Memphis Zoo is a zoo located in Memphis TN. It is home to over 4,500 animals representing 500 species. The zoo is the largest employer in Memphis with 1,300 employees.
The mission of the zoo is to preserve and protect the world’s wildlife through education, conservation, science, and recreation. They also offer many educational programs for all ages such as camp programs, Behind the Scenes tours, and animal encounters. The zoo also participates in many conservation projects both locally and internationally.
The zoo was founded in 1906 by George H. Davis. It was originally known as the Memphis Zoological Gardens. In 1916, the zoo moved to its current location in Overton Park.
George H. Davis was born in 1847 in Ohio. After a successful career as a businessman, he retired to Memphis TN, and founded the zoo in 1906. The zoo was an immediate success and continues to be a popular attraction in Memphis today. George H. Davis died in 1933.
In the early years, the zoo was a small operation with just a few animals. In the 1930s, the zoo began to grow and add new exhibits. In 1941, the Monkey Island exhibit opened. This was followed by the Elephant House in 1947 and the Lion House in 1951.
Over the years, the zoo has added many new exhibits and attractions. In 1958, the Children’s Zoo opened. This was followed by the Bird House in 1966, the Primate House in 1971, and the Herpetarium in 1975.
In 1985, the zoo opened its largest exhibit to date: The Grizzly Bear Habitat. This exhibit features two grizzly bears named Smokey and Goldie. In 1992, the zoo opened its Predators of Africa exhibit. This exhibit features lions, tigers, cheetahs, and leopards.
The zoo is continually expanding and adding new exhibits. In 2012, they opened their newest exhibit: The China Exhibit. This exhibit features giant pandas, red pandas, snow leopards, and Chinese porcupines.
Moreover, the zoo is a popular tourist attraction and receives over 1 million visitors each year. It is home to some of the most popular animals in America, including grizzly bears, lions, tigers, and pandas.
Some of the most popular animals at this zoo include gorillas, tigers, lions, elephants, and penguins. They also have a Dinosaur Gallery where visitors can see life-sized dinosaur replicas.
The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). It is also a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
The AZA accreditation means that the zoo meets the highest standards in animal care and management. AZA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the survival of threatened and endangered animals. It also promotes conservation education.
On the other hand, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is an international organization that aims to promote collaboration between zoos and aquariums around the world. WAZA also works to ensure the welfare of animals in captivity and to educate the public about the importance of conservation. Many well-known zoos and aquariums are members of WAZA, including this zoo.
The zoo is open every day except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission prices vary depending on age and time of year. Discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more people.
The zoo is a great place to learn about animals and their habitats, as well as participate in conservation efforts to help protect the world’s wildlife. It is also a great place to visit for families or anyone who loves animals. Here are some tips to follow to make the most of your experience:
- Plan Ahead – The zoo can be a lot of fun, but it can also be quite large. Make sure you know what exhibits you want to see and map out a route before you go.
- Bring Snacks And Drinks – There are plenty of places to buy food at the zoo, but it can get expensive. Bringing your own snacks and drinks will help save money.
- Wear Sunscreen And A Hat – The zoo is located in a warm climate, so it’s important to protect yourself from the sun.
- Be Prepared For Crowds – The zoo is popular, so be prepared for large crowds on busy days.
- Have Fun! – The zoo is a great place to explore and learn about animals. So enjoy your time there while learning more about our furry and feathered friends.
You are allowed to bring food inside Memphis Zoo. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, only sealed containers of food are allowed. This means no bags of chips or popcorn that can be easily opened. Second, no outside food is allowed to be sold in the zoo.
And finally, no alcohol is allowed on zoo grounds. So if you’re looking to enjoy a picnic lunch while exploring the zoo, make sure you pack all your food in sealed containers and leave the alcohol at home. If you enjoyed this fun attraction, check out the Metal Museum.