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Aquarium |
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Exterior of Aquarium
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One of the oldest exhibits at the Memphis Zoo, the aquarium remains a very active and interesting exhibit. The building houses aquatic life from both fresh and salt water environments.
After the success of a popular animated film, the clownfish became a must-see. But, don't overlook the other 156 species of marine and freshwater organisms from around the world.
Factoid: The Zoo is currently involved with the Lake Victoria Cichlid SSP (Species Survival Plan). Memphis currently breeds and exhibits two species of cichlid that are extinct in the wild.
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Herpetarium |
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Critically Endangered Burmese
Star Tortoises
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Located across from the Tropical Bird House, the herpetarium is home to the Zoo's snakes, alligators, lizards and frogs.
One of the most popular exhibits in the building is for the reticulated python. Other exhibits include some of the most venomous snakes in the world, including the green mamba.
Factoid: Memphis Zoo is the leading zoo for Louisiana pine snake conservation. In addition to breeding this rare enigmatic serpent, Memphis Zoo administers the Species Survival Plan and conducts extensive field research.
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Komodo Dragons |
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Male Komodo dragon
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This exhibit was specifically built for largest lizard in the world - the Komodo Dragon.
Native to small islands in Indonesia, Komodo Dragons can grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh up to 200 pounds.
The Zoo's three dragons share a special exhibit with outdoor and indoor areas - allowing them to stay warm during the cool winter months.
Factoid: Keepers hold a feeding demonstration of the Komodo dragons on Saturdays. View a schedule of all keeper chats and shows.
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Once Upon a Farm |
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Miniature spotted donkey
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The simple life can be found at the Memphis Zoo's Once Upon a Farm exhibit, which was built to resemble an early 1900s farm.
A duck pond in the middle of the exhibit reflects the porch from the Expo Building. Inside, visitors can learn about the basics of farm life and how it relates to agriculture and textile industries.
Once outside, stop by our working well and practice pumping up fresh water. Then, take an old-fashioned train ride around the exhibit, cutting through tunnels and getting an up-close look at the waterwheel.
Factoid: Kids can get an up-close look at prairie dogs by tunneling to an observation bubble - located inside the animals' exhibit.
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Exhibited Species:
Caspian Horse
Domestic Goat |
Prairie Dog
Rabbit
Domestic Chicken |
Jersey Cow
Yucatan Mini Pig
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Pekin Duck
Miniature Donkey
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Penguin Rock |
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Black-footed penguin
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Over 30 black-footed penguins live across from the Zoo's rides area at Penguin Rock.
Like all penguins, the black-footed penguin is a flightless, aquatic bird. They are found in a variety of climates ranging from Antarctica to the warm Galapagos Islands located at the equator.
There are eighteen species of penguins recognized in the world, and the black-footed penguins are the only ones found in warm southern and southwestern Africa - which means they are perfectly suited for Memphis' hot summers.
Factoid: When it's time for the penguins to go inside their nighthouse at the end of the day, they politely form a single-file line.
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Exhibited Species: |
Black-footed Penguin |
American White Pelican |
Double-crested Cormorant |
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Round Barn |
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Gerenuk, or giraffe gazelle
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Although the barn is shaped like an octagon, the Zoo's round barn exhibit is well-rounded by its collection of exotic hoofstock and birds.
It is home to giraffe gazelles or gerenuks, which are known by their extremely long necks. Gerenuks often eat by standing on their hind legs and using their front legs to pull higher branches down into eating distance. Keepers encourage this foraging behavior by placing tall bamboo stems in their exhibit.
Also, don't miss the lovable warthogs and Red River hogs.
Factoid: The Memphis Zoo acquired the round barn from the Memphis Police Department, who used the building as their stable for the mounted horse patrol in the early 1900s. |
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Exhibited Species:
White Stork
West-African Crowned Crane
Warthogs |
Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
African Ground Hornbill
Red River Hog
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Yellow-back Duiker
Bongo
Gerenuk
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Dik Dik
Klipspringer
Dama Gazelle
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Trumpeter Swans |
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Trumpter swan
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The trumpeter swans reside in a tranquil part of the Zoo across from the Asian Garden.
The beautiful birds are the largest species of waterfowl native to North America. They have a wingspan of over seven feet.
Trumpeter swans get their name for their soaring, trumpet-like call. You can hear them from the Zoo's entrance when they become vocal.
Factoid: Male swans are called cobs, and females are called pens.
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Tropical Bird House |
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Pygmy falcon
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Toucans greet you at the entrance to the Zoo's Tropical Bird House. The building is home to exotic bird species from around the world.
Visitors experience two open flight areas in the exhibit. The center flight is populated by friendly and curious Goldie's lorikeets. You can watch keepers hand-feed sweet nectar to the lorikeets daily at 2 p.m.
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