,500+ creatures, while Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga features 10,000 animals in its 200,000 square foot facility. Nashville Zoo has been named Best Regional Attraction in Tennessee and continues expanding across its vast acreage.

For young children, Lucky Ladd Farms near Nashville is ideal as Tennessee's largest petting zoo with 100+ friendly farm animals, the entertaining Goat-A-Coaster show, and Lucky's Barnyard where animals roam freely. Nashville Zoo features interactive exhibits, a dedicated petting zoo, and the Jungle Gym playground perfect for kids. Tennessee Safari Park in Alamo offers hands-on feeding experiences during the 7.5-mile drive-through safari plus a walk-through zoo and petting area with pygmy goats. Little Ponderosa Petting Zoo provides intimate, less crowded animal interactions ideal for families with toddlers ages 2-5. Memphis Zoo and Nashville Zoo both offer children's areas, educational programs, and age-appropriate exhibits.

Tennessee offers three excellent drive-through safari experiences. Tennessee Safari Park in Alamo features a 7.5-mile drive-through safari with over 60 species and 300 animals, plus a 20-acre walk-through zoo where visitors feed animals directly from their vehicles. Safari Wild Animal Park near Memphis (Collierville/Bartlett area) spans 466 acres of authentic African safari experience with drive-through and walk-through options, including face-to-face giraffe encounters. Briarwood Ranch Safari Park offers tractor-pulled wagon rides through animal habitats with admission starting at $16. All three parks provide hands-on feeding opportunities and close encounters with exotic animals in naturalistic settings.

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is one of the world's largest freshwater aquariums, featuring 10,000 animals in a massive 200,000 square foot facility. Located on the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga, the aquarium consists of two major buildings: River Journey (opened 1992) focusing on freshwater ecosystems and Ocean Journey (opened 2005) showcasing marine environments. The facility includes an IMAX theater and has maintained AZA accreditation continuously (currently through March 2030). Visitors should plan minimum 3 hours to experience both buildings, and admission includes access to both. Timed-entry tickets should be purchased online in advance as popular time slots sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. Ages 4 and under visit free.

Memphis Zoo charges $21 for adults 12 and older, $20 for seniors, and $16 for children, with children under 2 free. Free street parking is available nearby, or paid lot parking costs $10. The zoo is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Tennessee Aquarium admission includes both buildings with ages 4 and under free (specific prices vary, check website for current rates). Tennessee Safari Park and other safari parks typically range from $16-25 per person depending on the facility and season. Many zoos offer annual memberships that pay for themselves after 2-3 visits and provide additional benefits like reciprocal admission at other zoos. Check individual zoo websites for current pricing, military discounts, and online ticket deals.

Brights Zoo near Jonesborough offers a "Keeper for the Day" program where participants distribute food to zebras, giraffes, bongos, and more (advance registration required). The zoo also houses one of the world's rarest giraffes - a spotless giraffe. Safari Wild Animal Park provides hand-feeding opportunities with giraffes, plus face-to-face encounters with camels, buffalo, and zebras. Lucky Ladd Farms features the Goat-A-Coaster show and Lucky's Barnyard where visitors brush, pet, and feed sheep, llamas, and goats that roam freely. Tennessee Safari Park offers bottle-feeding and hands-on experiences during the drive-through safari. Nashville Zoo includes petting zoo areas and interactive exhibits, while many petting zoos across the state provide safe, supervised animal touching experiences.

Yes, The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee is an AZA Accredited Related Facility (accredited through September 2028) providing natural habitat refuge for elephants in need of sanctuary. The facility offers individualized care and protection for elephants, focusing on their welfare and conservation. As a sanctuary rather than a zoo, public access is limited to protect the elephants' well-being and maintain their peaceful environment. The sanctuary represents Tennessee's commitment to elephant conservation and humane treatment of these magnificent animals. It is one of the few elephant-specific sanctuaries in the United States with AZA accreditation, demonstrating adherence to the highest standards of animal care and ethics.

Related Resources

Last updated on November 27, 2025