Plus, ways to spend your Labor Day.
 
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Today’s Forecast

90º | 15% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:14 a.m. | Sunset 8:05 p.m.

 
🦒 Take a walk on the wild side
The entrance of the zoo's Cape of Africa exhibit
Get ready to travel to the Cape of Africa, now front and center at the Chattanooga Zoo.  | Photo by NOOGAtoday
The Chattanooga Zoo has officially completed “Africa Phase II,” a $3.9 million development as part of the master plan that has been in the works since 2013 to expand the zoo + become a leading attraction in the city. Enter: The Cape of Africa.

President and CEO Darde Long, who has been with the zoo since 1985 in various roles, said the first phase got off the ground in 2020 when they were able to bring in giraffes. Now, with its largest expansion to date, she said folks will get a new zoo experience.

“When I walk in the zoo, I see a different place altogether,” Long said. “The old entryway coming in was nice but [...] now when you walk in, you also see this great immersive exhibit that feels and looks like Africa.”

The expansion also allows for some of the zoo’s well-known ambassadors to relocate to larger + permanent enclosures. There’s serval things to talk about, so let’s get to it.

Giraffes
We’re sure you’ve seen George, Porter + Hardee Star during a feeding experience or in the Giraffe Barn. Now, once you enter the zoo, you will see these long-necked creatures front and center.

Bonus: Long hinted that a fourth giraffe could soon join the group.

Exhibit at zoo showing dirt ground and tree-like structures for animals.

Expect authentic African imagery, colors, textures, sounds + iconography that pair with the species represented in the exhibit.

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Photo by NOOGAtoday

Servals
The zoo’s two ambassadors, sisters Kiumbe and Kibeti, will now have a large enclosure equipped with tall tree-like structures to help encourage their jumping skills + other enrichment materials.

Cape porcupines
The zoo’s Prickles family will now have their own enclosure that mimics the desert floors of their natural habitats in Central + South Africa, where this species is known to be the largest rodent in its region.

A warthog enjoying a mud pit in his enclosure at the zoo with a straw-laid ground.

“While we’re here to entertain, our most important function is to educate people on the ‘why’ of the zoo and our conservation work.” — Darde Long.

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Photo by NOOGAtoday

Warthogs
Through the Cape of Africa development, the zoo was able to bring its first warthog, Everett, to the grounds + has plans to find him a female counterpart in the future.

You’re probably thinking “What is phase three?” Long said that since it’s been over 10 years since the master plan was drafted, and they will be working on an updated version in the coming months to reassess updates and upgrades. Make sure you stay tuned for our coverage.
 
Asked
 
Which Cape of Africa resident(s) are you most excited to see?
A. The giraffes
B. The Cape porcupines
C. The servals
D. The warthog
 
 
Events
 
Monday, Sept. 2
  • Labor Day Picnic | Monday, Sept. 2 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Camp Columbus | Free+ | Enjoy live music, food, carnival games, a charity raffle + the “World Famous White Elephant Yard Sale.”
Tuesday, Sept. 3
  • Paint & Sip | Tuesday, Sept. 3 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Avondale Branch, Chattanooga Public Library | Free, RSVP | Crafty older adults are welcome to create art while sipping on non-alcoholic refreshments.
Wednesday, Sept. 4
  • Comic Creator Signing | Wednesday, Sept. 4 | 12-2 p.m. | Epikos Comics, Cards & Games | Free+ | Celebrate the nationwide release of “Deathslinger” with local creators Shane Berryhill and Keith Finch + get your novel signed.
  • “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” | Wednesday, Sept. 4 | 7-8:40 p.m. | Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater | $10-$15 | Get an exclusive “fan first” screening of Tim Burton’s sequel to the 1988 classic film.
Thursday, Sept. 5
  • Candlelight: Film Scores and Hollywood Epics | Thursday, Sept. 5 | 6:30-7:45 p.m. | The Beverly Ballroom at The Hotel Chalet | $42-$68 | Spend the evening under the glow of candlelight during this live multi-sensory musical experience.
Saturday, Sept. 7
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News Notes
 
Today Is
  • Labor Day — an annual federal holiday, first designated in 1894, that honors the contributions of workers in America. Celebrate by heading to the Gunbarrel Road location of Maple Street Biscuit Co. for Union Gospel Mission’s 10th annual Labor Day Barbeque Fundraiser from 12 to 2 p.m.
Health
  • Erlanger has announced it will reopen its downtown dermatology office inside the Medical Mall after welcoming Dr. Rachel Murray to its staff. Murray, a Chattanooga native + board-certified dermatologist, is now accepting new patients.
Listen
  • Reflection Riding will kick off its fall Campfire Concert Series on Saturday, Sept. 7 with a performance by Johnny Balik. You can check out the lineup for future dates — the season will conclude on Friday, Nov. 1 with Randy Steele and the High Cold Wind.
Community
  • In case you missed it, ArtsBuild has launched a newsletter dedicated to its Chattanooga Art + Climate Project. Sign up to get updates on events, new public art installations, ways to volunteer and get involved with the project, and more. This project will be running through the end of fall.
Arts
  • Speaking of art, ClearStory Arts will host an opening reception for its newest exhibit “Metamorphosis” on Friday, Sept. 6. The installation depicts themes of “transition and flow, keeping in mind the butterfly” + will run through Saturday, Sept. 28.
Plan Ahead
  • The Ironman Triathlon will take over the Scenic City for its 10th year on Sunday, Sept. 29. To celebrate, athletes and viewers can expect new experiences, including a new bike course to be debuted. The new course will consist of a 4,300-ft elevation gain across 112 miles — map it out.
 
 
The Buy
 
A sleek bathroom organizer. This piece adds a decorative touch while providing space-saving organization. Bonus: It’s on sale for a limited time.
 
 
The Wrap
 
Haley Bartlett.png Today’s edition by:
Haley
From the editor
Two things about me? I love Friday the 13th and tattoos. So, imagine how excited I am that one of my go-to studios Wolf and Witch Tattoo is hosting a flash event this month. Make sure you follow along on Instagram to see what each artist will be offering.
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