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Zoo Knoxville

@zooknoxville • 17,023 subscribers

Friendly and fun on the outside, but serious about animals on the inside. #wildlyfun

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🔊 (sound on) Friday is the LAST DAY to enter for your chance to Name a Red Panda! 🐾 Our two boys have officially entered the “popcorn” phase, so you’ll see (and hear) them exploring a lot more. And with all that personality starting to show, they really need names! Think you’ve got the perfect ones? Enter for your chance to go behind the scenes with our red pandas and be part of Zoo Knoxville history by helping name one of our newest arrivals. 👉 Visit now to enter and read the official contest rules. Donations made through the contest directly support Zoo Knoxville’s mission of exceptional animal care, conservation, and education, including our work with the Red Panda Network.

🔊 (sound on) Friday is the LAST DAY to enter for your chance to Name a Red Panda! 🐾 Our two boys have officially entered the “popcorn” phase, so you’ll see (and hear) them exploring a lot more. And with all that personality starting to show, they really need names! Think you’ve got the perfect ones? Enter for your chance to go behind the scenes with our red pandas and be part of Zoo Knoxville history by helping name one of our newest arrivals. 👉 Visit now to enter and read the official contest rules. Donations made through the contest directly support Zoo Knoxville’s mission of exceptional animal care, conservation, and education, including our work with the Red Panda Network.

34,207 views

Personal space… what’s that? 🤣 Our bat-eared foxes are a close family… sometimes REALLY close.

Personal space… what’s that? 🤣 Our bat-eared foxes are a close family… sometimes REALLY close.

112,536 views

Hope everyone had a relaxing Sunday after a weekend of fun. 🦁💤 Our little lion cub continues to grow and thrive—today’s big adventure ended with a well-earned nap! We’ve had a lot of questions about mom, and we’re happy to share that Zahra is doing great. She’s back with Magi, acting like her normal self, and doing really well. Lions experience motherhood a bit differently than humans—Zahra’s behavior is guided by natural instincts, and everything she’s doing is completely normal for her. Keep following along to watch this little guy grow—and to be the first to know when he’ll be out for everyone to see!

Hope everyone had a relaxing Sunday after a weekend of fun. 🦁💤 Our little lion cub continues to grow and thrive—today’s big adventure ended with a well-earned nap! We’ve had a lot of questions about mom, and we’re happy to share that Zahra is doing great. She’s back with Magi, acting like her normal self, and doing really well. Lions experience motherhood a bit differently than humans—Zahra’s behavior is guided by natural instincts, and everything she’s doing is completely normal for her. Keep following along to watch this little guy grow—and to be the first to know when he’ll be out for everyone to see!

49,165 views

Hope everyone had a great weekend! We’d love to see you this week, so "grab yourself a ride" and head to Zoo Knoxville. 🦍

Hope everyone had a great weekend! We’d love to see you this week, so "grab yourself a ride" and head to Zoo Knoxville. 🦍

12,747 views

We can’t forget our tallest Valentines 💘🦒

We can’t forget our tallest Valentines 💘🦒

11,189 views

Khyana is settling into her new habitat and exploring with confidence. She has lived with three legs since she was very young and has adapted her movement in remarkable ways. Her strength and resilience are part of her story, and she’s already showing guests that different abilities don’t have to limit curiosity.💚

Khyana is settling into her new habitat and exploring with confidence. She has lived with three legs since she was very young and has adapted her movement in remarkable ways. Her strength and resilience are part of her story, and she’s already showing guests that different abilities don’t have to limit curiosity.💚

10,637 views

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🐾❤️ We've got some exciting news! Zoo Knoxville is thrilled to announce the birth of two male red panda cubs to parents Sisu and Doofah! Born on June 7, these tiny brothers are healthy, growing well, and spending their first weeks safely tucked away with mom in their nest box at the Boyd Family Red Panda Village. Our animal care team is closely monitoring their growth while giving Sisu the space she needs to raise her cubs naturally. This marks back-to-back years of red panda births at Zoo Knoxville and another important milestone for the zoo's nationally recognized red panda conservation program. The cubs aren't ready to meet guests just yet, but we'll be following their journey every step of the way, from the nest box to the nursery, and eventually to the exciting day Sisu decides it's time to introduce them to the outdoors. We're excited to share their journey with you. The first few months of a red panda's life are filled with both exciting milestones and natural challenges, and we want you to experience those moments alongside us. Our hope is that by watching these cubs grow, you'll develop a deeper appreciation for red pandas and join us in protecting their future.

🐾❤️ We've got some exciting news! Zoo Knoxville is thrilled to announce the birth of two male red panda cubs to parents Sisu and Doofah! Born on June 7, these tiny brothers are healthy, growing well, and spending their first weeks safely tucked away with mom in their nest box at the Boyd Family Red Panda Village. Our animal care team is closely monitoring their growth while giving Sisu the space she needs to raise her cubs naturally. This marks back-to-back years of red panda births at Zoo Knoxville and another important milestone for the zoo's nationally recognized red panda conservation program. The cubs aren't ready to meet guests just yet, but we'll be following their journey every step of the way, from the nest box to the nursery, and eventually to the exciting day Sisu decides it's time to introduce them to the outdoors. We're excited to share their journey with you. The first few months of a red panda's life are filled with both exciting milestones and natural challenges, and we want you to experience those moments alongside us. Our hope is that by watching these cubs grow, you'll develop a deeper appreciation for red pandas and join us in protecting their future.

336,802 views • 2 months ago

We’re excited to announce the birth of a new male lion cub at Zoo Knoxville! 🦁 Born on February 17th to first-time mom Zahra (ZARA) and dad Maji (MAW-GEE), this little guy represents an important step in supporting the genetic diversity of lions in human care and the survival of his species. Zoo staff monitored new mom Zahra around the clock after she gave birth. After about two weeks, they noticed she was having trouble producing enough milk and that the cub wasn’t getting the nourishment he needed. Our team stepped in, and thanks to the dedication of our veterinary and keeper staff, he is now thriving under human care and growing stronger every day. For now, he’s in our vet clinic receiving expert attention—growing, gaining strength, and even finding his little "roar". We’ll continue to share updates as he grows and will let guests know when he’s ready to make his debut to the public. Stay tuned and follow Zoo Knoxville on social media for the latest on this little guy’s journey.

We’re excited to announce the birth of a new male lion cub at Zoo Knoxville! 🦁 Born on February 17th to first-time mom Zahra (ZARA) and dad Maji (MAW-GEE), this little guy represents an important step in supporting the genetic diversity of lions in human care and the survival of his species. Zoo staff monitored new mom Zahra around the clock after she gave birth. After about two weeks, they noticed she was having trouble producing enough milk and that the cub wasn’t getting the nourishment he needed. Our team stepped in, and thanks to the dedication of our veterinary and keeper staff, he is now thriving under human care and growing stronger every day. For now, he’s in our vet clinic receiving expert attention—growing, gaining strength, and even finding his little "roar". We’ll continue to share updates as he grows and will let guests know when he’s ready to make his debut to the public. Stay tuned and follow Zoo Knoxville on social media for the latest on this little guy’s journey.

177,183 views • 5 months ago

Who wants to NAME A RED PANDA?!?! Our newest red panda cubs need names, and we're asking our community for help! 👉 Visit to enter, make your donation, and read the official contest rules. From August 4 through August 14, make a donation for your chance to win an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with our red pandas and the opportunity to help NAME THE NEW CUBS! We have 2 cubs, so we'll be selecting 2 winners. Here's how to enter: $25 donation = 1 entry $40 donation = 2 entries $60 donation = 3 entries (maximum of 3 entries per person) The more entries you have, the better your chances. Winners will be selected at random. Every donation supports exceptional animal care, wildlife conservation around the world, and educational experiences that inspire future generations to protect wildlife. Think you have the perfect name? Visit and enter today!

Who wants to NAME A RED PANDA?!?! Our newest red panda cubs need names, and we're asking our community for help! 👉 Visit to enter, make your donation, and read the official contest rules. From August 4 through August 14, make a donation for your chance to win an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with our red pandas and the opportunity to help NAME THE NEW CUBS! We have 2 cubs, so we'll be selecting 2 winners. Here's how to enter: $25 donation = 1 entry $40 donation = 2 entries $60 donation = 3 entries (maximum of 3 entries per person) The more entries you have, the better your chances. Winners will be selected at random. Every donation supports exceptional animal care, wildlife conservation around the world, and educational experiences that inspire future generations to protect wildlife. Think you have the perfect name? Visit and enter today!

29,090 views • 1 month ago

Time for a weigh-in! 🐾 Our red panda cubs are right on track and getting steadier on their feet every day. You may notice the scale shows two very different numbers. Our smallest cub is growing exactly as expected, while his brother is putting in a little extra work. 😄 Both boys are healthy, happy, and growing every day! ❤️

Time for a weigh-in! 🐾 Our red panda cubs are right on track and getting steadier on their feet every day. You may notice the scale shows two very different numbers. Our smallest cub is growing exactly as expected, while his brother is putting in a little extra work. 😄 Both boys are healthy, happy, and growing every day! ❤️

32,823 views • 1 month ago

What a sweet moment 🥹 Our amazing care team captured this adorable interaction when Andi got curious about her little baby brother. That tiny nose “boop” is almost too much for our hearts to handle! 😍

What a sweet moment 🥹 Our amazing care team captured this adorable interaction when Andi got curious about her little baby brother. That tiny nose “boop” is almost too much for our hearts to handle! 😍

81,531 views • 6 months ago

✨WE HAVE RED PANDA CUBS!✨ We can’t keep this secret any longer… Two male cubs have joined the Zoo Knoxville family, and they’re almost ready to make their public debut! 🎉 The cubs have spent the first 3 months of their lives tucked safely in their den with their mom, Sisu, as they grow and learn to climb. First-time mother Sisu has been incredible, caring for them and helping them reach every milestone. It’s been nearly 5 years since we’ve welcomed red panda cubs, and more than a decade since visitors have had the chance to see them raised by their mom. We can’t wait to share them with our guests — which could be any day now! It’s up to Sisu when the cubs will poke their heads outside, so make sure you stop by and see if they’ve made their debut. 🐾 🔊 Sound on: Don’t miss a real red panda cub “huffquack” — one of the rarest (and cutest) sounds you’ll ever hear!

✨WE HAVE RED PANDA CUBS!✨ We can’t keep this secret any longer… Two male cubs have joined the Zoo Knoxville family, and they’re almost ready to make their public debut! 🎉 The cubs have spent the first 3 months of their lives tucked safely in their den with their mom, Sisu, as they grow and learn to climb. First-time mother Sisu has been incredible, caring for them and helping them reach every milestone. It’s been nearly 5 years since we’ve welcomed red panda cubs, and more than a decade since visitors have had the chance to see them raised by their mom. We can’t wait to share them with our guests — which could be any day now! It’s up to Sisu when the cubs will poke their heads outside, so make sure you stop by and see if they’ve made their debut. 🐾 🔊 Sound on: Don’t miss a real red panda cub “huffquack” — one of the rarest (and cutest) sounds you’ll ever hear!

136,783 views • 1 year ago

Everyone knows Stevie loves to laugh… including Lu. Stevie has been laughing since she was tiny and we hope it never stops. 🐵

Everyone knows Stevie loves to laugh… including Lu. Stevie has been laughing since she was tiny and we hope it never stops. 🐵

22,828 views • 3 months ago

Today, we share news that is incredibly difficult for our Zoo Knoxville family. Our beloved Einstein — the world-famous African grey parrot — has passed away at the age of 38. For more than 30 years, Einstein was more than an animal ambassador. She was a friend, she was family, and had a personality unlike any other. With her unmistakable voice, she captured hearts not only here in Knoxville, but around the world. In 2023, our animal care team noticed a small change in her voice. Working closely with specialists at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, we identified a small mass on her syrinx. For nearly three years, it remained stable and did not affect her quality of life. In recent weeks, it progressed to the point where treatment was no longer an option. Throughout her final years — and especially her final days — our focus was simple: make sure she was happy, safe, comfortable, and surrounded by the people she knew and trusted. And she was. Einstein also carried an important mission. African grey parrots are classified as Endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and pressures from the illegal pet trade. Through her incredible ability to connect with people, she helped inspire greater awareness and care for parrots and wildlife everywhere. We are heartbroken. We are grateful. And we are immensely proud to have been her home for more than three decades. Thank you, Einstein, for the laughter, the lessons, and the legacy. 🧡

Today, we share news that is incredibly difficult for our Zoo Knoxville family. Our beloved Einstein — the world-famous African grey parrot — has passed away at the age of 38. For more than 30 years, Einstein was more than an animal ambassador. She was a friend, she was family, and had a personality unlike any other. With her unmistakable voice, she captured hearts not only here in Knoxville, but around the world. In 2023, our animal care team noticed a small change in her voice. Working closely with specialists at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, we identified a small mass on her syrinx. For nearly three years, it remained stable and did not affect her quality of life. In recent weeks, it progressed to the point where treatment was no longer an option. Throughout her final years — and especially her final days — our focus was simple: make sure she was happy, safe, comfortable, and surrounded by the people she knew and trusted. And she was. Einstein also carried an important mission. African grey parrots are classified as Endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and pressures from the illegal pet trade. Through her incredible ability to connect with people, she helped inspire greater awareness and care for parrots and wildlife everywhere. We are heartbroken. We are grateful. And we are immensely proud to have been her home for more than three decades. Thank you, Einstein, for the laughter, the lessons, and the legacy. 🧡

23,940 views • 6 months ago

Happy Saturday! ☀️ Just checking in on this growing lion cub. He’s doing so well and even starting to enjoy some solid foods! 🦁 We’re incredibly grateful for the dedicated care team who make sure he’s thriving every step of the way. 💛

Happy Saturday! ☀️ Just checking in on this growing lion cub. He’s doing so well and even starting to enjoy some solid foods! 🦁 We’re incredibly grateful for the dedicated care team who make sure he’s thriving every step of the way. 💛

16,515 views • 4 months ago

🐻 It’s Bear Awareness Week, and we’re celebrating three very special residents here at Zoo Knoxville...Finn, Monty, and Ursula! Our three American black bears came to us as rescues after circumstances left them unable to survive on their own in the wild. Today, they help inspire guests to learn more about bear conservation and the importance of protecting wildlife habitats. 🖤 American black bears are intelligent, curious, and powerful animals found throughout much of North America, including right here in Tennessee. They play an important role in healthy forest ecosystems by spreading seeds, controlling insect populations, and helping nature thrive. 🌲 During Bear Awareness Week, we encourage everyone to help protect wild bears by: • Securing trash and food outdoors • Never feeding wildlife • Giving bears plenty of space in the wild • Learning how we can safely coexist with native wildlife Next time you visit, stop by to see Finn, Monty, and Ursula and learn more about these incredible ambassadors for their species. 🐾

🐻 It’s Bear Awareness Week, and we’re celebrating three very special residents here at Zoo Knoxville...Finn, Monty, and Ursula! Our three American black bears came to us as rescues after circumstances left them unable to survive on their own in the wild. Today, they help inspire guests to learn more about bear conservation and the importance of protecting wildlife habitats. 🖤 American black bears are intelligent, curious, and powerful animals found throughout much of North America, including right here in Tennessee. They play an important role in healthy forest ecosystems by spreading seeds, controlling insect populations, and helping nature thrive. 🌲 During Bear Awareness Week, we encourage everyone to help protect wild bears by: • Securing trash and food outdoors • Never feeding wildlife • Giving bears plenty of space in the wild • Learning how we can safely coexist with native wildlife Next time you visit, stop by to see Finn, Monty, and Ursula and learn more about these incredible ambassadors for their species. 🐾

13,667 views • 3 months ago

A little snow isn’t going to stop Jango and Batari from having some outdoor fun. 🐅❄️

A little snow isn’t going to stop Jango and Batari from having some outdoor fun. 🐅❄️

19,392 views • 7 months ago

Hope everyone had a great week! Now’s the time to grab a snack (or a branch), get some rest, and get ready for a fun weekend at Zoo Knoxville 🐾 Finn the bear sometimes likes to take a break from the outdoors and bring his snacks inside for a little leafy fun 🌿

Hope everyone had a great week! Now’s the time to grab a snack (or a branch), get some rest, and get ready for a fun weekend at Zoo Knoxville 🐾 Finn the bear sometimes likes to take a break from the outdoors and bring his snacks inside for a little leafy fun 🌿

13,902 views • 4 months ago

Zoo Knoxville will be open Monday, February 2, at our regular hours. Our animals sure enjoyed their snow day, and we’re excited to welcome guests back to the zoo! ❄️🦒 Please note that there is still snow on the ground, so use caution if you plan to visit. We want everyone to stay safe and warm!

Zoo Knoxville will be open Monday, February 2, at our regular hours. Our animals sure enjoyed their snow day, and we’re excited to welcome guests back to the zoo! ❄️🦒 Please note that there is still snow on the ground, so use caution if you plan to visit. We want everyone to stay safe and warm!

16,187 views • 7 months ago

Exciting News! 🎉 We know you’ve been asking and we’re so excited to finally share the name of our baby gorilla… Meet Cletey! 🦍💚 Pronounced KLEE-tee, Cletey’s name is inspired by a personal nickname of someone who has been a longtime supporter of Zoo Knoxville. Sometimes names are chosen by keepers, sometimes by supporters, and sometimes they’re given to honor someone special...and this one carries a truly meaningful connection. We are so grateful for everyone who supports our zoo and the amazing animals who call it home. Now that you can put a name to that adorable face, come visit and meet Cletey and Kumi in person! This little guy is starting to get more mobile and has been exploring his habitat on his own. It’s something you definitely don’t want to miss. 🧡

Exciting News! 🎉 We know you’ve been asking and we’re so excited to finally share the name of our baby gorilla… Meet Cletey! 🦍💚 Pronounced KLEE-tee, Cletey’s name is inspired by a personal nickname of someone who has been a longtime supporter of Zoo Knoxville. Sometimes names are chosen by keepers, sometimes by supporters, and sometimes they’re given to honor someone special...and this one carries a truly meaningful connection. We are so grateful for everyone who supports our zoo and the amazing animals who call it home. Now that you can put a name to that adorable face, come visit and meet Cletey and Kumi in person! This little guy is starting to get more mobile and has been exploring his habitat on his own. It’s something you definitely don’t want to miss. 🧡

11,926 views • 4 months ago

Zoo Knoxville is excited to welcome Khyana, our new female red panda, to Boyd Family Red Panda Village! Born in 2019, Khyana came to us as a breeding recommendation and has an incredible story of resilience. As a cub, she underwent surgery to amputate her left hind leg due to a congenital condition. She adapted remarkably well and is now a confident, curious, three-legged red panda. After completing quarantine, Khyana is officially ready to make her public debut—and we can’t wait for guests to meet her and watch her explore her new habitat. Visit Khyana this weekend at the Boyd Family Red Panda Village!

Zoo Knoxville is excited to welcome Khyana, our new female red panda, to Boyd Family Red Panda Village! Born in 2019, Khyana came to us as a breeding recommendation and has an incredible story of resilience. As a cub, she underwent surgery to amputate her left hind leg due to a congenital condition. She adapted remarkably well and is now a confident, curious, three-legged red panda. After completing quarantine, Khyana is officially ready to make her public debut—and we can’t wait for guests to meet her and watch her explore her new habitat. Visit Khyana this weekend at the Boyd Family Red Panda Village!

11,949 views • 7 months ago

Bears + Bubble Bath = the GREATEST thing you've ever seen! Ever see a 450lb bear take a bubble bath? Finn, our 10 yr old black bear loves the bubbles! #bear #zoo #knoxville #zoobear #realbear Buitengebieden NBC News CBS News ABC News The Associated Press Elon Musk

Bears + Bubble Bath = the GREATEST thing you've ever seen! Ever see a 450lb bear take a bubble bath? Finn, our 10 yr old black bear loves the bubbles! #bear #zoo #knoxville #zoobear #realbear Buitengebieden NBC News CBS News ABC News The Associated Press Elon Musk

33,172 views • 3 years ago

Well, we can't keep it a secret any longer... 👀 Our rhinos were loving the brief downpour this afternoon—but not just any rhinos. TWO NEW rhinos, Liam and Gus! 🦏 These half-brothers just had their first romp in the big yard, which quickly turned into a muddy rhino paradise. With their arrival, our crash is now up to FOUR boys—Liam, Gus, Mylo, and Ranger. Come say hi and welcome Liam and Gus as they get to know Knoxville and their new friends! 💚

Well, we can't keep it a secret any longer... 👀 Our rhinos were loving the brief downpour this afternoon—but not just any rhinos. TWO NEW rhinos, Liam and Gus! 🦏 These half-brothers just had their first romp in the big yard, which quickly turned into a muddy rhino paradise. With their arrival, our crash is now up to FOUR boys—Liam, Gus, Mylo, and Ranger. Come say hi and welcome Liam and Gus as they get to know Knoxville and their new friends! 💚

11,490 views • 1 year ago