Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
By Staff Writer Kyle Dickerson
Go To Kyle's Page Here

Steam floated up from the path as we moved through the vegetation. Beneath the canopy’s shade the world dimmed, hidden from the harsh sun. Suddenly, the lush green fronds dipped into our path, causing pause in the group. There was no way to know what might be lurking in the trees beyond our sight. Somewhere in the distance the chatter of voices floated in through the humid, biting air. Cautiously, we pushed aside the fronds and eased forward. With each step, the voices grew louder. With the crunch of each fallen leaf, our approach was in danger of being made known. One last turn before the path opened to our destiny. One last frond covering our way. Slipping beneath, we pushed out into the open and the world that is the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.

Nashville Zoo At Grassmere - www.nashvillezoo.org
3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville - (615) 833-1534

The Nashville Zoo has gone through many changes since its beginning in 1990. The largest of these changes came in 1996, when then Governor Phil Bredesen gave the zoo - located in Joelton at the time - the option of building a new facility on the Grassmere property. Donated by sisters Margaret and Elise Croft in 1964, the property first played host to the Grassmere Wildlife Park. While the Nashville Zoo was doing well in Joelton, its relocation to the Grassmere property offered the possibility of over 100 additional acres to be developed into exhibit space, along with a more convenient location for the community.

Since the construction of what is today the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, hundreds of thousands of patrons have walked its paths each year, enjoying the wonders it has to offer. From the African plains to the Bengal tiger enclosure to Gibbon Island, visitors are given the chance to observe an array of exotic animals from around the globe. Another unique feature of the Nashville Zoo is its one-of-a-kind Jungle Gym playground. With over 66,000 square feet of play area, it comes in as the largest community-built playground in the United States. Complete with slides, climbing nets, giant animal replicas, secret passages, and overlooking its own lagoon, this Jungle Gym is a child’s dreamland.

The Nashville Zoo also offers specialized programs for the community, such as the upcoming Deaf Day at the Zoo on June 11. Catering specifically to the deaf and deaf/blind community, Gate Communication will have sign language interpreters and guides at various exhibits throughout the park to help with educational presentations. Another event hosted by the Nashville Zoo is Zoofari Slumber, an overnight camping experience designed to give children ages 4-12 a unique outdoors adventure. Sleeping in tents on Festival Field, a short distance from the slumbering animals, campers will get to hear talks from the Animal Keepers, participate in zoo-related crafts, and even take part in some special animal presentations.

This is only a small glimpse into the wonderful world waiting for you at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Single visit admission is low and all donations help to keep the park conditioned and moving forward. Memberships are also available in varying levels and are recognized at numerous reciprocal zoos across the nation for free and reduced admission prices. For more information visit www.nashvillezoo.org We hope you take the time visit and benefit from the educational and emotional effect our world’s great animals can have on your life.

Nashville Events

June 2012 Nashville Events
Wednesday, June 6 - Wednesday, June 6
Jubilee Bridge Music Festival at Jubilee Singers Memorial Bridge in Nashville, TN
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Head off for a getaway to Music City, USA to kick off your summer on a Memorial Day weekend trip to Nashville, TN.

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