Knox Zoo vs Nash Zoo

[TripleDigitRide]

Can anyone who's been to both, please tell me if the Knoxville Zoo is better than the Nashville Zoo?

I was thinking about taking my daughter to the Knoxville Zoo this weekend, but I'd like to make sure it's worth the drive.

[Garufa]

The Knoxville Zoo is excellent. Haven't been to Grassmere in about 9-10 years but was not overly impressed at the time. Maybe its changed since.

You may need to know that this Saturday is the Vols season opener at home. In other words traffic will be unpleasant to say the least coming into, around and leaving town.

[TripleDigitRide]

Hell, looks like we'd be better off visiting the Louisville Zoo. Their website looks a lot better anway.

[Daniel]

Knoxville Zoo kicks nashville zoo's behind. This has no bearing on the question but I used to do community service at the knox zoo.

[TripleDigitRide]

Knoxville Zoo kicks nashville zoo's behind. This has no bearing on the question but I used to do community service at the knox zoo.

Yea, I wasn't overly impressed with the Nashville Zoo. Then again, after growing up around Brookfield Zoo near Chicago, most zoo's won't be able to compare.

[LagerHead]

I've seen pet store that are better than the Nashville zoo. Go to St. Louis if you ever get the chance. The zoo is free and it's excellent.

[willis68]

We go to both several times a year, the Knoxville Zoo is awesome, definitely worth you time

[railfancwb]

Nashville Zoo started as Grassmere, with a focus on native wildlife. Under its present name it has the more common international wildlife focus. Much more interesting to children than originally. I've not been to the Knoxville Zoo in years, but am somewhat regular at the Nashville and Memphis zoos...the Memphis Zoo is the better of the two.

[Guest Kang]

ST Louis Zoo hands down you want believe it if you havent been its better then the Bronx zoo in NYC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[buck1032]

I havent been to the Nashville Zoo in 30 plus years, but I was at the Knoxville Zoo last weekend with my 3 y/o son and we both like Knoxville.

But if we are tossing out good Zoo's, if you are ever in SoCal the San Diego Zoo is world class. I was stationed there for 16 years and I have been to the SD Zoo more times than I can count. LOL

[SavageSig]

Memphis Zoo? I went, and there was a lot to see. Pandas too! Real ones, in addition to the fake red ones like Grassmere made a hoopla about.

[TripleDigitRide]

I havent been to the Nashville Zoo in 30 plus years, but I was at the Knoxville Zoo last weekend with my 3 y/o son and we both like Knoxville.

But if we are tossing out good Zoo's, if you are ever in SoCal the San Diego Zoo is world class. I was stationed there for 16 years and I have been to the SD Zoo more times than I can count. LOL

Yea, the San Diego Zoo is probably one of the few zoo's better than Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. I'd definitely like to check it out one of these days.

[Guest eyebedam]

Hey Paul here's a thought. The past 2 weeks we took our girls to the wave pool. It was dead out there & we had a blast. This coming weekend is the last weekend they are open. There were no thugs & I honestly had a blast myself. Just a thought. It's close & no Knoxville football traffic to deal with.

[VERO1]

Traffic in Knox is not that bad during games. You just need to time it right. I think this weeks game starts about 12:30. Also if you come around 640 from the west you will hit very little traffic.

[Daniel]

I thought you had to take the bypass. The zoo is in East Knox and they have the interstate blocked off for repairs after Alcoa Hwy. Or is that over?

[Guest bkelm18]

I thought you had to take the bypass. The zoo is in East Knox and they have the interstate blocked off for repairs after Alcoa Hwy. Or is that over?

That ended in June. All interstates are back to normal.

TDR, the Knoxville Zoo is top notch. Best zoo in the world. And to top it off, your patronage pays my paycheck. But seriously, the Knox Zoo is a really good zoo, miles beyond Nash Zoo.

Edited September 3, 2009 by bkelm18

[~Emily~]

Anyone been to the Chattanooga zoo? (Not talking about the aquarium.)

[Guest bkelm18]

Anyone been to the Chattanooga zoo? (Not talking about the aquarium.)

It's nice but it is very small. It's only 6 acres.

[strickj]

Please don't feed the bkelms

[Guest bkelm18]

I can haz treats plz?

[buck1032]

Anyone been to the Chattanooga zoo? (Not talking about the aquarium.)

Yes, My family and I are members there and we go about once a week. My 3 y/o son loves it. Its large enough to have a decent selection of animals, yet small enough to enjoy in just a few hours.

[~Emily~]

Yes, My family and I are members there and we go about once a week. My 3 y/o son loves it. Its large enough to have a decent selection of animals, yet small enough to enjoy in just a few hours.

Good to know. I'd like to visit all TN zoos eventually. I am a member at the Nashville Zoo (growing all the time) and they have reciprocity with a lot of zoos, including all in TN. I've been to the Memphis zoo and I like some of their exhibits better and some of Nashville's better. I really need to get to Chattanooga's and Knoxville's.

Btw, go to http://www.nashvillezoo.org/index.asp to see the new Clouded Leopard babies playing on the zoo's home page.

Edited September 5, 2009 by ~Emily~

[Mike.357]

I have never been to a zoo.

[Smith]

I can haz treats plz?

as long as you don't throw your poop at people!

Me and the family are members at the Nashville Zoo and it is great for families with younger kids. The exhibits are getting really good. Couldn't say that a year or so ago. The playground is a big plus (again for smaller kids). It's not a "standard" type zoo but I think they are moving in the right direction. I have always been impressed with the Memphis zoo, especially recently. It's better for older kids. Used to take youth groups there and they loved it. Haven't been to Knoxville but I've heard great things.

PS: Mike, I can honestly say you definitely strike me as a person who does not go to zoo's........ or smile! BTW That avatar is by far your best!

[Mike.357]

a person who does not go to zoo's........ or smile!

you hit that out of the park