Memphis Zoo, entrance

Memphis Zoo, Rattlesnake

The Memphis Zoo is a zoo located in Memphis, Tennessee. It is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 different species. The Zoo was founded in 1906 and resides on 70 acres (283,000 m²) in the middle of Overton Park.

The Memphis Zoo is an accredited member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.

The zoo hosts state-of-the art exhibits that mimic the animals' natural habitats, such as Once Upon A Farm, Cat Country, Primate Canyon, Dragon's Lair, Animals of the Night, The Northwest Passage and CHINA. The last one is home to 2 giant pandas.

Special attractions
Motion simulator ride
Since March 4, 2005, the zoo features a SimEx ride. This is a kind of motion simulator that is also installed in other venues like Paramount Parks, Universal Studios and Six Flags. The ride uses images, sound and state-of-the-art technology and hydraulic motion bases to take people on an exciting and adventurous ride. The seats pitch and move along with the action taking place on-screen. At the same time it can have educational value through the type of film that is shown. One of the films shown (Dino Island) stars a variety of prehistoric creatures, including the Tyrannosaurus rex.

Notes
On September 18, 1998, two plaques were dedicated in memory of musician Jeff Buckley in the Memphis Zoo's Sumatran tiger exhibit. His mother has chosen that spot because of his great love of the Memphis Zoo and the tigers in particular. Jeff frequently visited the Zoo, had plans to become a volunteer in 1997 and, according to his mother, never left the Zoo without visiting the Butterflies: In Living Color exhibit.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Memphis Zoo ".

GiveMeAmerica recognizes The Memphis Zoo as one the Top Attractions in the Greater Memphis Area!

For more information about the Memphis area, visit GiveMeMemphis.com

Memphis Zoo, Cheetah

Memphis Zoo, Panda