A family walking into the front gates of Memphis Zoo. | Memphis Zoo

What's New at Memphis Zoo?

Memphis Zoo has earned national accolades, but this attraction has global appeal. Walking through the zoo is like traveling across the world — without leaving Memphis! And with more than 3,500 animals representing an array of earth’s habitats, the zoo guarantees exciting adventures while serving the animals you love (along with species you might be encountering for the very first time). Even if you’ve visited Memphis Zoo before, anticipate new features and experiences on your next visit.

Your Memphis Zoo Adventure Saves Wildlife

The moment you purchase admission to Memphis Zoo, you’ve helped save wildlife: A portion of every ticket supports the zoo’s numerous research and conservation efforts. Recently, these efforts have included repopulating the Louisiana Pine Snake. In fact, without Memphis Zoo’s intervention, this species would be extinct in the wild. Celebrate the species’ revival with a refreshing Louisiana Pine Snake Pilsner at Cat House Cafe. Local Grind City Brewery and Memphis Zoo recently partnered to create this crisp lager. When you purchase a can, a portion of the proceeds goes towards the Louisiana Pine Snake program. 

Guests discover a primate habitat at Memphis Zoo | Memphis Zoo
Snake | Memphis Zoo
Family enjoying Memphis Zoo | Memphis Zoo
Elephant habitat at Memphis Zoo | Memphis Zoo

One-Of-A-Kind Architecture Transports Guests Across The Globe

Journey through Africa beginning at the African Veldt to see giraffes, zebras and African elephants. Each year, Memphis Zoo raises money for the charity Elephants for Africa through the Art for Elephants celebration, during which money is raised by auctioning off a variety of items, including paintings from Memphis Zoo’s elephants. Though you might not see elephants painting on your visit, daily keeper chats and frequent elephant enrichment activities are memorable ways to learn more about the species. Your African exploration continues as you make your way to Zambezi River Hippo Camp, where you will find hippos, mandrills and Nile crocodiles.

Seasonal Events at Memphis Zoo

Zoo Boo

Throw on your costumes and grab your candy buckets for Zoo Boo. Memphis Zoo hosts all kinds of ghostly attractions and haunted experiences at this spooktacular event each October.

Zoo Lights

Get into the holiday spirit with Zoo Lights. Each holiday season, Memphis Zoo is aglow with twinkling light displays and festive decorations. Plus, there’s ice skating, Santa visits and a Ferris wheel. 

Metamorphosis: The Butterfly Effect

Take in the blossoms and butterflies at the zoo’s spring butterfly exhibit Metamorphosis: The Butterfly Effect.

Kangazoo Outback Experience

Get an up-close look at red kangaroos at the Kangazoo Outback Experience. Each spring and summer, guests are invited to walk through this open exhibit where kangaroos roam freely.

Monogram Foods Loves Kids Foundation Splash Park

Beat the summer heat at the Monogram Foods Loves Kids Foundation Splash Park. This immersive Egyptian-themed splash pad features slides, dump buckets, water tours and luxury cabanas. The splash park is open May – September.

Zoo Rendezvous

Dig into recipes from some of Memphis’ best restaurants and vendors at the annual Zoo Rendezvous. Each summer, dozens of local food and drink vendors setup around Memphis Zoo for an unforgettable night.

Kids in their Halloween costumes at Zoo Boo.
Family at Memphis Zoo Lights.
Child and parent looking at the spring blooms and butterflies at Memphis Zoo's Metamorphosis: The Butterfly Effect exhibit.
Kangaroos at Kangazoo Outback Experience.
Monogram Foods Loves Kids Foundation Splash Park at the Memphis Zoo.
Guests and vendors at Zoo Rendezvous.

Go for a Yellowstone National Park-inspired experience at Teton Trek, where you’ll see elk, timber wolves and grizzly bears as you stroll around the exhibit’s two-story wooden lodge.

Spy the colorful totems of the Northwest Passage, honoring the spirit of Native American tribes and marking the entrance to habitats for bald eagles, sea lions and polar bears, all indigenous to the Pacific Northwest.

FUN FACT: After you’ve enjoyed “globe-trotting” around Memphis Zoo, admire the trees. This zoo doubles as an accredited arboretum with more than 40 labeled specimens! Keep your eyes peeled for identifiers as you explore the 70-plus-acre attraction.

Ancient Grounds Coffee Shop

Kickstart your Memphis Zoo adventure with your favorite coffee drink or tea paired with sweet and savory snacks from Ancient Grounds Coffee Shop. Enjoy a cup within this Moroccan treehouse-inspired coffee shop, featuring natural textures and accents — including larger-than-life butterflies adorning the walls — creating the cozy feel of a shady oasis.

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