Knoxville Zoo honors service men and women on Independence Day weekend by inviting them to enjoy free admission to the zoo during the Salute to Service Weekend on Saturday, July 2, Sunday, July 3 and Monday, July 4.

Active service personnel eligible for free admission includes active duty military and members of the National Guard, as well as police, fire, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. Military and civilian service veterans will receive free admission as well. Free admission is for active service personnel and veterans only, and valid identification conveying their status as an active military or service member or veteran will be required for entry.

"Salute to Service Weekend is the zoo's way of showing our military and service members, as well as our veterans, how much we appreciate them. We're glad to have the opportunity to do something that says thanks for all they do for our community and our country," says Jim Vlna, executive director of Knoxville Zoo.

Knoxville Zoo is Knoxville's largest year-round attraction. Located off exit 392A 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 Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. Nextday admission is free after 3 p.m. For more information, please call 865-637-5331 ext. 300 or visit www.knoxvillezoo.org.