Nashville Zoo: A Family-Friendly Destination for Animal Lovers

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a popular attraction in Nashville that offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. The zoo is home to over 2,700 animals from 375 species, including many rare and endangered species. Visitors can see animals from all over the world, including tigers, giraffes, meerkats, and kangaroos.

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What is there to do at the Nashville Zoo?

The zoo is located on 200 acres of beautiful grasslands and forests, providing a natural habitat for the animals. Visitors can explore the zoo’s exhibits, which are designed to replicate the animals’ natural habitats. The zoo also offers a variety of interactive experiences, including animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and a zip line that takes visitors over the zoo’s African savanna exhibit.

A visit to the Nashville Zoo is a great way to spend a day with family or friends. Whether you’re interested in learning about animals, conservation, or just having fun, there’s something for everyone at the zoo. With its wide range of exhibits and activities, the Nashville Zoo is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Nashville.

About The Nashville Zoo

The Nashville Zoo is a popular zoological park located on Nolensville Pike, just six miles south of downtown Nashville. The zoo spans 188 acres of land, with 90 of those acres already developed, making it the 9th largest zoo in the United States by landmass.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Nashville Zoo is to inspire a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. The zoo strives to create a world where people and animals can coexist in harmony.

History

The Nashville Zoo was founded in 1996 and has since then undergone significant expansion and renovation. The zoo is built on the Grassmere Historic Home and Farm, which was established in 1810. The zoo has over 6,230 individual animals, with 339 different species represented.

The zoo’s site is home to a variety of immersive animal habitats, including Andean bear and Sumatran tiger exhibits, Kangaroo Kickabout, and Lorikeet Landing. The Nashville Zoo is also home to hundreds of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and birds such as tigers, giraffes, rhinos, clouded leopards, cougars, kangaroos, zebra, lemurs, meerkat, white-cheeked gibbons, giant anteater, porcupine, cassowary, flamingos, piranha, tarantula, anaconda, python, and many more.

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The Nashville Zoo is committed to conservation and sustainability. The zoo participates in several conservation programs, including the Species Survival Plan (SSP) and the Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) program. The zoo also has a solar panel array that provides 20% of the zoo’s energy needs.

Overall, the Nashville Zoo is an excellent destination for animal lovers and families looking for a fun and educational experience in Nashville.

Plan Your Visit

When planning a visit to the Nashville Zoo, visitors should be prepared to spend several hours exploring the various exhibits and attractions. To make the most of their visit, it’s important to plan ahead and know what to expect. Here are some key details to keep in mind:

Hours and Admission

The Nashville Zoo is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Visitors are encouraged to check the zoo’s website for any updates or changes to operating hours.

Admission to the Nashville Zoo varies depending on the day of the week and the age of the visitor. Advance timed-entry reservations are required for all guests, including members.

Visitors can save money by purchasing tickets online in advance. Children under 2 years old are admitted for free.

Directions and Map

The Nashville Zoo is located at 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211. Visitors can easily access the zoo by car, with ample parking available on site. Those using public transportation can take the MTA bus route 52 to the zoo’s entrance.

A map of the zoo’s layout can be found on the zoo’s website, as well as at the entrance as well as below. Visitors are encouraged to review the map before arriving to plan their route and ensure they don’t miss any of the zoo’s highlights. You can also download an interactive map app.

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Experiences and Attractions

The Nashville Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world, including tigers, giraffes, rhinos, and clouded leopards. Visitors can explore the African savannah, the rainforest, and the Australian outback, among other habitats.

In addition to the animal exhibits, the Nashville Zoo offers a range of experiences and attractions, including a zip line course, a carousel, and a playground. Visitors can also participate in animal encounters, such as feeding the lorikeets or getting up close with a kangaroo.

Tickets and Membership

Visitors can purchase tickets to the Nashville Zoo online or at the entrance. Non-members should be prepared to pay varying prices depending on the day of the week and their age. Memberships are also available for those who plan to visit the zoo frequently. Members receive free admission, discounts on food and merchandise, and other perks.

Overall, the Nashville Zoo is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in animals and nature. With careful planning and a sense of adventure, visitors can make the most of their time at the zoo and create lasting memories.

Animal Exhibits

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The Nashville Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from all over the world. Visitors can explore the different animal exhibits and get up close and personal with some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet.

Tigers

The tiger exhibit at the Nashville Zoo is a must-see for animal lovers of all ages. Visitors can watch these majestic creatures roam around their habitat, which includes a waterfall and a pool for swimming. The zookeepers provide daily talks about the tigers, their behavior, and their conservation status.

Giraffes

Another popular exhibit at the Nashville Zoo is the giraffe habitat. Visitors can feed these gentle giants and even get a kiss from them. The giraffe exhibit also features a raised platform for visitors to get a better view of the animals.

Rhinos

The rhino exhibit at the Nashville Zoo is home to both black and white rhinos. Visitors can watch these massive animals graze and interact with each other. The exhibit also includes a mud wallow, where the rhinos can cool off on hot days.

Lemurs

The lemur exhibit at the Nashville Zoo is a fun and interactive experience for visitors. The lemurs are very curious and will often come right up to the glass to investigate their human visitors. The exhibit also includes a treehouse for visitors to climb and get a better view of the lemurs.

Meerkat

The meerkat exhibit at the Nashville Zoo is a favorite among children. Visitors can watch these adorable animals play and interact with each other. The exhibit also includes a tunnel for the meerkats to crawl through, which is always a hit with the kids.

Jungle Gym

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The jungle gym exhibit at the Nashville Zoo is a great place for kids to burn off some energy. The exhibit features a massive play structure with slides, tunnels, and climbing walls. The jungle gym also includes a splash pad for hot summer days.

Gibbon Islands

The gibbon island exhibit at the Nashville Zoo is a unique experience for visitors. The gibbons swing and play on their own private island, which is connected to the main zoo by a bridge. Visitors can watch these acrobatic animals and learn about their behavior and conservation status.

Overall, the animal exhibits at the Nashville Zoo offer a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. From tigers and giraffes to lemurs and meerkats, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Educational Programs

The Nashville Zoo is not only a fun place to visit but also a great place to learn. The zoo offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults alike. These programs are designed to teach visitors about the animals, their habitats, and conservation efforts.

Classes

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The Nashville Zoo offers classes for children of all ages. These classes are designed to be fun and engaging while also teaching children about the animals and their habitats. Some of the classes offered include ZooTots and Homeschool Days.

ZooTots is a six-week series for children ages 2-5 years old. Each week, children learn through play with their favorite play partner: their parents. The classes include play experiences, art, songs, special animal friends, and a zoo hike to an animal exhibit.

Homeschool Days are enjoyable and educational programs that feature live animal presentations, hands-on activities, animal artifacts, and an activity out on the zoo trail. These classes help students make connections between the lesson content and the Nashville Zoo animals.

Camps

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The Nashville Zoo also offers camps for children during school breaks. These camps are designed to be fun and educational and teach children about the animals and their habitats. Some of the camps offered include Winter Break Camp, Spring Break Camp, and Summer Camp.

Winter Break Camp is a three-day camp for children in grades K-4. The camp includes animal encounters, games, crafts, and more.

Spring Break Camp is a five-day camp for children in grades K-4. The camp includes animal encounters, games, crafts, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo.

Summer Camp is a week-long camp for children in grades K-8. The camp includes animal encounters, games, crafts, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo.

Overall, the Nashville Zoo’s educational programs are a great way to learn about animals and conservation efforts. These classes and camps are designed to be fun and engaging while also teaching visitors about the animals and their habitats.

Conservation Efforts

The Nashville Zoo is committed to saving species from extinction through its conservation efforts. The zoo has made a significant impact on several species by pioneering their care, collaborating on innovative breeding programs, protecting their habitats, and more.

The zoo actively participates in 50+ Species Survival Plan® Programs, ranging from animals as small as Puerto Rican crested toads to as large as the Sumatran tiger.

One of the zoo’s significant conservation efforts is its support for the SAFE American red wolf’s program. The program’s goal is to maintain a healthy and viable population of red wolves under human care, grow education and awareness efforts, and aid research vital to supporting recovery and management.

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The zoo’s conservation efforts extend beyond the zoo’s walls and into the community. The Nashville Zoo has been working with Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) to create Zoo Camps that include supports for campers throughout the day such as a visual schedule, visual supports, first/then boards, quiet areas, and choice boards.

Additionally, the zoo’s Africa Safari expansion will only ramp up its conservation efforts. The expansion aims to provide visitors with a true immersion experience where they feel as if they’ve gone through the African savanna. Through the expansion, the zoo will continue to educate visitors about the importance of conservation and the need to protect endangered species.

Overall, the Nashville Zoo’s conservation efforts play a vital role in preserving endangered species and their habitats. The zoo’s commitment to conservation is evident through its participation in Species Survival Plan® Programs, support for the SAFE American red wolf’s program, community outreach, and educational efforts.

Special Events

The Nashville Zoo offers a variety of special events throughout the year. From seasonal celebrations to unique experiences, there is always something exciting happening at the zoo.

Zoolumination

One of the most popular events at the Nashville Zoo is Zoolumination. This annual event, held in partnership with Zigong Lantern Group, transforms the zoo into a magical winter wonderland. Visitors can explore the zoo after dark and marvel at the stunning light displays.

Zoolumination features over 500 custom-made lanterns, including a 200-foot-long dragon, a life-size elephant, and a towering giraffe. The event also includes live entertainment, food and drink vendors, and a holiday marketplace.

Tickets for Zoolumination are available online and must be purchased in advance. The event typically runs from mid-November through early January and is open to visitors of all ages.

Overall, Zoolumination is a must-see event for anyone visiting Nashville during the holiday season. With its breathtaking lantern displays and festive atmosphere, it is sure to delight visitors of all ages.

Other special events at the Nashville Zoo include Eggstravaganzoo, Sips for Species, and Brew at the Zoo. Each event offers a unique opportunity to experience the zoo in a new and exciting way.

Support The Nashville Zoo

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that relies on the support of its donors to continue providing extraordinary animal care and education programs for the community. The zoo also has critical conservation initiatives that require funding. The Nashville Zoo is committed to protecting the privacy of its donors, and you can see their Donor Privacy Policy on their website.

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Middle Tennessee Honda Dealers

One of the ways that the Nashville Zoo raises funds is through partnerships with local businesses. One such partnership is with Middle Tennessee Honda Dealers, who are the presenting sponsor for the annual Brew at the Zoo event.

This event is a popular beer festival that takes place at the zoo and features over 100 craft beers, food trucks, and live music. A portion of the proceeds from Brew at the Zoo goes towards supporting the zoo’s conservation initiatives.

If you are interested in supporting the Nashville Zoo, you can make a donation on their website or become a member.

Membership benefits include free admission to the zoo, discounts on food and merchandise, and special events. Additionally, you can support the zoo by attending their events, such as Brew at the Zoo, or by volunteering your time. The Nashville Zoo offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, including animal care, horticulture, and education programs.

In conclusion, the Nashville Zoo is a non-profit organization that relies on the support of its donors to continue providing extraordinary animal care and education programs for the community. Through partnerships with local businesses like Middle Tennessee Honda Dealers and the support of its members and volunteers, the zoo can continue its critical conservation initiatives.

Tips for Your Visit

If you’re planning a trip to the Nashville Zoo, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:

Plan Your Visit Ahead of Time

To avoid long lines and crowds, it’s best to plan your visit ahead of time. The Nashville Zoo offers timed-entry reservations, which are required for all visitors. You can purchase your tickets online or at the gate, but it’s recommended to purchase them online to avoid waiting in line.

Best Time to Visit

The Nashville Zoo is busiest during the spring and summer months, especially on weekends and holidays. If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit during the fall or winter months. Weekdays are also generally less crowded than weekends.

What to Wear

Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. The Nashville Zoo is an outdoor attraction, so be prepared for the sun, rain, or cold weather. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and bring a hat or umbrella if needed.

What to Bring

Bring a refillable water bottle, as there are water fountains located throughout the zoo. You can also bring your own food and snacks, but there are also food and beverage options available inside the zoo as well as lots of great restaurants around Nashville.. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture all the memories!

Zoo Map and App

The Nashville Zoo offers a free app that includes a map of the zoo, exhibit information, and a schedule of daily activities. You can download the app before your visit to help plan your day.

Educational Programs and Tours

The Nashville Zoo offers a variety of educational programs and tours for visitors of all ages. These programs include animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and even overnight stays at the zoo. Check the zoo’s website for more information and to book your experience.

By following these tips, you can have a fun and enjoyable visit to the Nashville Zoo.

Search Nashville Zoo

Visiting a zoo can be a fun and educational experience for individuals of all ages. The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. With over 2,700 animals and 365 different species, there is plenty to see and learn about at the zoo.

To make the most of a visit to the Nashville Zoo, it’s important to plan ahead and utilize the search function on the zoo’s website. The search bar, located at the top of the homepage, allows visitors to search for specific animals, exhibits, events, and more.

For example, if a visitor is interested in seeing the giraffes, they can simply type “giraffe” into the search bar and find information on where to find them, feeding times, and any special events or programs related to giraffes. The search function can also be used to find information on the zoo’s hours, admission prices, and parking.

In addition to the search function, the Nashville Zoo website offers a variety of resources to enhance the visitor experience. The “Plan Your Visit” section provides information on everything from dining options to stroller rentals. The “Events” section lists upcoming events and programs, such as animal feedings, behind-the-scenes tours, and conservation talks.

For those interested in a more immersive experience, the Nashville Zoo offers several different types of animal encounters, including giraffe feedings, kangaroo kickabouts, and sloth encounters. These experiences can be booked in advance on the zoo’s website.

Overall, utilizing the search function and other resources on the Nashville Zoo website can help visitors plan a fun and educational trip to the zoo. By taking advantage of the various animal encounters, events, and programs, visitors can get up close and personal with the animals and learn more about the importance of conservation and animal welfare.