Overview

If you are looking to being transported to Chinatown, then the Memphis Zoo is the place for you. I have never seen a Chinatown like the Memphis Zoo does. If you’re not interested in Chinatown but want a cabin like feel, then go visit the bears. If you want the Pacific Northwest feel, then enjoy the totem poles. The Memphis Zoo offers a little bit of everything. When you first get there Egypt is on the outside and the famous Brass Pro pyramid is on the inside.

Getting There

The Memphis Zoo has its very own zoo app. Before your visit download the app and from there you can check out zoo hacks, find parking information, book a behind the scenes encounter, and find the nearest restaurant and concession near you. Adult tickets are $25.95 for ages 12 and older while children’s tickets are $20.95 for ages 2 to 11. All kids under the age of 2 get in for free.

Tennessee Tuesdays is free admission for Tennessee residents from 2:00-5:00 or 2:00-4:00 (depending on when the zoo closes). You must show a valid Tennessee driver’s license. If you are 16 years old and under you must be with an adult that has a valid TN driver’s license. For more information, please contact zooinfo@memphiszoo.org or by calling 901-333-6600.

Noteworthy Animals

One animal I will always remember from my first visit in February 2019 was their panda bears in Chinatown. At that time, I had never seen a panda bear in person, and they had two. Unfortunately, on my most recent visit back in 2023 I learned that they had to be put down, which was sad. Chinatown did not feel the same. I remember showing up the glass window and watching them eat their bamboo sticks to shreds. Now, there is the Red Panda, which I also love. Also, in Chinatown you will also find the Golden Pheasant, Asian Small Clawed Otter, and the White Cheeked Gibbons. If you have read my Wildwood Wildlife article you will know my fascination with Gibbons.

Up in the Teton Trek are the Black and Grizzly Bears. I love Teton Trek because it feels like you are up in the mountains with a nice cabin like feel. It’s one of the few times that I have seen bears active instead of going down for a bear nap. I also enjoy walking on the boardwalk to see the Elk and Timber Wolves. The Teton Trek is a must do on my list.

For the first time I am not mentioning the elephants, but instead I’m talking about their Southern White Rhino located in the African Veldt. You will never see a Rhino like this one because of its different colors. In one way it stands out because it’s white, but also it blends in because you’re not expecting it. Make your way over the Northwest Passage to see the totem poles and say hi to the polar bears.

On my most recent zoo trip while visiting the Cat Country they had two new baby tiger cubs. They were so precious and actively playing with each other. They’re probably not babies now, but they are worth looking out for on your next visit.

Experiences

The Zoomazing Race Predator vs. Predator Zip Line is open daily at 10:00am. It’s $10 per person. If you are under 4 feet tall you must ride with an adult. The weight limit is 300lbs.

The Monogram Foods Love Foundation Splash Park is $8 for members and $10 for non-members. Tickets are sold separately. It’s open from 9:30-1:00 and 2:00-5:00 outside the Cat House Café.

Giraffe Feedings are for all guests. If you are 16 years old and under, you must be with a supervising adult. Tickets are $5 for members and $6 for non-members. They are not included with your admission. They are located on the walkway to Teton Trek behind the giraffe exhibit.

The Sea Lion show is free with general admission. It’s daily at 11:00am and 3:00pm Monday through Friday and 1:30pm on Saturday and Sunday at the Northwest Passage.

The 2025 Total Experience is for non-members to able to get a single day ticket that includes one-time giraffe feeding ticket and unlimited access to China carousel, farm train, kiddie rides, and the zip line experience. For youth and adults, it’s $45.95 and $40.95 for children. 2025 Total Experience starts March 1, 2025, from 9:00-6:00.

The Memphis Zoo offers eleven different exclusive encounters including sea lion, elephant painting experience, and red panda and three close up encounters with elephants, sloths, and penguins. Contact educationinfo@memphiszoo.org for more information and get special instructions.

Facilities

There are many different restaurants and concessions available throughout the zoo. My personal favorite is the Cat House Café because depending on where you sit you can have lunch with the Meerkats. Plus, I get a good lunch and energy to resume the rest of the zoo trip.

Overall Impression

The Memphis Zoo offers a little bit of everything, Egypt, China, the Northwest, Teton Trek, and the Bass Pro. You can’t find that anywhere else. No passport is required to enjoy this adventurous trip. All you need is time and good walking shoes.