Zoo Knoxville
@zooknoxville • 16,854 subscribers
Friendly and fun on the outside, but serious about animals on the inside. #wildlyfun
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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.
Zoo Knoxville176,648 Aufrufe • vor 2 Monaten
✨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!
Zoo Knoxville136,677 Aufrufe • vor 9 Monaten
🐻 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. 🐾
Zoo Knoxville13,509 Aufrufe • vor 19 Tagen
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 🌿
Zoo Knoxville13,841 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat
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. 🧡
Zoo Knoxville23,655 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten
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. 🧡
Zoo Knoxville11,893 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat
A little snow isn’t going to stop Jango and Batari from having some outdoor fun. 🐅❄️
Zoo Knoxville19,323 Aufrufe • vor 4 Monaten
SIX BAT-EARED FOX KITS BORN AT ZOO KNOXVILLE! We're so excited for the baby boom taking over the zoo! Fern and Motsumi welcomed six healthy kits on April 30, and the whole crew is thriving. This is one of the largest litters born in the U.S. and mom and dad are doing an amazing job raising their growing family. Keep an eye out! The kits just got their first access to their new habitat today. We can’t wait for you to meet the newest members of the Zoo Knoxville family!
Zoo Knoxville43,038 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr
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 Knoxville16,111 Aufrufe • vor 4 Monaten
The red panda cubs have officially made their debut! 🐾 These two playful brothers have stepped outside with mom and are beginning to explore their new home. This is a rare and heartwarming moment you don’t want to miss! Come see the newest additions to the Zoo Knoxville family.
Zoo Knoxville22,675 Aufrufe • vor 9 Monaten
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 Knoxville11,778 Aufrufe • vor 4 Monaten
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
Zoo Knoxville31,042 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren
Red Wolf Pups Are Out! The red wolf pups have made their way out of the den and into the wide open! If you catch them outside, you might see some wrestling, exploring, and pups just being wolves. Yesterday: 6 bat-eared fox kits make their debut. Today: 6 red wolf pups are out and about! It’s been a busy spring at Zoo Knoxville. Come by and check them out!
Zoo Knoxville14,448 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr
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! 💚
Zoo Knoxville11,490 Aufrufe • vor 10 Monaten
🦁 Meet Zahra! This beautiful 4-year-old lioness just joined us from Buffalo Zoo and has quickly made herself at home. She’s here as a breeding recommendation for our male lion, Maji and the two are already hitting it off! 💛 Stop by and welcome Zahra on your next visit! #ZooKnoxville #lion
Zoo Knoxville11,034 Aufrufe • vor 11 Monaten
At Zoo Knoxville, we love Tennessee Football almost as much as we love conservation! That’s why, in honor of the Vols taking on the Buckeyes this weekend, we’re temporarily renaming our red pandas to "ORANGE" pandas! We’re also want to offer a fun little wager to our friends at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. If the Buckeyes pull off the win, Zoo Knoxville’s President and CEO, Bill Street, will wear scarlet and grey for a day AND make a donation to a conservation project chosen by the Columbus Zoo. But when the Vols WIN, we’ll be looking forward to seeing Columbus Zoo’s President and CEO, Tom Schmid, sporting some Tennessee Orange! It’s all in good fun and for a great cause—supporting our teams and saving wildlife. GO VOLS! #zooknoxville #columbuszoo #CFBPlayoff #Tennessee ##ohiostate #volunteers #buckeyes
Zoo Knoxville13,718 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr
Six Red Wolf Pups Born at Zoo Knoxville! On Earth Day, our Red Wolf pair, Buckeye (9) and Cirilla (3), welcomed six critically endangered pups into the world. These new arrivals are part of the SAFE American Red Wolf program—a collaborative effort to save the most endangered wolf species on the planet. Zoo Knoxville is proud to be part of this essential conservation work. With fewer than 20 Red Wolves in the wild and under 300 in human care, every pup counts. We’re giving the new family plenty of space, but early signs are good—Cirilla is proving to be a great mom, and the pups are growing strong. 🐾
Zoo Knoxville11,100 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr