Get close to exciting species like the radiated tortoise, king cobra, cuban croc, sloth, and more.
CONSERVATORY & VENOMOUS GALLERY
Get close to new species of crocodiles, lizards, salamanders, turtles, frogs and snakes.
GREENHOUSE
We’re showing off our radiated tortoises, and over a dozen endangered Asian turtle species, in the all new Greenhouse habitat.
GREENHOUSE
Internationally known for its turtle and tortoise collection, Zoo Knoxville will show off its radiated tortoises and other stars in the all new Greenhouse habitat. The adjacent Adventure Lab includes classrooms and meeting space for expanded learning opportunities.
WETLANDS
Get in our outdoor wetland classroom. Interact with animals in marshes and bogs filled with life. Hop across large lily pads.
The Adventure Lab will give guests of all ages the opportunity to get a closer look at the wetlands and enjoy hands-on learning. Engaging STEM programming will enhance school curriculum while fostering an appreciation and understanding of the important role of wetlands for water quality and sustainable ecosystems.
ARC Center Entrance
Marshland Boardwalk
Conservatory
Conservatory
Venomous Gallery
Venomous Gallery
Greenhouse
Golden Dart Frog
Phyllobates terribilis
These brightly-colored amphibians may look cute, but they are considered one of the world’s deadliest animals. Their beautiful patterns aren’t just for looks either — they serve as a warning to potential predators. Scientists think that poison dart frogs get their toxicity from some fo the insects they eat—ants, termites, beetles, and other small bugs. Poison dart frogs live in the rain forests of Central and South America. Many species are endangered due to climate change and habitat loss.
Habitat
Rainforests
Life Span
5-7 Years
Size
3.0-4.5 cm
Deadly
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Radiated Tortoise
Astrochelys radiata
Considered one of the world’s most beautiful tortoises, with a yellow head, legs and feet, and a high-domed carapace (or shell) with yellow lines radiating in a star pattern. Sensitive to touch, with an excellent sense of smell. Because of the extreme heat where they live they are early risers, spending their mornings eating grass, succulents and cacti. Babies hatch out yellow and black, which aids them in hiding from predators.
Habitat
Spiny forest and coastal sand dunes of Madagascar
Life Span
50-75 Years
Size
16 in. long; 35 lbs.
Deadly
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Cuban Crocodile
Crocodylus rhombifer
The Cuban Crocodile, while not a particularly large species, is often regarded as the most aggressive crocodile and is dominant over larger crocodiles in the area. These crocs feed on fish, turtles, and small mammals. This highly intelligent species is also the most terrestrial of crocodilians. They display cooperative hunting behavior which has rarely been documented in other species. The Cuban Crocodile can only be found in Cuba, where it is critically endangered. Its restricted habitat as well as hunting make it very vulnerable to extinction.
Habitat
Cuba; Freshwater Marshlands & Rivers
Life Span
50-75 Years
Size
7-11 ft.; 150-180 lbs.
Deadly
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COMMITTED TO
Conservation
Fun on the outside, serious about animals on the inside. Zoo Knoxville is committed to being part of the solution to save species from extinction, both locally and globally.
As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Zoo Knoxville works as part of a collaborative Species Survival Plan for endangered animals. As part of the largest conservation movement on the planet, we are working to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse population to ensure we don’t lose animals to extinction.
Turtle Hatchery
We’ve become a world leader in tortoise and turtle conservation. Zoo Knoxville became the first zoo to ever hatch the critically endangered northern spider tortoises. At the ARC Campus, you can see our newest hatchlings in the nursery and watch zoo staff get them off to a healthy start.
Education
The ARC Campus combines animal habitats with education space to spark curiosity and inspire learning. Get involved in outdoor classrooms, get to know keepers and animals, and explore marshes and bogs filled with life. You can be the future conservationists we need.
Education
The ARC Center is an innovative model, combining animal habitats with education space, all designed to spark curiosity and inspire learning. Classrooms will also be outdoors, providing more opportunities to interact with zoo staff and animals in marshes and bogs filled with life.
Wild Research
Zoo Knoxville is involved with conservation work in the field to save East Tennessee’s endangered bog turtle and ongoing research with native hellbender and mudpuppy salamanders. We travel to places like the Komodo Islands and Madagascar to study animals in their native habitats.
Made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services grants MA-10-17-0494-17 and MA-245979-OMS. The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this website do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
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