Knoxville Zoo becomes the coolest place in Knoxville to visit during Penguin Discount Days! Beginning Dec. 1, 2009 and continuing through Feb. 28, 2010, admission to Knoxville Zoo is half-off.

Don't worry, black tie isn't required; just put on a warm jacket, a pair of mittens, and come see why winter is a great time to visit the zoo. Many of the zoo's animals enjoy the crisp weather and are more active on cooler days. The zoo's favorite indoor exhibit, Wee Play Zoo, is a cozy place to stop and play if you do happen to get a little chilly. And on days when the temperature drops below 40 degrees, some animals will be moved to their indoor enclosures, but even on the coldest days of the year visitors can still see elephants, gorillas, penguins, reptiles, and bears in their indoor viewing areas.

Half-price admission tickets can be purchased at the zoo ticket office during regular zoo hours. Tickets can also be purchased at all Knoxville area Kroger stores. Half-price adult tickets are $8.50, tickets for children between the ages of 2-12 are $6.50, and children under 2 are free. Parking is $5 per vehicle. Discounted admission tickets must be used by Feb. 28, 2010, and cannot be combined with any other promotion, discount, or coupon.

Knoxville Zoo is located off exit 392 from Interstate 40 and is open every day except Christmas Day.The zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed tothe highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, thezoo is open everyday from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before thezoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3:00 p.m. For more information, please call 865-637-5331ext. 300 or visit www.knoxville-zoo.org