Travel: Lions, tigers and bears oh my – and so much more at the Memphis Zoo Pages 12-13

A Memphis Zoo tiger yawns for the crowd.

The gorilla exhibit always entertains the zoo crowd.

Future plans

Th ompson said the zoo is already working on the next 20-year master plan that he said will complete the transformation of the entire property.

Exhibit and experience changes will come to the African Veldt where the popular elephants, giraff es and rhinos call home.

Also due for a remodel are the Animals of the Night area, the aquarium, the Dragon’s Lair, the herpetarium, Once Upon a Farm where domesticated animals live, Primate Canyon and the Tropical Bird House.

“With over 300 employees, we are always trying to do small things to improve a visitor’s experience,” added Th ompson. “Well-groomed grounds and amazing habits are the results of many great zookeepers and other staff members making here that make it happen every day.”

When to go:

Th e Memphis Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March through October and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily from November through February. Th e zoo only closes for Th anksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Viewing tip:

Th e best times to view the animals are always in the mornings and in the evenings.

“I tell people to head to an exhibit around mealtime,” said Janney. “Th e animals will almost always be active at that time and put on a good show for the people they love.”

Also while most of the zoo can be viewed on a one-day trip, it is recommended that at least two days are spent at the zoo in order to take in as many shows and events while also spending more time with the animals.

Did you know:

Th e zoo’s conservation eff ects are top-notch. Saving animals from extinction is a core element of the zoo’s mission statement.

“Our conservation projects apply the tools and knowledge gained from scientifi c research to solve real-life problems threatening the world wildlife,” said Dembiec. “Th ough our scope is international, many of our initiatives are focused on U.S. species, including some here in the Mid-South.”

Zoo adult tickets start at $21, children ages 2-11 start at $16 and seniors ages 60 plus start at $20. Parking is $10 per vehicle.

According to Thompson, a zoo membership is the best way to go.

Memberships start at $70 for individuals and $100 for couples.

Benefits include one year of free general admission for those listed on the membership, free parking, 15 percent discount on all zoo food, beverages and gift shop purchases, members-only new exhibits previews, members-only events and discount on special event tickets.

Since the pandemic zoo memberships have grown to over 30,000 households.

“That number is amazing, and is exactly why we have been able to continue operating even when we were forced to close our gates due to restrictions at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Thompson. How to get there:

Located at 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38112, the Memphis Zoo is 93 miles or a one-hour and 33-minute drive from Corinth.

Where to eat:

Cat House Cafe – Near the zoo entrance and across from Cat Country, this cafe inside the oldest building in Overton Park offers a variety of food options. A favorite is their barbeque nachos. And don’t forget to grab the zoo’s souvenir cup with discounted refills on future visits.

There are seven other restaurants and snack bars located across the property. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

Showtime tip:

Be sure to check the schedule of events on the day of the visit to the zoo. Unique shows, feedings and chats happen inside different exhibits from 10:30 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. each day. These events give visitors a chance to learn more about the animals from the zoo’s trained zookeepers, as well as see the animals closer than ever.

A male lion lies in the sun at the Memphis Zoo.

More information:

Have a question? Contact zooinfo@memphiszoo. org or 901-333-6810. To purchase tickets, members or to learn more, visit memphiszoo.org. The zoo can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Corinth resident Zack Steen is a freelance writer and contributor to the Daily Corinthian and Crossroads Magazine. A flamingo takes a nap at the zoo’s bird exhibit.