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Memphis Zoo

Memphis Zoo is home to 3,500+ animals

Creating Adventures. Saving Wildlife. AZA Accredited
(32209)

Memphis Zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals representing more than 500 different species.

11/12/2024

“Hope this email finds you well.”
How the email found me:

11/09/2024

Today, Research Curator Dr. Sheila Poo and Senior Veterinarian Dr. Felicia Knightly, visited Dilmah Conservation’s Elephant Transit Home in Sri Lanka, a one of its kind elephant rescue facility focused on the rehabilitation and release of orphaned elephant calves.

80% of the elephants that are orphaned are the result of human elephant conflict. Elephant Transit Home currently houses 58 calves, and in the near future, they’re hoping to release 18 calves into nearby National Parks.

Memphis Zoo staff were invited to participate in a symposium comprised of architecture students, conservation partners and governmental veterinary staff to discuss elephant conservation, in conjunction with the opening of the Conservation, Awareness, Research, and Education (CARE) Center. The CARE Center is a collaboration between Memphis Zoo in the US and Tropical Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) in Sri Lanka.

The architecture students had previously conducted a community survey on human-elephant conflict to gauge the impact the CARE Center will have in the future.

This is the first of many organized events over the course of the next 10 days to solidify a network of potential partners centered around the CARE Center. Stay tuned for more! 🌱

11/09/2024

At Memphis Zoo, our commitment to animal care runs deep, right down to their hearts. ❤️

Our silverback lowland gorilla, “Mwelu,” recently visited our animal hospital for a physical exam, bloodwork, and—most importantly—a cardiac assessment. Heart disease is a common issue in older great apes, so it’s crucial to monitor their cardiovascular health. Memphis Zoo veterinary staff and a team from Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, led by cardiologist Evan Harvey, MD worked together to perform a detailed echocardiogram of Mwelu’s heart. Everyone was in agreement: Mwelu is one big, healthy guy! 🦍

An examination like this takes extensive preparation. Keepers work with and train all of the primates daily to guarantee they’re prepared for voluntary injections and a variety of other behaviors that ensure their best welfare. In addition, Senior Veterinarian, Dr. Felicia Knightly, and Mwelu have worked together for years and have developed a great relationship. In the days leading up to his exam, she visited Mwelu daily to reaffirm their trust in each other and get reacquainted. Their bond is so strong that Mwelu remained calm as he received his anesthetic by hand injection, easing him gently into sleep for his visit. This process ensured that Mwelu was calm and comfortable during transport to and from the hospital and his examination. Dr. Knightly will continue to check on Mwelu regularly in the days after the exam, keeping that trust strong as she monitors his health.

As a non-profit, the Memphis Zoo depends on the generosity of people like you to keep our mission strong. When you make a year-end, tax-deductible gift, you’re helping us look after and care for 3,500 animals like Mwelu, create unforgettable experiences, and keep our Zoo a vibrant and connected part of our community. Thanks to your previous generosity, we are close to completing essential renovations to our animal hospital. Thank you for supporting what we do for every animal, every day.

https://memphiszoo.org/every-animal-every-day
Make you donation today. ❤️

11/08/2024

We're excited to share that Tayah Johnson has been named first runner-up in the Welcome to Memphis Pick Awards attractions division! These awards honor hospitality stars who embody the spirit of Memphis and go above and beyond in customer service. Tayah is a wonderful example of this, and we're incredibly lucky to have her on our team. We love you, Tayah!

11/07/2024

We’re excited to share that the Memphis Zoo and Overton Park Conservancy have been awarded a grant from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Conservation Grants Fund. Our proposal to create a monarch butterfly habitat in Overton Park was one of just eight projects funded out of 20 submissions. This project is part of the AZA’s Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) program, and our goal is to provide the resources these butterflies need to thrive on their migration journey.

For this initiative, we’ve chosen two areas within Overton Park to transform into vibrant, life-sustaining habitats for monarchs. One site is near Veterans Plaza, next to the Zoo, where the Conservancy started a pilot garden this summer. The results were amazing—over 250 insect species visited the garden, including several monarch caterpillars feeding on native milkweed plants. The second area is a larger plot in the park’s southeast corner, where land previously used for city maintenance is being converted into public green space.

Melissa McMasters, Overton Park Conservancy’s Director of Communications, shared her excitement: “It’s an honor to partner with the Memphis Zoo to create a safe landing space for monarchs on their migration journey. By planting both native milkweed, which monarch caterpillars eat and the flowering plants adult butterflies use for nectar, we’re offering a lifeline to these charismatic creatures.”

Monarch butterflies depend solely on milkweed plants to lay their eggs, but these vital plants are disappearing across the butterfly’s migratory range. To support monarchs, we’re planting three native milkweed species and various nectar plants across 6,300 square feet. This effort is not just about restoring habitat for monarchs—it’s also about connecting our visitors with the wonders of pollinators and the importance of conservation.

Gail Karr of Memphis Zoo expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “I am delighted that we can be a part of an active host and nectar habitat for the monarch butterfly. This is the perfect addition to our seasonal native butterfly exhibit. We can further our conservation message and will have a hands-on educational tool. We are pleased to partner with Overton Park Conservancy and look forward to this being the first of many collaborations.”

We will enhance the educational signage and raised beds at Veterans Plaza so visitors can learn about monarchs and other pollinators as they pass by. With the Zoo and Conservancy’s combined community outreach and educational programming, we hope this project will inspire people of all ages to get involved in protecting pollinators. Dr. Steve Reichling, Director of Conservation & Research at the Zoo, said it best: “Overton Park is one of those magical places that just is Memphis, so to be able to partner in such a natural way with the Overton Park Conservancy to add one more little jewel to the treasure box is very fulfilling to me personally.”

📸 (1) Dr. Steve Reichling
📸 (2-4) Melissa McMasters, Overton Park Conservancy

11/06/2024

Start your morning with some extra cuteness, courtesy of fishing cat Korra. 🎣 🐱

11/04/2024

It’s National Candy Day! 🍬 Our meerkats got a special treat this Fall—a pumpkin filled with their favorite candy, some tasty insects! Are insects your favorite sweet treat too? 🤔 🐛

11/04/2024

Memphis Zoo is thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with Buff City Soap - Bartlett, TN. Buff City Soap sells plant-based soaps that are handmade daily. Their soaps are free of harsh chemicals, animal fats, and detergents and they only use the simplest ingredients. They’re on a mission to create handmade products that are free of harsh ingredients and full of nourishing plant-based goodness.

Memphis Zoo began a conversation with Buff City as we explained our scent enrichment process to their soap makers. At Memphis Zoo, we use scent enrichment with our big cats as they enjoy the scents, and it also helps them to use their senses while on exhibit. It’s invigorating to the big cats to come out and smell all the interesting scents in their yards. Did you know big cats are obsessed with Obsession by Calvin Klein? We had our big cats choose the scents that our soaps will smell like!

Front Gate Fresh, which has the iconic Memphis Zoo “M” gate inside, is a purrfect pumpkin spice. Our Paws and Pamper is a Buff City original scent called Muse which is amber, and musk, complete with dark spots, prints, and a paw charm on top. Finally, Safari Suds is eucalyptus, aloe, and clover and is a beautiful green and white stripe!

These soaps are part of a giveback program, so 10% of all the proceeds will go back to Memphis Zoo! These soaps are going to be great gifts for the Memphis Zoo lover in your life or the friend who loves to smell great. We are happy to partner with an organization that also puts conservation and sustainability at the forefront of everything they do! We hope you like our soaps and be sure to stop by the Bartlett location today to purchase yours! You might even find some leopard print bath bombs and premade gift sets!

11/01/2024

The holiday season is even brighter at the Memphis Zoo, thanks to Truist Zoo Lights! 🎄 ❄️

On select nights from November 29 to January 4, our zoo transforms into a twinkling wonderland full of festive fun for the whole family. Wander through the sparkling Truist Courtyard Winter Wonderland, and don’t forget to swing by the Holiday Pavilion for a visit with the jolly Mr. Nick! Plus, your holiday wish list won’t be complete without meeting Santa at Santa’s Workshop—and our Memphis Zoo Ambassador animals might just make a surprise appearance too! As you wander, check out our fan-favorite Light Tunnel for the perfect holiday photo. And for extra magic, hop aboard the Holiday Express Train or take a whirl on the China Carousel—both included with your ticket. We can't wait to see you there! ☃️

Get your tickets ONLINE, today!
https://www.memphiszoo.org/zoo-lights

10/31/2024

🎃👻 HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 🍬🦇

In true Halloween fashion, we’re sharing a scary, cool x-ray from our Zoo hospital of one of our primate friends!

Stay tuned for some thrilling news… 👀

10/31/2024

From sunrise feedings to bedtime check-ins, we’re here for every animal, every day. As a non-profit, the Memphis Zoo depends on the generosity of people like you to keep our mission strong. When you make a year-end, tax-deductible gift, you’re helping us look after over 3,500 animals, create unforgettable experiences, and keep our Zoo a vibrant part of our community. Join the animal lovers who are already making a difference. Together, we can keep Memphis Zoo a place where animals thrive and memories are made. Thank you for supporting what we do.
https://www.memphiszoo.org/every-animal-every-day

10/30/2024

🍻Cheers! Zootoberfest is not OCTover yet, we've extended into the first weekend of November. We're thrilled you have a few more days to enjoy! Join us THIS WEEKEND.

10/28/2024

Tombak's Monday plans: Snack now, conquer the day later.

10/24/2024

There's only ONE weekend left for Le Bonheur Zoo Boo! This Saturday, October 26th, is almost sold out! However, plenty of tickets are still available for Friday, Sunday, and Halloween night. Make sure to purchase your tickets ONLINE in advance, as they won’t be sold at the front gate. Le Bonheur Zoo Boo is a family-friendly fall event for everyone, featuring Frankenstein's Blacklight Disco, the Dino After Dark experience, the Mad Scientist Lab, and so much more!

https://www.memphiszoo.org/zoo-boo

Please use caution when interacting with anyone selling tickets in the comment section. The most reliable and safest way to get tickets is through our website.

10/23/2024

It's International Snow Leopard Day! 🐾 ❄️ We have two majestic snow leopards at Memphis Zoo, Ateri and Darhan. Pictured here, Ateri is having a relaxing day, laying up in her favorite spot in their exhibit. See our fluffy friends today in Cat Country, today!

10/18/2024

Memphis Zoo announces that our two male Sumatran tigers, Gusti and Nakal, will soon be leaving for another zoological facility. This move aims to continue their breeding success and contribute to the conservation of the Sumatran tigers.

Gusti arrived at Memphis Zoo in 2022 alongside his mate, Dari. He quickly bonded with his keepers, and his sweet personality began to shine. He loves his enrichment scents, toys, and, of course, the water! According to the Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP), a collaborative management program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Gusti and Dari were considered a perfect match, both as ambassadors for their species and breeding. The time and effort spent researching and pairing them was well worth it.

On May 5th, 2023, Dari gave birth to cubs Nakal and Suci. It was the first time in over 24 years that the Memphis Zoo welcomed tiger cubs. The last tigers born at the zoo were in 1998, and the mother of those cubs was Dari’s grandmother. Nakal and Suci immediately won the hearts of Memphis residents and zoo staff alike. From Nakal chasing Suci around the exhibit to showing off his best cannonballs in the water, he has provided countless adorable moments with his family and has been a joy to watch.

While we may be sad to see Gusti and Nakal leave, we are excited about their future. They have not only left a lasting impact on Memphis but also on their species as a whole. As incredible ambassadors, they raised awareness for endangered Sumatran tigers, became a success story in the Species Survival Plan, and brought joy, wonder, and love to all who encountered them.

Please join us as we say goodbye to these handsome boys THIS Saturday, October 19th, at 9:30 a.m. for Gusti and 2:00 p.m. for Nakal. Their keepers have planned to give them their favorite enrichments during a "goodbye party."

Dari and Suci will remain at the Memphis Zoo once the boys are gone so zoo friends can still get their tiger fix.

10/17/2024

Trick RAWR Treat! 🦖 🍬 🎃 Get in the spooky spirit and join us for Le Bonheur Zoo Boo! Tickets for this weekend are close to selling out, so make sure to purchase your tickets online, TODAY! Tickets cannot be purchased at the front gate. If you can't join us this weekend, you can also secure your tickets for our remaining dates. 🎟️

https://www.memphiszoo.org/zoo-boo

Address

2000 Prentiss Place
Memphis, TN
38112

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm
Sunday	9am - 5pm

Website

https://memphiszoo.org/

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Videos

Hey Members! We are celebrating our big win in the Newsweek Readers’ Choice awards, and we want to AWARD you. ✨🏆✨ Members who have activated their membership on the Memphis Zoo app will receive 10 points DAILY from August 12 through August 18, 2024. Download our FREE app today and make sure to turn on app notifications! 📱 #memphiszoo #app #download #love #animals #rewards

“Second star to the right, and straight on ‘til morning!” Aren’t our African black-footed penguins DARLING? ✨ Dexter LOVES to chase his shadow, just like Peter Pan! 🐧 This behavior of penguins chasing shadows mimics hunting for them. By doing this with guests, it gives the penguins some extra social interaction. 🖤🤍 Please be kind to our feathered friends and don’t trick them into running into walls. #memphiszoo #penguin #shadow #bird #feathers #love #animals #fun #d23 #disney #peterpan

Thabo is having a ROARING time today for World Lion Day, and he just had to let everyone know. 😂🦁 Have you heard Thabo roar on your visit? #memphiszoo #worldlionday #lion #love #animals #roar #lions #thabo #handsome

It wasn’t a LONG checkup for Elmo at all! 🐍📏 Our nearly 16-foot-long Burmese python friend Elmo recently took a trip to our hospital to have a physical exam! Being an older snake, it’s good for animals like Elmo to get periodic physical examinations to get them moving and gather updated measurements, x-rays, and blood work. 📋 The results obtained help to identify any underlying problems an animal may be having. Then, the veterinary team can prescribe any required therapy or treatment. Our veterinary hospital staff, curators, and keepers always go above and beyond to care for all of our animal friends here, even if they’re longer than the examination table! Elmo was a great patient, he did well and was VERY brave when getting his blood drawn. 🫶 #memphiszoo #behindthescenes #elmo #burmesepython #snake #hospital #veterinary #love #animals #care #snakes

Koka decided to huff, puff, and pull her own castle down on her birthday! 🏰😂🐗 Our Keepers made sure Princess Koka had tons of fun for her big birthday celebration. With all her toys out and Keeper friends watching, she truly had the most ROYAL day. 👑❤️ #memphiszoo #littlemisstwo #redriverhog #piggy #love #birthday #cute #celebration #animals #castle #princess

We are officially ONE MONTH AWAY from the ultimate night out at Zoo Rendezvous, presented by Platinum Sponsor First Bank! 🦩🎉 Indulge in delectable bites, exciting cocktails, and dance the night away with hours of live music! Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 7th, and get ready to party in style and make memories that will shine bright forever! All the fun is included with your ticket purchase. Come on, Memphis, let’s go party! 🥳 Visit our website to purchase your tickets TODAY! Tickets are selling fast! #memphiszoo #zoorendezvous2024 https://www.memphiszoo.org/zoo-rendezvous

How satisfying is this? 😯 Once a year our sea lion pool gets pressure-washed and deep-cleaned. The pool is usually filled with 260,000 gallons of salt water! Equipped with many sand filters and filter pumps, our water quality and Northwest Passage team are always monitoring and taking great care of our swimming friends.💧As soon as the freshly cleaned pool was filled, our sea lions got RIGHT back to flying around in the water and enjoying the warm sun! ❤️☀️ Make sure to stop by and enjoy our sea lion show on your next visit. #memphiszoo #sealion #satisfying #pressurewashing #swimming #love #pool #animals #sealions #cleaning #water #poolparty #northwest

He’s a big strong boy! 🥰🥹 Gizmo has been on exhibit for two weeks now, and he’s been so brave exploring all on his own! Of course, he’s snuck in some “midnight” snacks and brought his favorite plushie with him as well. He’s loved meeting all our guests that have stopped by. Make sure to go give Gizmo some love today! ❤️ 🎥 Keeper AJ #memphiszoo #gizmo #babyanimals #love #loris #cute #baby #gremlins #nocturnal #animals

Join us at the Dream House on Prentiss Place and get ready for the ultimate night out at Zoo Rendezvous, presented by Platinum Sponsor First Bank. MEMBERS: Get your LAST CHANCE early bird tickets before the price is gone! Member tickets are $175 per person through July 31st. Starting August 1st, all tickets for members or non-members will be $200 per person. Rendezvous is the biggest bash of the year! Indulge in an endless selection of delectable bites and cocktails from the city’s top restaurants, trendy food trucks, and chic bars. By attending, you’re not just indulging in a fantastic evening but also supporting Memphis Zoo’s mission to Create Adventures and Save Wildlife! The night promises hours of fun with live music from local artists like Nick Black, The YAMS, DJ Nyce Lyfe, DJ Bassventura, and the legendary Stan Bell. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 7th, and get ready to party in style and make memories that will shine bright forever! All the fun is included with your ticket purchase. Come on, Memphis, let’s go party! For more information and for purchasing tickets, check out the link on our story or our website! #memphiszoo #zoorendezvous

Happy #InternationalTigerDay! 🐅🧡🖤 Dari, Gusti, Nakal, and Suci had SO much fun celebrating with everyone today! They got to meet @memphisathletics athletes who stopped by to join in on a meatball toss! They also got to share some cute Sumatran tiger plushies with you all as well. Thank you to our amazing Cat Country keepers for putting together fun enrichment for the tigers and facilitating great Keeper Chats throughout the day! And, of course, a big thank you to our Director of Conservation and Research, Dr. Steve Reichling, for stopping by to chat about conservation efforts for our Sumatran tigers, one of our Conservation Six areas. 🥳 Did you know? We’ve been nominated for Best Zoo in Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards. This nomination, chosen by a panel of travel experts and Newsweek editors, puts the power in your hands to decide the winners. You can vote for DAILY until 11:00 am, July 31. Your support means the world to us, and our tiger friends of course! The link to vote is in our bio. 🫶 #memphiszoo #tigers #sumatrantigers #worldtigerday #babyanimals #love #animals #tiger #memphistigers #fun

Happy National Zookeeper Week! 🙌 Primates and China Keeper Brittany brought us along for a day in her life as a Keeper at the Memphis Zoo! Head to our stories to find the YouTube link and watch the full video. 🎥 You’ll get an inside look at the daily hard work and dedication our keepers put in. Thank you to Keeper Brittany for showing us your day! Oh, and give Itsuki another raisin for us. ❤️ #memphiszoo #nationalzookeeperweek #behindthescenes #primates #redpanda #deer #zookeeper #love #animals #fun #vlog #dayinthelife