Have you been to the Nashville Zoo lately? – is what I find myself asking most people since my recent visit over Easter weekend. My family and I have always loved visiting the zoo no matter the time of year. We’ve taken so many trips, we know exactly what is around every corner. We have our preferred routes, must-see exhibits, and we’ve even timed our visits to make sure our favorite friends are up and about. Needless to say, not much has changed over the past several years…until now! This recent visit felt like we were transported to a totally new zoo! We were blown away by all of the incredible additions and beautiful updates!
There are fascinating new habitats, interactive, hands-on exhibits, beautiful structural updates, and perhaps most exciting, lots of brand new friends!
So…have you been to the Nashville Zoo lately?! If not, here is your chance to take a peak at all of the amazing new treasures in store for your family during your next visit!
What’s New at the Nashville Zoo
First, let’s talk about the NEW PARKING GARAGE. It’s finally complete and ready for your car, and your convenience! This two-story garage has opened up over 1,800 additional (much needed) parking spaces. The garage puts you in CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE ZOO’S MAIN ENTRANCE and boasts a LOVELY LANDSCAPED WALKWAY with a huge water feature and covered bridge. There is great signage throughout the garage that your kids will love – and will help you remember where you parked too (Flamingo parking anyone?).
A NEW ENTRANCE STRUCTURE has popped up along the boardwalk just beyond the main entrance. While currently under construction, I can already see the improvement this will make for entry/exit traffic flow, especially wagon and stroller traffic.
My son’s favorite part of the zoo is the UNSEEN NEW WORLD, which always, low-key, terrifies me because it’s just that – all the creepy crawlers that stay hidden for a reason! But this time, I was all in thanks to some not-so-creepy-crawly, and kinda cute, new friends. There is a new JELLYFISH EXHIBIT, which is beautiful and quite calming to watch. My son was thrilled to see a real live AXOLOTL up close (they’re actually pretty cute). Other new additions include RATTLESNAKES, FROGS, IGUANAS, and other RARE AMPHIBIOUS CREATURES that your kids will absolutely love.
Two major additions I was super-excited to experience were the LEOPARD FOREST and the return of the GIRAFFES! Both habitats are located in the same area of the zoo and feature absolutely STUNNING AND IMMERSIVE EXHIBITS. I couldn’t stop gaping at the gigantic trees towering over me as I walked through the forest, being careful not to miss sightings of new animals around every corner! I got up close to the gorgeous AMUR LEOPARD and had fun watching the MONKEYS leap around. Then, the path opened up to a welcome, familiar sight: GIRAFFES! It was seriously like seeing old friends, but this time, with plenty of extra seating and viewfinders.
My son, and lots of other kids, were loving the new HANDS-ON EDUCATION STATIONS throughout the zoo. They feature interactive displays that allow you to learn about animals through sight, sound, and touch.
A pretty profound and amazing experience I honestly had no idea existed is the HCA VETERINARY CENTER, which has been open since 2019. This state-of-the-art facility allows for round-the-clock access to care for all of the zoo’s animals as well as education for guests…yes, you! You can sit on the center’s observation deck as you WATCH ANIMAL CHECK-UPS AND EVEN SURGERIES AS THEY OCCUR! You can even watch neonatal feedings of of the Zoo’s newest additions. The care schedule is always up-to-date and available here.
I happened upon this facility because my son wanted to see the KOMODO DRAGON. Y’all, it’s huge! I also got lucky and happened to see the zoo’s newest, and possibly cutest, new addition – the CAPYBARA! You can even catch a live stream of these little guys day and night!
This trip made me fall in love with the Nashville Zoo all over again. As if our zoo isn’t already amazing enough, take a look at what lies ahead!
WHAT’S NEXT
The zoo will break ground this year on an all-new ORANGUTAN HABITAT. This habitat will be featured in the tropical Asia area – an ambitious exhibit featuring several other indigenous animal species from across Asia including otters, clouded leopards and more. The Orangutan’s two-story viewing building will feature a second-floor observation level, allowing guests to view them eye-to-eye as they move through the treetops! How cool is that?!
The zoo is also EXPANDING ITS EDUCATION SPACE to include even more specialized, hands-on learning experiences for zoo fans of all ages!
ANNUAL EVENTS
Don’t miss out on these annual, beloved Nashville Zoo events.
Zoo Run Run
February
Join a herd of runners every winter during this popular 5k adventure through the Nashville Zoo! Proceeds help fund the Zoo’s conservation work.
Eggstravaganzoo
March/April
Nashville’s wildest egg hunt returns every Easter with plenty of fun activities during the day including egg hunts, face painting, keeper talks, and themed animal enrichment.
Sips for Species
April
An after-hours, adults-only fundraising event benefiting endangered species and habitats around the world. Live music, adult beverages, yummy food and up-close animal encounters.
Spring Zzzoofari Slumber
May
A unique overnight camping experience sleeping under the stars just a short distance away from the snoozing animals. Features a variety of activities during the evening, breakfast the next morning and campers receive free entry to the Zoo the following day!
Brew at the Zoo
June
Save wildlife while enjoying beer! Enjoy unlimited samples from local breweries & adult beverage vendors, food trucks, live music, up-close animal encounters and more!
Sunset Safari
September
Nashville Zoo’s signature fundraising event brings flavor and charm on this culinary adventure. Unlimited samples of Nashville’s top restaurants, live music, animal encounters and more!
Boo at the Zoo
October-November
Grab your costumes and head to the Zoo for this trick-or-treat spectacular! See the zoo under the cover of night as you collect candy and visit nocturnal friends.
Zoolumination Festival of Lights
November-February
Visit the country’s largest lantern festival featuring magical scenes of over 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns. Enjoy celebrating the holiday season with plenty of interactive holiday fun, ice skating, and even a visit from Santa!
