Memphis Zoo - Memphis, Tennessee - large zoo with hundreds of exotic animals

The Memphis Zoo in Memphis, Tennessee has hundreds of species of animals, with natural enclosures set up to mimic the animal's natural environments. As guests wander through the sprawling zoo, they can view hundreds of species that are both native to the Memphis area and from places around the world. The mild year-round weather in this area of the United States makes both indoor and outdoor areas popular among guests. Also, guests can take a guided tour with zookeepers, learn about animals through one of the zoo's many programs, or simply enjoy a self-guided tour of the many exhibits in the zoo.

The zoo is divided into several different zones to make navigation easier. In the East Zone, guests can see the African Veldt, The Northwest Passage, Denizens of the Deep South, Waterfowl, and Butterflies: In Living Color. In the Central Zone, guests can see Animals of the Night, Bonobos, Cat Country, China, and Hippos. In the West Zone, the exhibits include the Aquarium, the Farm, the Komodo Dragons, and the Herpetarium. Also, all around the zoo, guests can experience the horticulture, as there are plants that fill all of the exhibits and the pathways. Some of the animals visitors can expect to see include the African elephant, the zebra, the dik dik, the reticulated giraffe, the ostrich, the black bear, the polar bear, the American bald eagle, the Chilean flamingo, the naked mole rate, the wombat, the vampire bat, the giant panda, the cheetah, the Africa lion, the cougar, the jaguar, the red panda, the snow leopard, the mona monkey, the gorilla, the orangutan, and the Komodo dragon. At the farm, families can also get up close and personal with a number of agricultural animals, including horses, goats, prairie dogs, cows, pigs, and donkeys.

With programs for children, shows to watch, and daily activities year round, there is always something special going on at the zoo for you to enjoy. Some of the special events that occur annually at the zoo include a race called Zoom Around the Zoo, a zoo summer camp for children, a chef's dinner, the Zoo Brew beer tasting event, and Father's Day sleepovers for families. They also have ongoing children's programs, as well as member's nights that are specifically for people who purchase zoo memberships.

Zoo memberships are available for individuals, couples, and families, and they range in price from $60 to $79. With membership, guests get free admission to the zoo and parking for the entire year, discounts at the zoo gift shops and on birthday party events, invitations to special events at the zoo, and free or discounted tickets to hundreds of other zoos across the country.

The Memphis Zoo in Memphis Tennessee is open different hours according to the time of year. In November through February, the zoo is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and from March to October, the zoo is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The grounds will close one hour after the last admission. The only days that the zoo is closed are Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas day. Looking at the daily schedule will tell guests what exhibits might be temporarily closed at any time.