January 13, 2014 - Knoxville Zoo has a new early learning class for toddlers that's sure to keep them engaged, excited and active. "Turtle Tots" at Knoxville Zoo is a program created for two and three-year-olds that introduces them to the wondrous world of animals.

Turtle Tots is a weekly series of classes that encourages toddlers to interact with new friends, both human and animal alike. Zoo staff will introduce animal concepts through hands-on activities that include games, songs, dancing, crafts and animal visitors.

Turtle Tots classes are offered in a six-week series focusing on a highlighted topic each Thursday from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m. indoors at the Log Cabin. Each program builds on knowledge from the previous week so attending all classes in a series is recommended but not required.

The Spring Semester offers three series: Series One-Animal Magic, January 16 through February 20 Series Two-Animal Families, February 27 through April 10 Series Three-Head, Knees and Paws, April 17 through May 15

Cost is $15 per class per child. Receive a discount by purchasing a full six-week series for $75.00. (Series Three is five weeks long and priced at $65.00.) The program fee does not include admission to the zoo. If you are not a zoo member, you must purchase general admission tickets before attending the class.

Pre-registration is preferred. Walk-ins are welcome if space permits. Walk-in participants will be charged $5.00 for on-site registration. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information about Turtle Tots, visit knoxvillezoo.org. To register, contact Jessica Hurley, Turtle Tots coordinator, at 865-637-5331 or by email at [email protected].

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.