Chattanooga Zoo

01/21/2025

Even rattlesnakes need to feel appreciated once in a while 😍❤️

We're celebrating Rattlesnake Appreciation Day this Saturday (Jan. 25) with special Zoo Tours, information stations, keeper chats and crafts! All activities are included with general admission from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 🐾

RSVP for your free Reptile Tour here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdi13dWdb6KKB4OP56RZe7K_JWVp3_IoOsz_sdB0mp0Mpa4lA/viewform?usp=dialog

🗣 You should NEVER approach a rattlesnake in the wild, but we can come together to learn about the important role they play in our ecosystem. Rattlesnakes help control rodent populations, reduce the spread of disease, and much more. Learn to love AND respect this unique species with us! 🐍

📸 Photos are of Agave, our mottled rock rattlesnake. This subspecies lives in the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico!

01/17/2025

✨ Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic! ✨

This is the final weekend of our Asian Lantern Festival, so be sure to stop by and soak in the breathtaking lanterns before they’re gone!

🌟 Tonight only, meet Anna, Elsa, and Rapunzel from our friends at Magic Lamp Entertainment from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM! Don’t miss this enchanting evening filled with lights, laughter, and a little extra magic.

🎟️ Get your tickets now and make this weekend unforgettable!

https://www.chattzoo.org/events/alf-2024-2025

01/17/2025

Our Cape porcupines are BACK on exhibit and loving their brand-new home!

Thanks to our incredible Exhibit Design Team, Alex and Damian, their space now features:

🪵 Climbing structures to explore on
🔥 A heated outdoor cave where you can peek in and see them relaxing, even on cold days

Come visit and check out the remodel for yourself!✨

01/13/2025

Without Tom Donovan, Chattanooga Zoo would not be what it is today. 🐾

Tom has long been one of our biggest supporters, helping the Zoo see incredible growth through his decades of unwavering support and hands-on involvement. Tom has made, and continues to make, significant contributions to major projects like the Gombe Forest Interpretive Center, Mimi's Pavilion and, most recently, The Cape of Africa! 🐗

Tom's late wife was also a major Chattanooga Zoo supporter, even serving on the board of directors. Barbara's Bridge (in the Himalayan Passage) and Mimi's Pavilion are both named in her honor. ❤️

Tom and Barbara have spent many years supporting our growth and direction, and also developed many loving friendships among the animals. In particular, Hank the chimpanzee was always very fond of the couple.

Thanks to our friends at Morning Pointe Senior Living for writing this great article highlighting Tom's long-standing and ongoing support of your hometown Zoo.🦒

We love you Tom! 🙌

Tom Donovan, together with his late wife, have played a major role in making the Chattanooga Zoo what it is today.

01/12/2025

The Zoo is back open today during regular business hours, 9 AM – 5 PM!

🌟 Don’t forget—this is the final week of our Asian Lantern Festival! It’s not too late to experience this year’s stunning lantern displays.

Each year, the festival features an entirely new collection of mesmerizing hand-crafted lanterns. This year’s highlights include an ancient kingdom of glowing dinosaurs and exotic creatures from the Amazon rainforest!🦖

Get your ticket now at https://www.chattzoo.org/events/alf-2024-2025

01/11/2025

Elsa, Anna, and Rapunzel are coming to the Asian Lantern Festival on January 17 for photos and meet and greets! ✨🏮

This experience is free with your Asian Lantern Festival ticket on January 17!

Come meet your favorite princesses while enjoying hundreds of dazzling lanterns at the Zoo. This year's festival includes ancient dinosaurs and exotic creatures from the rainforest!

Get your tickets here: https://www.chattzoo.org/events/alf-2024-2025

01/10/2025

🚨 Important Reminder 🚨

Due to inclement weather, the Zoo will be closed today and tomorrow, January 10th and 11th, including the Asian Lantern Festival.

If you have already purchased festival tickets for today or tomorrow, don’t worry—you can use them on any other Asian Lantern Festival date at your convenience. Make sure to visit soon; the festival's last day is January 19!

For questions about Asian Lantern Festival tickets, please email [email protected]. For general inquiries, contact [email protected].

Thank you for your understanding, and stay safe during the snowy weather! ❄️

01/09/2025

Say hello to a terrifically tiny new addition to our Zoo family — a leaf-tailed gecko hatchling! This tiny gecko is just 3 inches long, weighs only 2.7 grams, and hatched on November 24th. 🦎✨

Fun Facts About Leaf-Tailed Geckos:
• They are masters of disguise! Their leaf-like tails and textured skin help them blend seamlessly into their surroundings, making them nearly invisible to predators
• Their sticky toe pads let them climb vertical surfaces
• Some species can flatten their bodies against tree trunks, making their camouflage even more convincing

📸 Macro Photography by Keeper Cole

01/08/2025

🚨 Important Announcement 🚨

Due to inclement weather, the Zoo will be closed this Friday and Saturday, January 10th and 11th, including the Asian Lantern Festival.

If you have already purchased festival tickets for this Friday or Saturday, don’t worry—you can use them on any other Asian Lantern Festival date at your convenience. Make sure to visit soon; the festival's last day is January 19!

For questions about Asian Lantern Festival tickets, please email [email protected]. For general inquiries, contact [email protected].

Thank you for your understanding, and stay safe during the snowy weather! ❄️

01/06/2025

Get ready for a magical evening!

Elsa, Anna, and Rapunzel from Magic Lamp Entertainment are joining us for the Asian Lantern Festival on January 17th from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM! ❄✨ This experience is FREE with a purchase of an Asian Lantern Festival Ticket!

Don’t miss your chance to meet your favorite Frozen sisters and the lantern-loving princess Rapunzel, while enjoying over 40 dazzling lantern displays! It’s a magical evening the whole family will love!

🎟 Get your tickets now by using the link below!

https://www.chattzoo.org/events/alf-2024-2025

01/02/2025

Say hi to Boysenberry the two-toed sloth! 🦥🌿

Our newest resident is settling into her exhibit in the Forests of the World building! She’s been hanging out in her new space by exploring and sleeping in her new bed!

Plan your visit soon to see Boysenberry in her new home!

To learn more about Boysenberry and her trip to Chattanooga from Portland, Oregon, visit https://www.chattzoo.org/blog/new-year-new-sloth

01/01/2025

New year, new sloth! 🎉🦥

Boysenberry the two-toed sloth has found her new home at Chattanooga Zoo. She's on exhibit now in the Forests of the World building!

Check out our trip to Portland, Oregon, to bring Boysenberry (or Berry for short) home to Chattanooga ❤️

Can't wait to meet Berry? Check out this video live stream of her and other fan favorite animals: https://www.chattzoo.org/explore/video-stream

Learn more about Berry and see cute photos here: https://www.chattzoo.org/blog/new-year-new-sloth

Special thanks to Crystal Air, Inc., James Howard and Southern Honda Powersports for making this happen! 👏

Happy new year! 🥳

12/30/2024

Merlin the bearded dragon has an important announcement! 🗣
Tomorrow is the last day you can purchase a custom brick for our new Cape of Africa section! 🐗

Leave your mark on the biggest expansion in Chattanooga Zoo history! Bricks make the perfect gift whether you're honoring a friend, memorializing a family member, or just telling a funny joke (check out the last picture 🤣).

Orders close at midnight on December 31! You can be part of the Cape of Africa at Chattanooga Zoo! 🦒

Order here: https://www.thatsmybrick.com/chattzoo

12/29/2024

Recently, our first group of interns from Transition2Work Hamilton County wrapped up their job placements with us. While we'll miss this incredible group, we’re so proud of their progress and can’t wait to see them thrive in their next roles through this impactful program.

Transition2Work (led by Hamilton County Schools) is designed to equip young adults with essential life skills and a variety of hands-on work experiences.

We are looking forward to welcoming a new group of interns in January!

12/24/2024

🎄 Sam the Elf is keeping an eye on our animals for Santa! Our next reZOOdents on the nice list is our new fennec foxes, Daisy, Max, Gus, and Quinn!

Check out their holiday wish list by clicking the link below.

Make this holiday season extra special for your favorite zoo animals by donating enrichment items from their wish list!

We want to thank everyone who purchased a gift for one of our reZOOdents this year! Stay tuned to see each animal enjoy their new enrichment items!

12/23/2024

🎄 Sam the Elf is keeping an eye on our animals for Santa! Our next reZOOdent on the nice list is our turacos, Victor and Tango!

Can you guess who Sam will visit next? 🎁 Check out their holiday wish list by clicking the link below.

Make this holiday season extra special for your favorite zoo animal by donating enrichment items from their wish list!

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2PH1RFM5ZOJ1M