About
The Memphis Zoo is one of the oldest and most beloved attractions in Tennessee. In 2024, it was honored to be named #2 zoo in the country and is consistently among the top must-do Memphis things to do for family fun.
Established in 1906, the zoo has grown into a 70-acre sanctuary that is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 species. This is your Tennessee passport to wildlife from across the globe.
Over the decades, the zoo has evolved from a quaint collection of exhibits to a world-class destination with immersive habitats. Beyond habitat design, the zoo is internationally recognized for its dedication to wildlife education, species preservation, and family-friendly experiences, making it a highlight for anyone visiting the area.
The spectacular Egyptian-inspired entrance to the Memphis Zoo serves as an impressive backdrop to massive silhouetted sculptures greeting visitors. Over-the-top architectural features are prominent throughout the zoo, making for an added adventure through cultures and landscapes.
Visitors can explore the varied parts of the zoo, from the popular African Veldt to Cat Country, Primate Canyon, the Herpetarium, and don’t forget the Animals of the Night. The zoo also has exclusive exhibits such as Teton Trek, a tribute to Yellowstone National Park, and the China exhibit with its giant pandas.
The African Veldt and Cat Country displays are also visitor favorites, giving you the feeling of traveling across the globe without leaving Memphis.
With easy walkability to numerous green spaces throughout the surrounding Overton Park, planning a day of culture and adventure just east of downtown is easy.
When it’s time for a break, several dining options are available in the heart of the zoo itself. Additionally, nearby Crosstown Concourse boasts the Global Cafe featuring international cuisine.
Memphis Zoo: Fun Facts & Cool Features
There are endless reasons for visiting the zoo in Memphis, starting with its exclusive exhibits. Breathtaking waterfalls, totem poles, and recreated environments from across the world are some of the many features visitors will encounter when going from one part of the zoo to the next.
Unique experiences at the Memphis Zoo include the possibility to join zoo strolls before the gates open. Similarly, Twilight Tour provides an after-dark journey into the lives of the animals after the sun sets.
With conservation and education at the forefront of the zoo’s role within the community, there are plenty of opportunities to enrich your wildlife experience. You can even adopt an animal, furthering the zoo’s conservation efforts.
A curious part about the Memphis Zoo dates back over a century to how it even came to be. The storied history of the zoo grew out of the legacy of a single black bear named Natch. The zoo continues to exist in the very same spot in Overton Park where Natch once resided.
As a cub, the black bear had been given to the Memphis Turtles baseball team. As Natch grew, the team couldn’t take care of him and, sadly, ended up chaining the bear to a tree in Overton Park.
Col. Robert Galloway, one of the founders of the Memphis Park Commission, lobbied for funds to build Natch a home. In 1906, the Commission allocated $1200 to establish the Zoo. In August that year, the first fundraiser (a baseball game) raised just over $3600 to build the zoo’s initial 23 simple cages and a row of concrete bear dens.
Today, the Memphis Zoo encompasses over 75 acres of land, making it one of the largest zoos in the country. Be sure to make a trip to the zoo part of your Memphis adventure!
Getting There
Here are step-by-step driving directions from downtown to the Memphis Zoo:
- Start by heading east on Poplar Avenue.
- Follow Poplar Avenue for approximately 3 miles.
- Turn left onto N Tucker Street.
- Follow the signs to the Memphis Zoo entrance and parking area.
- Address: 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112.
Local Tips
- For the best experience and quicker entry, buy tickets online in advance.
- Spring/Summer and Winter hours may vary (zoo closes an hour earlier in Winter)
- Bring reusable water bottles to refill at hydration stations.
- Check schedules for feeding times, shows, and possible closures for events.
- The last entry is one hour before the zoo closes.
