On the front, it’s all about having fun, but on the inside, it’s all about animals. Zoo Knoxville is dedicated to being a part of the solution in the fight to conserve species from extinction on a local and worldwide scale.

Zoo Knoxville collaborates on a Species Survival Plan with other zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for all animals living in AZA-accredited zoos in North America. Working together, we can keep zoo populations healthy and genetically diversified so that we don’t lose species to extinction when wild populations are threatened.

Zoo Knoxville is also involved in field conservation, with award-winning recognition for our efforts to save East Tennessee’s endangered bog turtle and ongoing research with native hellbender and mudpuppy salamanders. Our researchers visit exotic locations such as the Komodo Islands, Madagascar, and Indonesia to study creatures in their natural environments. Every visitor to Zoo Knoxville contributes to the conservation of wildlife and natural areas.