Ready for Wild Encounters?
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with Animal Encounters at Zoo Knoxville! Plan ahead so you don’t miss the chance to meet our animal ambassadors, chat with their caretakers, and learn how you can help wildlife and wild places.
Each encounter offers fascinating insights into an animal’s behaviors, diet, habitat, and conservation status and more.
Max’s Aviary
10AM DailyAt Max’s Aviary, guests are invited to experience a unique, dynamic interaction with our vibrant macaws. Our staff will present about a variety of unique natural behaviors and communication skills that these birds possess, while also sharing details about how to protect rainforests. The aviary’s open design allows guests to watch the birds climb and play freely. This immersive experience fosters a deeper appreciation for these colorful creatures!
Location: Max’s Aviary
Tales from the Trail
11AM Thu, Fri, Sat & SunStep into the woods and discover the stories hidden within nature at Zoo Knoxville’s Tales from the Trail animal encounter. Inspired by Appalachian storytelling and the wildlife of East Tennessee, this experience features rotating ambassador animals like owls, snakes, raccoons, skunks, birds, and more while our animal care team shares fascinating facts, conservation messages, and the important role these animals play in the natural world. Every visit offers a chance to uncover something new along the trail.
Otters
11AM DailyDive into fun at our Otter Encounter with our resident river otters Clayton, Reed, and Pascal, champions of clean water!
Location: Clayton Otter Creek
Big Al
11AM DailyStep into the wayback machine to hear about Big Al, an Aldabra Giant Tortoise who shell-a-brates over 50 years here at Zoo Knoxville. Learn the natural history of this gentle giant and his compatriots, as well as Big Al’s personal history in human care. At over 150 years old (and that’s human years!), he has a lot of stories to share. Learn how conservation has changed over the years and the current efforts to protect this unique species.
Location: Aldabra Giant Tortoise Habitat
Tigers
11AM Mon, Wed & SatProwl over to the Tiger Temple Encounter area and come face to face with the majestic Malayan tigers, Tahan and Batari!
Location: Tiger Temple
Great Apes
1PM Sat & SunStep into the wild world of our gorilla and chimpanzee families! Hang out with our Great Ape caretakers and get the inside scoop on these fascinating family dynamics.
Location: Gorilla Valley/Chimp Ridge
Lions or Baboons
2PM DailyGet a front-row seat as the powerful lions or intelligent baboons show off their skills in a special encounter!
Location: Valley of the Kings
Rhino
2:30PM DailyGet nose-to-horn with our two incredible white rhinos during this exciting daily encounter! Hear amazing stories and fun facts from the expert who cares for them, and learn what makes these powerful yet gentle giants so special. It’s your chance to connect with one of the planet’s most iconic species like never before!
Location: Neely Family Center for Rhino Conservation
Red Pandas
3PM DailyGet ready for an encounter that will steal your heart! At Zoo Knoxville’s Red Panda Encounter, you’ll come face-to-face with one of our most beloved residents. Perfect for animal lovers!
Location: Red Panda Village
Gibbons or Langurs
11AM Tue, Thu, Fri & SunHead up two stories to the Gibbon Encounter to meet Georgie and Malay, or jump down into Langur Landing to see our awesome langurs. Prepare for an exhilarating encounter with our aerial acrobats!
Location: Asian Trek Treehouse
Cuban Crocodiles
9:30AM SunGet ready to meet snappy personalities Miguel and Rose, our critically endangered crocs, at our Cuban Crocodile feeding session!
Location: Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Center (ARC)