Nashville Zoo

Sunny Music City isn’t just the birthplace of country music; it’s also the home of a fabulously progressive, conservation-oriented 188-acre zoological park -  a place “where animals, nature and fun converge” – and the stately Grassmere historic home, open for daily guided tours. The  Nashville Zoo swung wide its gates in 1991 and has since become the area’s #1 attraction, hosting nearly 750,000 visitors annually; its demographic is comprised of more than 6,000 fascinating residents – some 339 species – all thriving in healthy, happy and daily-enriched environments; special exhibits encourage guests’ participation in  a diversity of entertaining and educational interactive experiences. Highlights include the recently debuted “Kangaroo Kickabout” where adventurous “mates” step out on a zippy walkabout through red ‘roo stomping grounds, Critter Encounter – which tenders an opportunity to snuggle, feed and be photographed with super-affable residents, and “Lorikeet Landing”, where patrons treat resident winged rainbows to cups of nourishing nectar. The Zoo participates in myriad Species Survival Plan programs, and proudly persists at the forefront of Clouded Leopard Conservation efforts; with a little luck, you’ll have a chance to observe these stunning rare creatures, enjoy their unique lingo and meet the newest “Cloudy” babies! Need refueling? Snack huts and kiosks are conveniently located to ensure a well-fueled expedition; post-lunch, a train ride through uncharted territories, a turn on the wild animal carousel or a swing through the canopy on Soaring Eagle – the Zoo’s thrilling two-way zipline experience – lets you recharge while you rest those barkin’ dogs!