Zoo Knoxville is offering free admission to residents of North and South Carolina who have evacuated their homes due to the threat of Hurricane Florence.

“The uncertainty and disruption that our neighbors in North and South Carolina are dealing with as they take shelter from this storm is unimaginable,” said President and CEO Lisa New.  “We hope to be a place that can offer them a bit of relief for a few hours  .”

Free admission is being offered to residents of North and South Carolina that are under evacuation.  Evacuees are asked to provide a valid, state-issued ID from North Carolina or South Carolina at the zoo’s ticket window.

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.