The Memphis Zoo is not just an attraction...it's an adventure!
In 1905 a Black Bear named Natch was left tied to a tree in Overton Park. Before too long all the citizens of Memphis, Tennessee fell in love with Natch and a Sunday drive to see this adorable creature became the norm. Visits to this bear became so popular that other wild animals were slowly 'donated' to the area creating a makeshift zoo. In 1906 the Memphis Park Commission formed The Memphis Zoo to permanently house these adorable animals that Memphis residents were coming to love.
Today, the Memphis Zoo permanently houses 2,800 animals, including 400 different species. In this number there are all five of the vertebrate group and a few of the invertebrate group.
The Memphis Zoo is not an attraction for just the young children. In fact, every year hundreds of children AND adults flock to the Zoo to view its wonderful collection of furry and scaly animals alike.
The Memphis Zoo is tastefully constructed with the enjoyment of both its patrons and inhabitants in mind. Viewing glasses give visitors a first-hand look at animal's lounging in their cage-an area that is so lifelike it is hard to imagine that it isn't really their home! All cages are artistically designed to give the animal contained a little taste of its natural environment. From the monkeys who have a mulitude of branches and vines to swing from to the Priarie Dog that can dig and burrow to its hearts content it makes for a wonderful environment.
If you think the Memphis Zoo only houses rare or wild animals, think again! They have a wonderful Once Upon A Farm section that sports cows, horses, pigs, chickens, and much more! If you love farm animals, or if you've never even seen any, here's your chance to see them up close and personal!
Also, you will see exotic fish and other water life forms in their vast Aquarium section. They have fish that will knock your socks off with their vivid colors and odd shaps. If you have a taste for something a little more scaly, visit the large Boa Constrictors or venomous Rattle Snakes in the Herpetarium. If a little of the night life is your style, visit the Animals Of The Night room and view Vampire Bats, Possoms, Armadillo's, Blind Cave Fish and much more. Be careful, though! It is really dark in there!
If your tastes run a little more tropical, don't miss the Tropical Bird House where a large display of various birds are in the open with no glass containing them! (Don't miss the sign explaining how this mysterious cage works!)
If a little adventure and lots of fun is what you're looking for, then the Memphis Zoo is where you need to go! At just $8.50 and under for each member of your family, you can't go wrong!
