Zoo Knoxville is planning to celebrate the eclipse by offering $4 off general admission Saturday, August 19, through Monday, August 21, 2017.

On Monday, August 21, the zoo will be providing free viewing glasses to the first 100 guests and all visitors are invited to observe and document animal behavior during the eclipse with commemorative cards for the occasion.

How animals will behave during the eclipse is a bit of a mystery given the rarity of the event and is generating a lot of interest with zoo staff and visitors alike.  Zoo staff will be doing special eclipse programming and activities, including helping guests identify animal behavior that appears to be directly related to the eclipse, which begins at 1:04 p.m., occludes 99% of the sun at 2:34 p.m. and ends at 3:58 p.m.  

Zoo Knoxville will also have a limited number of eclipse viewing glasses for sale on Monday, August 21, for safe viewing of the event.  Guests are also invited to bring their own viewing glasses.  Discounted tickets can be purchased online at zooknoxville.org using the promo code eclipse17 at checkout, at the zoo’s ticket window or by calling (865) 637-5331 during regular zoo hours.
 
Zoo Knoxville is a nonprofit entity situated on 53 wooded acres just east of downtown Knoxville. Zoo Knoxville features exhibits of wild animals in natural habitats and is world renowned for its efforts in conservation and species survival. Zoo Knoxville 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. Knoxville’s largest attraction, the zoo is open every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  Currently, the zoo is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. For more information visit zooknoxville.org.