The year was 1937. Gas cost 10 cents a gallon. The average cost of a new house was $4,100 + the Chattanooga Zoo launched with just two rhesus monkeys that cost $15. Today, the 14-acre facility has hundreds of animals.
We recently chatted with Chief Operating Officer Liz Crowe to get a glimpse into what the local zoo has to offer.
🐵 Animal House
- The Chattanooga Zoo is well-known for its Red Panda exhibit.
- The animals take part in enrichment activities, such as getting a new scent or treat, at least once a day.
- The zoo participates in wildlife rehabilitation, and will only keep the animals if they are non-releasable.
- Most of the North American species at the zoo were either confiscated or found wandering around Chattanooga.
🦒 A tall order
The African Expansion has been in the works for five years + in March, leaders broke ground on the giraffe exhibit.
Phase 1 of the expansion will include the creation of a guest-friendly giraffe barn + approximately 4,000-square-feet of outdoor space where the animals can stretch their long legs (and necks).
The barn will have multiple stalls and can be used for other species (if needed). Included in the structure will be built-in veterinary equipment and a catwalk for daily care and behind-the-scenes tours. There’s also an indoor day yard in the works. It will allow guests to come inside to see the giraffes.
The new project will also allow for increased daily zoo activities, such as educational and conservation offerings. Check out more information here.
🐸 We’re wild about numbers
- 110: Seasonal employees.
- 300: Annual volunteers.
- 609: Individual animals at the zoo. There are 300-400 frogs.
- 180,000: Visitors a year.
🐯 If you go
- Location: 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave.
- Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Cost: $10.95 for adults; $8.95 for ages 65+; $7.95 for children 3-12; infants/toddlers + military/veterans are free
- ProTip: If you have a big family, church or civic group – you get a group discount.
