Zoo Knoxville flipped the switch to illuminate the zoo’s new 24-foot-tall, 74-foot-long gateway sign at the intersection of Rutledge Pike and Knoxville Zoo Drive on Thursday, July 20.

Zoo Knoxville welcomes nearly 500,000 visitors each year and 58% of those guests are tourists.  The iconic sculptural installation clearly announces that zoo visitors have arrived at their destination, providing helpful way-finding assistance for those not familiar with the area.    

The gateway sign was made possible by a gift from Knox County in support of the significant economic impact Zoo Knoxville has on the local economy.  In 2016, the zoo’s record-breaking attendance for the second consecutive year brought 276,555 tourists to Knoxville, who had an economic impact of $34 million on the local economy.    

“Zoo Knoxville’s new gateway sign is a landmark and will serve as a beacon to invite more tourists to visit,” says Zoo Knoxville President and CEO Lisa New.  “Our out-of-town visitors make it possible to build a dynamic zoo and enrich the cultural vitality of our local community.”