Memphis Zoo
4.6(16K)google
4.2(448)yelp
Wildlife WatchingKidsOutdoorParking AvailableRestrooms AvailableMust-SeeLocal FavoriteEducationalWildlife
Overview
Established in 1906, the historic Memphis Zoo is consistently rated as one of the top zoological parks in the United States, safely housing over 3,500 animals representing more than 500 species. Located in the beautiful Overton Park, the zoo features world-class, immersive natural habitats such as the Teton Trek, which mirrors the Yellowstone ecosystem with grizzly bears and gray wolves, and the exotic Zambezi River Hippo Camp. With interactive animal feedings, a charming vintage carousel, and beautifully landscaped walkways, it is a highly engaging destination.
Practical Info
Mon–Fri9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat–Sun9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration3-4 hours
Best TimeSpring (April-May) or autumn (October-November) provide a world-class travel window. Arrive at the giant Egyptian revival gates exactly at 9:00 AM on a weekday; cooler morning air prompts active underwater swimming and foraging in polar bears and hippos before the intense afternoon heat sets in.
Getting ThereLocated inside the sprawling Overton Park in midtown Memphis at 2000 Prentiss Place. Drive east from downtown directly along Poplar Ave for 10 minutes and veer into the park entrances. The zoo features its own massive, paved parking plazas out front. MATA Bus Route 50 services the parkway.
Travel Tips
- The zoo's primary vehicle lot inside Overton Park assesses a flat parking fee for non-members. On spring and summer weekends, this footprint hits absolute capacity before 10:00, backing up queues onto Prentiss Place; divert early to legal, zero-cost curbside spaces along North Parkway to walk through the north forest trail.
- While the general zoo perimeter gates remain accessible until 17:00, all primary indoor biomes (including the China Exhibit, Teton Trek lodge, and Aviary) enforce a hard closure and evacuation exactly 30 minutes early at 16:30. Prioritize indoor pathways first if holding a late afternoon ticket tier.
- To mitigate the high risk of fatal gastrointestinal impaction among primates and megafauna, the front gate security scanners enforce a absolute ban on disposable straws, plastic lids, and mylar balloons. All incoming bags are hand-inspected; contraband plastic items are confiscated at the turnstiles.
Reviews
Positive
- As one of the top zoos in the US, its distinctive Chinese-style entrance and authentic Teton Trek habitats deliver a massive visual impact, worth the hype.
- Watching polar bears play past the underwater viewing windows and feeding hippos offer immense fun, providing an excellent ecological experience.
- The entire park features flat, wide paved paths with ample clean restrooms, accessible ramps, and plenty of trash cans and rest benches along the way.
- Crowd order is well-organized. Despite the sprawling acreage, directional signs are highly visible and bright, backed by enthusiastic staff for safe travel.
Heads up
- Regular adult tickets are on the pricier side, and internal features like the train, carousel, and special exhibits require separate secondary fees.
- Located within Overton Park, its dedicated parking lot fills rapidly during long weekends and spring peak seasons with costly fees, limiting convenience.
- Commercial concession carts are excessively dense along paths, pushing toy balloons and pricey snacks that put pressure on parents with young kids.
- During mid-afternoons in suffocatingly hot July and August, many animals retreat into shady backstages to sleep, which reduces the viewing value.