Visitors to Knoxville Zoo will enjoy free admission and parking during the zoo's annual Kroger Free Weekend this Saturday, Nov. 9, and Sunday, Nov. 10, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (Last admissions are one hour before closing at 3:30 p.m.)

Knoxville Zoo hosts Kroger Free Weekend to give everyone the opportunity to visit the zoo, say thanks for the community support the zoo receives throughout the year and help other local non-profit organizations. Although a donation is not required for free admission to Knoxville Zoo, Free Weekend visitors are encouraged to bring donated items to help Mission of Hope, the Blount County Humane Society and PAWS of Knoxville.

Mission of Hope is a volunteer organization providing assistance, aid and resources to those living in poverty-stricken areas in rural Appalachia. In order to help meet the increased demand of the holiday season, they are requesting donations of non-perishable food items, new children's toys and hygiene items such as tooth brushes, toothpaste, dental floss, bar soap, deodorant and shampoo.

The Blount County Humane Society shelters homeless and abused animals and places puppies, kittens, dogs and cats in loving, responsible homes. They are requesting donations of dog, cat, puppy and kitten food.

PAWS of Knoxville is a program of the Knoxville Knox County Office on Aging that places adoptable senior pets with senior citizens. They are in need of wet and dry dog and cat food, flea and tick preventative and cat and dog toys.

Special thanks to Kroger, WIVK FM and News Talk 98.7 FM for their generous support of the event.

Knoxville Zoo is Knoxville's largest year-round attraction. Located off exit 392 from Interstate 40, the zoo is open every day except Christmas Day. Knoxville Zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, the zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3 p.m. For more information, please call 865-637-5331 ext. 300 or visit www.knoxvillezoo.org.