With the mounting excitement of the holiday season and the demands of good behavior, Knoxville Zoo knows it's hard for kids to be cooped up inside. To remedy holiday rambunctiousness, the zoo will be offering two specially discounted Fridays during the month of December. On Friday, Dec. 11 and Friday, Dec. 18, zoo-goers can take advantage of $5 Fridays, when zoo admission is only $5 for visitors ages 2 and up. As always, parking is $5 per vehicle.

Things move a little slower at the zoo during the winter months, but that doesn't mean visitors won't see plenty of animals. Many of the zoo's animals enjoy the brisk weather and are more active and playful in the cooler months. Even on days when it's too chilly for some animals to be outdoors, like elephants, gorillas, and reptiles, visitors can still see them in their indoor viewing areas.
 
"The zoo in the winter is probably one of Knoxville's best kept secrets," says Jim Vlna, executive director of Knoxville Zoo. "Since we have fewer visitors this time of year, it's like having some exhibits all to yourself. And Wee Play Zoo is an extremely popular indoor exhibit this time of year, since it's a place you can come and play regardless of the weather. We thought $5 Fridays might offer visitors a welcome break from the hectic schedules the holidays often bring. Plus, it makes for a fun outing if you have guests in town." 

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 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed tothe highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, the zoo is open everyday from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3:00 p.m. For more information, please call 865-637-5331ext. 300 or visit www.knoxville-zoo.org