In response to the sweltering July temperatures, Zoo Knoxville is launching a program to help visitors beat the heat while providing exclusive experiences. Announced on Friday, the zoo will introduce "Early Bird Hours," commencing from Monday, July 15 to Wednesday, July 31, as reported by WVLT. Opening at 8 a.m., an hour earlier than usual, the extended hours aim to offer guests a cooler morning stroll through the zoo's attractions.
Zoo Knoxville’s interim president and CEO Drew Rowan explained the reasoning behind this operational shift, stating, “With the intense heat forecasted for the next few days, we wanted to be considerate of our guests’ experience and give them the option to be here in the early morning hours when it is the most enjoyable.” Rowan's comments, as per WBIR, indicate that these times are also when many animals are at their most active.
The "Early Bird Hours" are not simply an extra hour to amble around the enclosures. During this time, guests have an opportunity to peek behind the scenes. Visitors can witness the morning routines of the animal care team as they prepare enrichments for the animal habitats. "Pop-up surprises, like animal ambassador visits, presentations of biofacts and natural history about the animals and zoo mascots, will also happen in the first hour of the day," according to information obtained by WBIR.
Exploring the zoo at an earlier time is not just about beating the heat, but also enjoying a full range of experiences. Attractions such as the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus, indoor play areas, and a special exhibit featuring animatronic prehistoric animals await the visitors. Although some attractions will open as usual at 9:00 a.m., guests arriving during the early hour can still explore the entire park and enjoy additional activities, as detailed on Zoo Knoxville’s Facebook page. Entry for the "Early Bird Hours" is included with the standard general admission and is free for members of Zoo Knoxville.
