Take a walk around Nashville Zoo and you'll come face to face with a fascinating and eclectic array of species. Opened in 1996, it is a young and fast-growing zoo. At its centre is the nationally renowned Grassmere Historic Farm and Home.
When you first arrive, head for Zoo Central, one of three sections of the zoo. On the way to this section, you'll pass by hyacinth macaws, red-crowned cranes, white-cheeked gibbons and all sorts of other creatures. Then you'll emerge at the central village of the zoo, where you'll find a café and a gift shop. If you're bringing youngsters, take them to the Jungle Gym, a fun-filled, community-made adventure playground where they can play on the swings and slides.
In Zoo Central, you’ll also find the Unseen New World exhibit. This indoor space takes you on a voyage of discovery as you'll encounter reptiles, an aquarium and an aviary. Among the highlights are the red-bellied piranhas, alligator snapping turtles and Gila monsters.
Enjoy some respite in the shade at Jungle Loop to the south of Zoo Central. On the way, you'll also find Flamingo Lagoon, Alligator Cove and the Critter Encounters petting zoo. Head for the Bamboo Trail where you'll find clouded leopards and red pandas, which are the rarest of all the species that you'll discover at the zoo.
Go for a walk on the Savannah Loop where you'll see elephants and giraffes. Eventually, you’ll reach Grassmere Historic Farm and House. At this stunning property, which was built in 1810, you can take a tour of the Croft House.
Youngsters will also enjoy riding an animal on the Savannah Loop's carousel, before riding on board a miniature train in the Jungle Loop on which they'll see some of the zoo's hidden spots.
The zoo opens daily except at Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. Throughout the year, popular activities are held here, including Slumber Nights, the Brew at the Zoo beer festival and Ghouls at Grassmere. Located 10 kilometres south of downtown Nashville, you can reach Nashville Zoo on the MTA bus or pay a small fee to park on site.
