The Knoxville Zoo is a place for everyone to enjoy and view the many wonders of nature firsthand. For that reason, the zoo is hosting its first Hispanic Cultural Celebration Sunday, Sept. 25.

Festivities include Hispanic food and drink sampling, story time for children, crafts, music and animal encounters. Knoxville Zoo features animals from across the world. Premier natural exhibits include Meerkat Lookout, Grasslands Africa, Stokely African Elephant Preserve, Black Bear Falls, Chimp Ridge, Gorilla Valley and River Otters.

The zoo also has a new zoo place to play aimed at thrilling those 12 and under. The Clayton Family Kids Cove features a custom-built animal carousel, playground with a giant sandbox, water play area, a model cow kids can milk, the very popular contact yard where kids can pet and brush farm animals, a beaver exhibit where visitors can get a first-hand look at how beavers build their dams and much more.

For more information about the zoo's Hispanic Cultural Celebration or a schedule of events, please call 865.637.5331 ext. 300 or visit online at www.knoxville-zoo.org.

Knoxville Zoo is located off exit 392 from Interstate 40 and is open every day except Christmas Day. The zoo is nationally accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, the zoo is open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on weekends from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission and ticket sales stop one hour before the zoo closes.