14 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Tennessee

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Tennessee is a southeastern landlocked state that borders eight other states.

Its roots can be sourced back to the 1772 frontier pact known as the Watauga Association – recognized to be the 1st constitutional government located to the west of the Appalachian Mountains.

From a geographical perspective, this 15th most populated state is typically divided into three sections.

The border to the east is the Blue Ridge Mountain range, while the Mississippi River creates its western boundary.

The center of the state is known as the Cumberland Plateau, which meets the Highland Rim further west.

Tennessee’s capital is Nashville – Music City, which happens to be its largest city.

Other largest cities in Tennessee include Knoxville, Memphis, Clarksville, and Knoxville.

However, not all of the state’s zoos are located within urban areas, as many are in suburban and rural/mountain regions.

Tennessee’s Zoos

With a dozen zoos and animal petting zoos in Tennessee, there is something for everyone all over the state –

1. The Memphis Zoo

2000 Prentiss Pl, Memphis, TN 38112

The Memphis Zoo was founded in 1906 and is located in midtown Memphis.

This Tennessee zoo has been ranked by Trip Advisor as the best zoo in the nation (2008).

The Memphis Zoo, which covers more than 70 acres, has received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is home to more than 4,000 animals across more than 500 species.

The Memphis Zoo has nineteen exhibits which are divided into three zoo zones.

2. Hillcrest Safari Tours

637 Conley Rd. Alamo TN 38001

Hillcrest Safari Tours offers visitors many exotic animal tours, including buffalo, camels, antelopes, zebras, and much more.

The tours are generally given by appointment, which can be done online or by phone.

The safari tour is located in Alamo, a small town in Crockett County in western Tennessee.

The safari drive-through takes at least one hour, and then there are walking areas to enjoy.

3. The Tennessee Safari Park

618 Conley Rd, Alamo, TN 38001

The Tennessee Safari Park is recognized as Trip Advisors’ Traveler’s Choice for 2021.

The zoo is open daily but closes promptly at 5 PM, allowing the last car inside the park an hour earlier.

The park sells feed cups for the animals you encounter throughout the park.

They note that no outside animals/pets are allowed into the park at any time – no exceptions.

4. Zoo Knoxville

3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr, Knoxville, TN 37914

Zoo Knoxville, which was founded in 1923, is a member zoo of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The zoo’s mission is to assist and help find solutions to those species facing vulnerability or near extinction.

Its first attraction was Al – an alligator that was donated by an NYC couple who bought it as a baby in Florida when it was six inches long.

Al was six feet long.

Other animals that now call this zoo home include tortoises, lions, chimps, otters, elephants, hogs, tigers, pandas, bears, zebras, rhinos, cranes, gorillas, and more.

5. The Chattanooga Zoo

301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404

The Chattanooga Zoo dates back to 1900 and has since been the home to many animals.

The zoo’s efforts include conservation and wildlife rehabilitation.

This zoo in Chattanooga is fully accredited by AZA – the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Chattanooga Zoo has more than 500 animals that represent more than 200 animal species.

Check out the zoo’s options for animal encounters, zookeep chats, playgrounds on park property, and available tours.

6. Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue, Inc.

629 Granite Rd, Clinton, TN 37716

Little Ponderosa Zoo is located in Clinton, Tennessee – in Dutch Valley and a part of the great metro Knoxville area.

The Little Ponderosa has recused animals from across the country and operates as a nonprofit organization.

Many local and nearby schools take advantage of Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue’s field trip opportunities, where students can learn about the environment and animals from experts.

Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue became a TWRA-certified wildlife rehabilitation organization/facility.

7. The Wandering Llamas

1516 Foxford Rd, Greeneville, TN 37743

The Wandering Llamas was founded by one woman with an unusual love of llamas.

After years in the business world, she founded the Wandering Llamas – home to more than a dozen llamas.

The park offers an Airbnb-like treehouse or a small cabin for nightly rentals.

Check out the park’s 2-hour llama treks (on and off the farm) and 3-hour wine/cheese/llama trek – where you get a chance to meet some of the llamas who call Greeneville, TN, home.

8. The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

3777 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere offers a dynamic look into the animal kingdom.

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is situated a few minutes south of Nashville’s downtown.

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere covers more than 180 acres and is one of the ten largest zoos in the Nation.

Half of the acreage has been developed.

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is ranked among the state’s top attractions, with The Tennessean noting it offers the best day trip in Tennessee.

9. Brights Zoo

3425 Hwy 11 E, Limestone, TN 37681

Brights Zoo is a privately owned family business that is located in the eastern part of the state.

The zoo is home to many species, including those that are considered rare or endangered.

When visiting, you can meet camels, an addax, red kangaroos, zebras, pandas, and spider monkeys.

Check out Brights Zoo’s penguin cove and the other reptile and bird exhibits.

Brights Zoo is a member of the American Assoc. of Zoo Keepers and the Zoological Association of America.

10. The Parrot Mountain & Garden of Eden

1471 McCarter Hollow Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37862

The Parrot Mountain & Garden of Eden is an amazing place to visit for kids, young and old.

The Parrot Mountain & Garden of Eden is on four acres of meticulously landscaped gardens where hundreds of tropical birds call home.

As you walk this gorgeous park, check out the thousands of plants, flowers, and trees where the birds call home.

The Parrot Mountain & Garden of Eden is open from March to the end of the year, closing on major holidays.

11. The Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo

478 Happy Hollow Ln, Sevierville, TN 37876

The Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo was established in 1988 when two California’s bought more than 140 acres in Sevierville.

The Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Petting Zoo include pony rides, horseback riding stables (kids five and older can ride alone), and an opportunity to walk among the deer and feed them.

Don’t miss the emu, the pot-bellied pigs, the zebra, the elk, and the pet zebra, among others, at Smoky Mountain Deer Farm.

12. Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo

109 NASCAR Drive, Sevierville, TN 37862

The Rainforest Adventures Zoo in Sevierville is a unique animal adventure opportunity.

Located in the Smokey Mountains, the zoo is open all year and is home to more than 500 animals (unique to the rain forests across the globe) that represent more than 125 species.

Visit the gift shop for unique gifts and ask about the group and school programs.

Tennessee’s Aquariums

Tennessee has two aquariums that allow you to get up close and personal with the animals & creatures of the sea.

13. The Tennessee Aquarium

1 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402

The Tennessee Aquarium, which was established in the 1990s, operates two buildings of aquatic exhibits in Chattanooga on 100+ riverfront acres.

Throughout the aquarium, you can come face-to-face with unusual and fascinating creatures that live nearby and among the farthest reaches on the planet.

The aquarium is home to more than 10,000 animals, including sharks and many other fish species, penguins, otters, snapping turtles, and a host of birds, butterflies, reptiles, and more.

14. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies offers a variety of educational experiences from their Gatlinburg locale.

Check out Ripley’s Penguin Playhouse, where you can meet the colony of African penguins.

For an unusual view, jump on the Ripley’s Aquarium glass-bottom boat to view the action below in the shark lagoon.

The aquarium hosts special events and even offers birthday packages.

14 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Tennessee – Summary Table

Tennessee Safety Overview

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Safety Index:

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• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
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• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW