Memphis Zoo

Very nice place! Without a doubt, it’s one of the most natural and animal-friendly zoos I’ve ever visited. However, many attractions were temporarily out of service. It would be great if that information were provided at the entrance or on the website. The ticket price is fair. Be sure to bring water, comfortable shoes, and plenty of time, as it’s really big if you want to explore the whole thing. There are shops, vending machines for drinks and snacks, but I didn’t find anyone who spoke Spanish. Luckily, I was able to communicate thanks to the patience of a staff member I approached with some questions.

Really great zoo. Very reasonable entrance price. Some exhibits were a little run down. Mostly in the farm section and aquarium area. The vending machines weren't working, and we got fairly thirsty with all the walking. But seeing the grizzly bears being fed was just amazing. The wolf habitat was just fantastic as well. There were so many great animals to see and all in all it was a great experience. We will be back.

Had a great time at the Memphis Zoo. It was gorgeously designed and the exhibits had a nice flow. It was raining when we went about was pretty empty which was an awesome experience. The elephants were extremely active and playful, it helped that we also got there when they were being fed. This zoo has a ton of large cats, I’d never seen a cheetah before. I love the name and info sheets about the lions, hilarious! The bathrooms were clean, the gift shop had lots of options for cute souvenirs. It took us about 2.5 hours to see everything even in the rain. I’d highly recommend stopping here, everything was well thought out and visitor friendly.

Amazing zoo. The animals seem happy and well cared for. Staff is always friendly. We will always keep our membership for this lovely place.

Coming from Arkansas people praise this zoo so thought I would take my niece and nephew. What an absolute disappointment. This place should be shut down. Animals eating garbage, trash everywhere, bacteria in every reef tank and fish tank, elephants in tiny enclosure that have gone crazy and have the classic swaying motion you see. All the big cats are in tiny nasty enclosures. Honestly just disgusted with everything. The Sea Lion show at 3:00 was 10 minutes of sea lions waving to eat food then after everyone left I sat to watch how they reacted. I’m retired coast guard and I’ve spent a lot of time around these animals. The larger one was spitting water out and circling the tiny pool catching the water again and had no toys or anything to stimulate it. Sad for such intelligent animals and not to mention animals that typically live in large numbers. They advertise pandas and polar bears neither of which they have (thankfully). This place is an absolute atrocity and should be 100% shut down. I can’t say enough bad things. Don’t even get me started on the kids rides from the 1940s where the swing was detached from the rusty chain laying next to it as they try to upsell you on everything not to mention paying $10 to park. Don’t go. That’s all I’ve got to say. Visit the Henry doorly zoo if you want to visit a reputable place.

I cannot say enough great things about this wonderful Park. I make it a habit to visit the zoo wherever I go to a big city. This one did not disappoint and definitely earned its number two spot as far as the best zoo in the US. They had plenty of stopping points and enclosures during the rain. The cafe setup was pretty cool as it was around the outside of a monkey exhibit where the monkeys kept looking inside to see the patrons. The splash pad and small water park is a really nice addition, especially on a hot day. There were several gift shops with different items scattered through the park. I was a little disappointed that our Panda friends had passed away last year, but I am excited to see if they introduce new Panda friends soon. The red pandas were probably our favorite as were the nocturnal exhibit. Definitely worth the trip for kids and adults of all ages. They had strollers to rent and were very conscious of the animals with reusable products in their restaurants. There were plenty of bathrooms and they were all clean and any staff we came in contact with was very nice. I don't think that the price was exorbitant and we spent a good 4 hours here. I believe there are three playgrounds and also a petting farm as well. There was plenty of parking and it seemed to be set up pretty decently to be able to get to the front of the zoo no matter where you parked

We love the Memphis Zoo! Highly recommend getting a membership if you live in the area. The zoo chats are awesome, and it’s such a great place for families. The splash pad is so fun in the summer!!

We had a really great time coming here with family. The place was really clean & has friendly staff. We got to see cool exhibits & different types of animals

The Memphis Zoo is so far the best zoo I've been to around the southern states area! The parking lot wasn't too confusing to get through and they had lots of signs directing cars around the lot. They even have Lettered/Numbered spots so you do not forget your parking spot. Walking up to the building you can already tell that you will be immersed into every exhibit there. The prices; At $25 per adult & $20 per child, are very reasonable prices and definitely worth it for a good family or even solo/duo trip experience. You will want to make a good whole day of it since it is a lot of walking around to each exhibit. I did not get a chance to try any of their food places due to our specific time schedule we were on but I did stop a couple times at the very convenient vending machines around every exhibit. Water is definitely needed if you are wanting to spend your day there, it gets hot fast. They do have plenty of high powered fans & benches around each of the exhibits so you can rest and cool off as needed which was nice! You could tell the staff takes care of the animals and although I did not get to see their any of their giant pandas before they were relocated, I am still very glad we made the stop in our trip to Memphis. Will for sure recommend to anyone going to Memphis.

We came to Memphis just for the zoo and had a good experience. We purchased tickets online ahead of time and went early in the morning to avoid the heat. Tickets are $25. We got lucky that it was overcast. The few staff we interacted with were fairly friendly but definitely don't go out of their way to be so. We saw a lot of animals which was cool. We hoped to see the meerkats but no luck. It's $5 extra to feed the giraffes, not sure that's worth it. We tried to do a scavenger hunt on the app for added fun but couldn't complete it due to an exhibit being closed, so that was frustrating. Some of the areas don't appear very well kept. I somewhat expected a better experience considering it's touted as a top 10 zoo, but we did enjoy it and had a good time.

Memphis has a great zoo, it has an Egyptian themed entrance which is fun. Several areas with animals from all over the world and seasonal events like butterflies or dinosaurs. Just had a baby giraffe born (March 2024) and it's adorable.

This institution has evolved over the years into something resembling a very good, national-class zoo. This is a great place for taking a long stroll, especially during cooler days/times of the year.

Been coming here since I was a kid and being my kids here now! My faves are the crocs and alligators because hello I am obsessed with them! Be sure and visit the Nile Crocodile and the young hippo

we had an amazing time at the zoo!!! all the exhibits are great and the animals are so great!! It was a wonderful family experience!!!

I would give 4 stars however the park was very dirty, the staff was incredibly rude, and constantly on phones. The animal range was nice but for how much I'm paying I would expect a cleaner zoo and nicer staff.

Get there early - the animals were super active! We got to the zoo on Monday morning around 11:30 am and the animals were super active. We went through the nocturnal animals' section first and WOW, I've never seen such active nocturnal critters before. We walked around the entire zoo and almost all of the animals were up and sniffing around. It seemed like the zoo keepers had just freshened the snacks and activities in the enclosures, so everyone was searching and exploring their new goodies. 3 highlights for me in addition to the nocturnal excitement were the grizzly bears, giraffes, and bongos. All the animals were active and seemed quite content with their sunbathing, exploring, new snacks, and spaces. NOTE: zoo staff members were in various areas throughout the park eager and willing to answer any questions or offer any factoids on the animals nearby. It was a nice extra touch to the experience and I really appreciated the knowledge and passion the staff members showed. We didn't get any food at the zoo, so I can't speak to that, but the cafeteria place seemed busy and smelled pretty good.

Lots of fun! Big enough to spend a few hours there. Only a few spots with AC so bring a fan and sunscreen. You can feed the giraffes for only $5 which is amazing.

I love the Zoo. My husband and I visit the zoo in every state we visit, no matter how big or small. It's nice to be able to see these beautiful creatures.

Visited the splash pad. Purchased cabana the night before with tickets i knew theywould sell outas always!! They ended up over selling them the day of attendance. The team lead Ms.Fab was the most amazing at compensating us with one of the AC rooms regularly used for parties. Have not ever received just quick decision to make it right by a manager on duty. She made our visit even more memorable because of her generous compensation. She's one reason we will continue to visit the memphis zoo and the splash pad during the summer!

We love the Memphis Zoo, plenty of activities for the kids, and the animals are always out and active.

Great zoo! There are so many different animals and so many different turns you can make. You can easily spend multiple days here! Staff were friendly and knowledgeable. $23 to get in. Zootober fest is awesome and there were beer tents everywhere!

I grew up close to Memphis, so this zoo hits home to me. The people here are amazing, ask any caretaker about their animals and they will gush about them like they're their own pets! The exhibits are beautiful and plentiful, there's always something exciting around the corner! It's obvious that the animals are well cared for here, as is the campus, and you won't regret your visit! Pro tip: if visiting try to show up within the first hour of opening. After that the main parking lot is almost guaranteed to be full and you will be directed to overflow which is a bit of a walk.

Very nice place for family getaway I've membership and visit it whenever I feel like it. Free parking is a win for members

I always love going to our zoo. It is one of the best zoos in the country. The zoo is one the cleanest and the most upgraded place to feel free to enjoy the different animals.

I had an absolute amazing time at the Zoo, I have gone many times, but seem to have a greater appreciation for it now. This maybe because I am normally with large youth groups and have to ensure their safety, but this time it was just me and my glambaby and we had a ball! Walking up to the entrance was exciting. We took time to stop and take photos. Once entering we saw a shop where you could purchase souvenirs from. We then headed to the bat exhibit, it was super cool with the glow in the dark ground signs leading the path. From there we saw everything from monkeys, to flamingos, rhinos, etc! We had an amazing time! If you have not gone, i highly recommend it! It is a great time.

I've been to several Zoo Lights in various cities, y and I've enjoyed them. Memphis Zoo Lights was okay..... I had to purchase tickets online before arriving. The price was very reasonable. When I have arrived, there were several long lines to get into the zoo. When the zoo opened, the lines did move quickly. After entering the zoo, "snow" falling from the sky. The map did help to navigate around the zoo and check out the light displays. There were plenty of buildings that offered food and beverages. It did look like a lot of people were enjoying themselves at the festival. It could have just me...

It's always a privilege to take the children to the Memphis zoo. Our summer camp 2022 children at McFarland Community Center loves the adventures here. Thanks Memphis zoo for hosting us.

i visited this zoo during peak Covid times and it was still amazing. Very private. Some of the conditions for animals were iffy but hey that's the way of this world's Zoo habitats unfortunately, but this one had a very nice gathering of animals to view. i love zoos in general, and i have only visited a few in my years. i have to say that i thoroughly enjoyed my time spent at the Memphis Zoo. Would recommend

We love zoos and this one is good...maybe 3 stars but we had such a pleasant day and the staff was super helpful for a first time visitor we gave it 4. Even though we love zoos it is hard to see three big cats in a small enclosure. This zoo is in good shape in terms of facilities for guests, walking paths, etc. Our TOP 4 things ToDo in Memphis are: Ribs/BBQ at Arnold's, Cocktail at The Peabody, 2+ hours at the Botanical Garden, and The Zoo --- in that order. First visit to Memphis ...we love music and The Blues...spent 2 minutes on Beale Street and left...very disappointed in comparison to other "music cities".

An amazing, huge zoo! For all access passes for two adults and three kids we spent $170. Fine because we are on vacation. I wish they had told us at purchase that the train and kiddie rides in the farm area weren't operating. We still spent less doing the all access pass than pay-as-you-go, but the kids were disappointed to not get on the train specifically. The kids enjoyed the carousel and took three trips on it. We all enjoyed the giraffe feeding. The butterfly exhibit was nice, but not as impressive as Audubon. The tram ride was a great way to see the facility quickly. For the additional cost required to enter, I was expecting a kangaroo exhibit/experience similar to Tanganyika, where you can sit with and pet the kangaroos. That was not the case here. Instead we got to see the kangaroos at the same distance as any regular zoo, just without the fence barrier. Major let down. Skip the kangaroos if you are paying the cash price. It is August. We all walked (with kids age 2/3/4) half the zoo and did the experience stuff and at around 3 hrs were exhausted from walking (and my husband and I tired from carrying children). Then my husband saw parents and their children on animal scooters and instead of leaving we rented two of them to continue exploring the zoo. It cost $5 and then 35 cents per minute. Worth it. We were able to see everything and had a much more enjoyable experience with the rentals. Expect a 200% mark up on the food, but I'm sure it helps keep the zoo running. The pizza was great and I was excited to have Dippin Dots. The kids loved cooling off in the wading pool.

We just visited yesterday and had a fun time. WE purchased our tickets online before attending. I recommend getting there when they open as parking is easier and the crowds are smaller. Also prior to arrival get the map app. We tried to get it on arrival but it never loaded. If they were handing out paper maps we never found them. The habitats are will planned and the animals look happy and well cared for. The kangaroo exhibit is $5 per person extra but when we went in the kangaroos were all sleeping so, not worth the extra money. They have a water feature at the beginning/entrance area that is fun for children. The park has several water mister fans to cool guests as well. THe small train is $2 a person and was fun but super short even with two laps The park had a water park but at the time of our visit is was either closed or under construction. The aquarium is tiny but cool and dark inside so still worth the visit. They have a couple of food courts with okay food. (Hot dogs, pizza and burgers) and the normal high prices The park was pretty clean and we felt safe. When we left they had two Memphis police out front...

For a zoo that claims to be americas favorite zoo, we were left severely disappointed. We came to see the giant pandas and specifically made sure we were there for the "keeper chat". The keeper (while speaking to a bunch of children) talked about panda abortion and insemination for most of the talk. He seemed generally disinterested and used the phrase "basically" about 50 times. The zoo had multiple areas that looked dilapidated and run down. On the plus side there were lots of animals to look at. But I wouldn't even put this zoo as the top zoo in Tennessee.

This is such a great zoo. They have pretty exhibits, great animals, nice landscaping, and pretty flowers in bloom. We did giraffe feeding: It was Amazing. $5 per person. But they took our photo for us! So cool! This zoo has pandas, elephants, Sumatran tiger, Sumatran orangutan, so many cool reptiles, and lots more.

One of the great things about being a newish grandparent is rediscovering all the fun stuff you've neglected since your kids were kids. Among the best of the "fun stuff" is a zoo trip. Recently, the John-H.-family-caravan visited the Memphis Zoo, on a not-too-cold winter day. For me, the most fascinating part was the giant-panda exhibit, where Ya Ya and Le Le are the stars. There's a well-designed and thought-provoking educational area, where you learn about the relationship between the U.S. and China, and what it took to bring the pandas to Memphis. Thanks, MZ, for a good visit.

Kids loved it! Worth the $20 per person fee to stroll around the zoo. Lots of animals to see and the sections like Teton trek and China were very well orchestrated. Lots of add on experience like stingray bay, camel rides, giraffes feedings, etc. We spent about 3 hours there waking the whole zoo with just small breaks. You could easily be there longer if you have lunch and spend longer at each section.

Wear good walking shoes! I was super excited for the panda exhibit and wasn't disappointed. We caught the panda during feeding time so that was cool. The cheetah and lions were cool to see and the seals put on an excellent "show" for us.

This use to be a four but the recent changes that are not their fault and are their fault has made the zoo not as fun anymore. I love it still but it's time to change things for better and not how much you can squeeze out of your customers.

This used to be a top notch zoo, but has gone down in quality I feel somewhat since our last visit. The farm animal area was pretty much vacant. The barns were locked so you couldn't go inside to pet the donkeys or little pony and the train wasn't running at all. There were also very few animals at all in that area. The other exhibits were great and the zoo keeper chats were fun and educational! I know it costs to run a zoo, but I found it very expensive on the already "pricy weekend admission" to feed the giraffes and visit the kangaroo exhibit with an extra $5 a person. There is a splash pad throughout the park and a little river pool by the front gate that kids can play in for no additional cost. It's a fun family outing though for no more than we get to do it!

We're so happy to have such a high quality zoo here in Memphis! It gets better all the time! Our most recent visit was for "Zoo Lights", which everyone who enjoys holiday lights should see!

I am a zoo snob because I grew up in San Diego. The Memphis zoo is a gem. Plenty of animals to see. The exhibits are well designed. The zoo has a lot of shade, and plenty of water play areas for children (and grown ups) to splash around in to cool off. We especially enjoyed the butterfly exhibit and feeding the giraffes. The employees are knowledgeable and helpful. Plan on spending three hours at the Memphis Zoo, and you will feel like you got your money's worth!

2023 Zoo Boo was not at all as I expected specially from previous years attending. Seems like less thought was put into it. It just wasn't as fun even the kids I had thought so. Even the decorations seemed last minute or fast and easy. They normally have candy stations all around but this year was only one and the line for it was extremely long to the point you would change your mind on it to not even stand and wait. My son and cousin normally enjoy zoo boo this year they didn't. Last year was really nice!

History of the Memphis Zoo In 1904, Colonel Robert Galloway started lobbying for funds to build a home for a Southern black bear named Natch, who was the mascot of the Memphis Turtles baseball team. The bear had been given to A.B. Carruthers, a local businessman, for payment. The bear was kept chained to a tree in Overton Park. Soon joined other abandoned wild animals, so Galloway presented the city with a plan to form a zoo to house them. The Memphis Park Commission (after several failed attempts) finally allocated $1,200 to establish the Memphis Zoo in 1906. Also in 1906, the Memphis Zoo Association held a baseball game, its first fundraising event, where they raised $3,628. The money built 23 simple cages and a row of concrete bear dens. In 1907, the first building at the Zoo, Galloway Hall, was built. In 1909, the Carnivora Building was constructed for big cats and the original elephant house, which is now part of the education complex. The Memphis Zoo has upgraded its 70-acre facility into one of the world's top first class zoos.

Still a great place to take the kids--My only complaint is that the restrooms could use some updating and cleaning, especially the one by the entrance. We arrived when the Zoo opened and two stalls were full of waste and trash, some without toilet paper and not a single paper towel in the entire bathroom. I expect that after the Zoo's been open for hours, but not at 9am. Flock Together would have been more interesting if there had been some kind of shade available for small children and the elderly. We lasted ten minutes and then had to leave. It wasn't even the hottest day forecasted for the week, but you are right out in the blazing sun, so come prepared. Hats won't cut it if you plan to sit for a forty five minute show. The Stingray exhibit is worth the cost. I recommend buying the food to feed them. It was my favorite experience offered. Very cool! They were friendly and would come up to you flapping away waiting for food. The kids loved it. Be aware that only small vendors of icecream and the large Cat Cafe is open. None of the other food locations were open when we went. The website says wear masks if unvaccinated. No one wore masks, so don't worry about that and no one asked if you were. It was a relief to be somewhere that felt normal and nonintrusive again. The website also says outside food not allowed. It's allowed. No one stopped anyone from pulling out snacks or even bringing in McD's. Definitely download and print a map beforehand so you can plot out your visit. BRING CASH. The merry go round by the Elephants and China exhibit only takes cash. A bit outdated system and ride, but the kids didn't know better. Although they did comment on its lack of music. Gorillas and other primates did not disappoint. We loved watching them. Cost of rides: $2-3 each Camel ride: $5/person Stingray: $3 to enter + $2 to feed

Our trip was very boring we went on Saturday before Easter most of the animals looked in distress..malnourished..or just sat or layer there not much interaction with them...them poor animals...and the elephants looked rough...if I could of fit them all in my car I wud bring them home elephants are my favorite animal and it hurt me to see them like that I will never fund a zoo again..animals don't belong in cages...everyone knows what kind of animals there are..we shouldn't have to pay extra to see special ones like the kangaroo or giraffe..not to mention the polar bear wasn't there very disappointed

Now this was an excellent time. This was my first time visiting here, as I was out with family. With it being called Memphis lights I feel like it could've been more lit up. There were several dark scary places within the zoo. The attractions that they did here for perfect but again, I felt like it needed more. Where we had to park it was very far and we went early, when we left, we had to stroll to very dark almost black parking lot they should've had light set up if you had to park in the doghouse.

If I could leave zero stars I would. Animals are pacing around their incredibly small enclosure. It is pathetic and so sad. The cheetahs, lions, and small cats are literally pacing around - brought me to tears. I came for my little sister hoping it wouldn't be another neglectful zoo and it's been the worst I've ever seen. The gators and crocodiles have a 10x10 area and that is it. I truly couldn't believe my eyes. I never leave reviews, but this is unbelievable. Please do not support this place.

Came here for Memphis Zoo Lights. The lines are extremely long to get in. I had a ton of fun here. The lights are great. Most of the animals are sleeping and cannot be seen. The smores fire pit was pretty cool. I enjoyed the alcoholic holiday themed drinks.

I was a little skeptical about paying for the zoo, since the Saint Louis one is free. I was blown away by how much bang for my buck I got! The nocturnal house is a MUST see for your visit. We did pay for the kangaroo experience but that was very anticlimactic.

We always have a excellent experience at the zoo and it's even better with the splash water park

It's always a real treat when we get a chance to visit the zoo. This zoo is really one of Memphis's top attractions. I wouldn't exactly say it is the best zoo I've ever been to, but definitely rank amongst the top 10. Bonus points that it is in my hometown. The panda exhibits have always been one of my favorites, but I've noticed that the pandas seem to be a little "off" over the past few years. Others have made mention of this on neighborhood forums and news media outlets. The zoo keepers reassured everyone that they're fine and well taken care of. Today, when we were at the zoo, we noticed that the pandas seems to be doing better than usual. So here's to hoping it stays this way. The teton trek is another favorite. It is a rendition of the Yellowstone national park. You truly feel like you're in a cabin in the middle of the mountains when you're there. Outside the cabin, there are bears and wolves.

Monday, March 25, 2019 The Memphis Zoo is still our favorite place to visit when the sun is out hands-down number one location for the kiddos to enjoy! See the beauty in nature and experience all of the outdoor sensory that can be seen as well as imagined at your finger tips, a touch away. Just to note: that before becoming a member I've visited quite frequently. Since being a member I strongly agree to those that are considering the membership. Do certainly consider the entirety of frequency and cost you might just see that becoming a member is exactly what you and your family really want.

We didn't see any Lions, tigers, well let just say the cats were not out! The Pandas were on display, but you couldn't really see them because the windows were foggy! I truly wanted to ask for my money back, but was like, "I'll just consider it a $40 donation to the zoo! Call a head to make sure all the animals are out or just watch the live cam online. I was able to see a young lady feeding the penguins. That was pretty cool.

Great little zoo! Easy to navigate and get around. I felt the cool architecture was very well done with the Egyptian touch! Lines were not long and the price for admission is worth it. Got there early on a Saturday and was able to get one-on-one time with the pandas! Super cool and would come back again.

Lots of fun activities plus many many animals to see! All the members who work there are friendly as well. Plenty of fun for both children and adults!

Great place for me and my family to spend the day! It's always something new to do there

Zoo lights...what fun tonight, except for the rain...Kids in wide eyed amazement at the great array of christmas light and themes sparkling throughout the zoo...Carols, a jungle trolly for the faint of heart takes you everywhere in covered bliss. Don't forget to view the animals, buy a hot pretzel, toast marshmallows or smores over an open bon fire and relax, and enjoy. Ho- Ho- Hol6 .

The Memphis Zoo is a great way to spend your day. They have a good variety of animals and the talks with the zoo keepers give some great insight into the animals care. If you get a chance, you should check out the Elephant Encounter (separate cost - reserve ahead of time). We really enjoyed learning more about their care and talking with the keepers.

It's a great zoo that we were able to visit in a day, easily. Arriving at 9:00a and leaving around 6:00p. Check out the daily schedule on their website for chats and feedings along with their map on their app and it makes the visit easy. It's a clean well kept zoo and we went on June 3 2021, a Thursday and it was nice an slow. The Kangaroo exhibit was great and with some young kangaroos lounging and free range it was a neat experience. The Sea Lion show was a must, the hippos were great and the Bird show was cute. The chats are always interesting but unfortunately the polar bear's anxiety gives you anxiety. I recommend the restaurant in the front over the other food. The gourmet BLT grilled cheese was yummy. Its a great zoo and Memphis should be proud.