Zoo Knoxville
3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr.
Knoxville, TN 37914
Contact Information:
Steve McGaffin
smcgaffin@zooknoxville.org
865-281-1383
Louise Hargis
zkschool@zooknoxville.org
865-281-1385
Mission:
Zoo Knoxville delivers dynamic guest experiences while inspiring action for wildlife and wild places.
Zoo Knoxville is a nonprofit entity situated on 53 wooded acres just east of downtown Knoxville. Zoo Knoxville features exhibits of wild animals in natural habitats and is world renowned for its efforts in conservation and species survival. Zoo Knoxville is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Knoxville’s largest attraction, the zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Education Programs:
Student Education – At school - class time programs, Field Trips / Day trips, Summer camps, Weekend / evening programs, City Nature Challenge
Program Details:
Zoomobile Outreach Programs: Preschool -12th; STEM/Life sciences, science literacy, conservation; Interactive classroom programs at schools across East TN to support science standards by engaging students through learning about wildlife and wild places. Fee-based.
Knox County Public Schools receive free admission for students on field trips. Most programs require advance registration and many fill quickly. Check the website for current fees and registration/request process.
Field Trip - Science Concept Introductions: Preschool -12th; STEM/Life sciences, science literacy, conservation; 10-15 minute programs to introduce students to a science concept in an engaging way and help them focus on the purpose of the field trip. Fee-based.
Field Trip - Learning Tours: 8th-12th; STEM/Life sciences, science literacy, conservation; 45-minute guided tour to introduce or reinforce science concepts. Fee-based.
Field Trip - Classroom Programs: Preschool-12th; STEM/Life sciences, science literacy, conservation; Interactive classroom programs in a zoo classroom to support science standards by engaging students through learning about wildlife and wild places. Fee-based.
Zoo Camp - Ages 4-17; STEM/Life sciences, science literacy, conservation; Spring break, summer and fall break day camps about science, wildlife, conservation and careers. Fee-based.
Twilight Tours - All ages; STEM/Life sciences, science literacy, conservation; Evening programs that may include a tour, activities, community science projects and/or an ambassador animal visit. Public and private group options available. Fee-based.
ZooCrew Teen Conservation: 9th-12th; STEM/Life sciences, wildlife/conservation careers; Semester-long immersive program to introduce high school students to conservation careers and techniques used in wildlife conservation. Fee-based.
City Nature Challenge: All ages; STEM/Life sciences, science literacy, conservation; International challenge to engage communities to observe as much wildlife as possible in four days during the last weekend in April each year using the iNaturalist platform. Free.
Monarch tagging: All ages; STEM/Life sciences, science literacy, pollinator conservation; Explore the monarch migration and the importance of pollinators while attempting to catch and tag monarch butterflies to aid scientists that are studying the migration.
Homeschool Science Academy: Weekly classes (prek-8th) and monthly classes (K-12); STEM, science literacy, environmental science, conservation. Semester-long hands-on classes based on TN state science standards. Classes cover a variety of life and physical sciences to explore the workings of the natural world and wildlife conservation. Fee-based.
Placemaking:
Assist with pollinator garden design and resources. Assist with setting up community science projects.
Educator Programs:
Teacher Workshops: Pre- and In-service workshops to share techniques for engaging students in your curriculum through learning about wildlife and wildlife conservation.
Website and Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/zooknoxville/
https://www.instagram.com/zooknoxville/
https://twitter.com/zooknoxville
https://www.youtube.com/ @knoxvillezoo