Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, located just a few miles south of downtown Nashville, Tennessee, is a vibrant and expansive zoological park that combines wildlife exhibits with historic preservation. Covering 188 acres, the zoo is home to more than 2,700 animals representing over 365 species. It offers visitors an engaging and educational experience, making it one of the top attractions in the region.

One of the standout features of the Nashville Zoo is its beautifully designed habitats that provide naturalistic environments for the animals. Notable exhibits include “Expedition Peru: Trek of the Andean Bear,” which features Andean bears, pudus, and other South American species in a lush, immersive setting. The “African Savanna” exhibit offers visitors the chance to see giraffes, ostriches, and white rhinoceroses roaming in a spacious savanna landscape. The zoo's “Unseen New World” exhibit showcases a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, highlighting the diversity and complexity of these often overlooked creatures.

In addition to its animal exhibits, the Nashville Zoo places a strong emphasis on education and conservation. The zoo offers a range of educational programs, including field trips, camps, and workshops designed to engage students and the general public in wildlife conservation and ecological awareness. Daily keeper talks and animal demonstrations provide visitors with deeper insights into the lives of the animals and the efforts being made to protect them in the wild.

The Nashville Zoo also features several interactive experiences and family-friendly attractions. The “Kangaroo Kickabout” allows visitors to walk through a habitat shared with kangaroos, providing a unique close-up encounter. The zoo's “Critter Encounters” area offers hands-on opportunities to interact with goats, camels, and other friendly animals. For children, the zoo includes the “Jungle Gym,” a large playground with climbing structures, slides, and water features.

A unique aspect of the Nashville Zoo is its historic Grassmere property, which includes a 19th-century plantation house and farm. Visitors can tour the Grassmere Historic Home, learning about the history of the property and its significance to the region. The surrounding farm area features heritage breed livestock and gardens, adding a historical dimension to the zoo experience.

Open year-round, the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere provides a comprehensive and enjoyable outing for families, animal lovers, and history enthusiasts. Its combination of engaging wildlife exhibits, educational programs, and historical elements makes it a premier destination for anyone visiting the Nashville area.