Written by: Scarlett Rockhold, Communications Manager at Zoo Knoxville Every autumn millions of monarch butterflies migrate from eastern Canada to spend the winter in the Oyamel forests in southern Mexico. While the distance the monarchs travel during their migration is incredible, what’s even more fascinating is how they know where to go. Each migration is … Continue reading “Protecting Monarch Migration”

Written By: Scarlett Rockhold, Communications Manager at Zoo Knoxville I recently got the opportunity to work alongside members of our Zoo Knoxville herpetology team in the field. While I’m excited to share with you my experience, I must first preface that I will need to leave some details out, and there is a reason for … Continue reading “A Day in the Bog with Zoo Knoxville’s Herpetology Team”

Written By: Scarlett Rockhold, Communications Manager at Zoo Knoxville In 2022, Zoo Knoxville announced that African elephants Tonka, Jana, and Edie will be moving to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, as part of their end-of-life care plan.  All three of Zoo Knoxville’s elephants are senior citizens.  Realizing that Knoxville’s herd will be facing inevitable losses … Continue reading “Elephants on the Move”

Zoo Knoxville Executive Director 1987-1992 The international zoo community has lost a visionary pioneer with the passing of Ted A. Beattie, who served as the executive director of Zoo Knoxville from 1987 until 1992. His leadership was transformative for Zoo Knoxville.  With the support of his wife Penny, he created a cultural shift that established … Continue reading “Celebrating the Legacy of Ted Beattie”

Written By: Scarlett Rockhold, Communications Manager at Zoo Knoxville We have some exciting news to share! Stevie, the 8 month old Chimpanzee is now on public view in the indoor chimp courtyard on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (Schedule subject to change). She was recently introduced to two female chimps in the troop, Daisy and … Continue reading “An Update on Stevie’s Story”

Written By: Scarlett Rockhold, Communications Manager The American red wolf is one of the rarest animals on the planet. At one point there were only 17 red wolves left in the world. Zoo Knoxville not only participates in the Red Wolf SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) program, but we also partner with the U.S. Fish … Continue reading “A Predator’s Role in Balancing the Ecosystem”

Written by: Scarlett Rockhold, Communications Manager at Zoo Knoxville The number of lions in the wild is decreasing rapidly. Lions are classified as a vulnerable species and heading towards the endangered species list. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Zoo Knoxville is working locally to save lions from extinction by maintaining a genetically … Continue reading “Saving Lions from Extinction Both Locally and Globally”

Written by: Scarlett Rockhold, Communications Manager at Zoo Knoxville This year Earth Day brought new life when 37-year-old chimpanzee, Binti, gave birth to a baby girl named Stevie. Chimpanzees are social beings and as a troop, worked together to help the new mother care for this newest addition. Immediately after the birth, Daisy, an experienced … Continue reading “Caring for Stevie: A Round-The-Clock Commitment Part 2”

Written by: Scarlett Rockhold, Communications Manager at Zoo Knoxville  On June 1st Zoo Knoxville celebrated Nipper’s 55th birthday! This makes her one of the oldest white-handed gibbons in the country. The oldest recorded age of a white-handed gibbon is 56.9 years. She recently received a wellness check and all of her results came back normal. … Continue reading “Nipper Turns 55!”

Written By: Scarlett Rockhold, Communications Manager at Zoo Knoxville Six new animals joined Zoo Knoxville in 2022. These animals represent: two species currently on the critically endangered list, a species heading towards the endangered list, and a species that has been removed from the endangered list thanks to conservation in action. Check out Zoo Knoxville’s … Continue reading “Meet Zoo Knoxville’s Newest Residents!”