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🐻 It’s Bear Awareness Week, and we’re celebrating three very special residents here at Zoo Knoxville...Finn, Monty, and Ursula! Our three American black bears came to us as rescues after circumstances left them unable to survive on their own in the wild. Today, they help inspire guests to learn more about bear conservation and the importance of protecting wildlife habitats. 🖤 American black bears are intelligent, curious, and powerful animals found throughout much of North America, including right here in Tennessee. They play an important role in healthy forest ecosystems by spreading seeds, controlling insect populations, and helping nature thrive. 🌲 During Bear Awareness Week, we encourage everyone to help protect wild bears by: • Securing trash and food outdoors • Never feeding wildlife • Giving bears plenty of space in the wild • Learning how we can safely coexist with native wildlife Next time you visit, stop by to see Finn, Monty, and Ursula and learn more about these incredible ambassadors for their species. 🐾

Ever wonder just how big the rhino boys are at Zoo Knoxville? 🦏 All four of our males together weigh in at around 15,000 pounds — that’s about 7.5 tons of rhino! Keeping animals this big healthy takes serious teamwork. Our care staff closely monitors each rhino’s health, and yes, they even have their own scale right inside the barn. Think bathroom scale… just MUCH bigger. Balanced diets, expert care, and plenty of playtime in the mud helps ensure our boys stay happy and healthy.

After the rain… comes the rhino. 🌧️🦏 If you needed proof that rhinos love playing in the mud, look no further.

Trying to get your kids to brush – ❌ Watching the rhino boys brush – ✅ Rhinos love covering themselves in mud as a natural sunscreen and bug deterrent—but it’s pretty entertaining to watch it go flying when they use their big automated brush for some fun enrichment. 🦏

We’re saddened to share that Kevin Bacon, our Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, has passed away at 16 years old—an advanced age for his species. Kevin came to Zoo Knoxville in 2010 and became a favorite ambassador, often seen strolling the pathways and visiting with guests. Our animal care teams plan for every stage of an animal’s life, including compassionate care at the end, and Kevin was surrounded by the keepers who adored him. He lived a wonderful, full life, and we are grateful to have shared it with him.

Big Moment for Our Rhinos! 🦏 After weeks of careful introductions, our two sets of Southern White Rhino brothers are finally together! Liam and Gus have now officially met Ranger and Mylo face-to-face — and our rhino care team couldn’t be happier. 💚 Bringing rhinos together takes time, patience, and expertise, but these bonds are vital for their well-being and the long-term survival of their species. Come see this powerful moment in action and learn how your support helps us protect rhinos for the future. 🌍

They’ve been animal people since day one. 🐾 From zoo trips as kids to caring for creatures every day, meet the keepers who turned childhood wonder into a wild career at Zoo Knoxville. We love our amazing zookeepers — and everyone who dedicates their days to the care and conservation of animals, here and around the world. 💚

Well, we can't keep it a secret any longer... 👀 Our rhinos were loving the brief downpour this afternoon—but not just any rhinos. TWO NEW rhinos, Liam and Gus! 🦏 These half-brothers just had their first romp in the big yard, which quickly turned into a muddy rhino paradise. With their arrival, our crash is now up to FOUR boys—Liam, Gus, Mylo, and Ranger. Come say hi and welcome Liam and Gus as they get to know Knoxville and their new friends! 💚

Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸 YES — WE'RE OPEN TODAY! Come spend the day with us before enjoying some fireworks tonight. And don't forget that active military and veterans get in FREE all year round!