A place like no other near Memphis in Tennessee
The Memphis Zoo is a world-class zoological park located in Midtown Memphis within Overton Park, a 76-acre greenspace that has been home to the zoo since 1906. Founded with an initial investment of just $1,200 from the Memphis Park Commission, the zoo has grown into one of America’s most celebrated animal attractions, housing more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 species. Today, approximately 55 of the zoo’s 76 acres are developed with immersive exhibits and visitor amenities, drawing roughly 1.2 million guests annually.
The zoo’s early history is tied closely to Overton Park’s 1888 master plan, which officially designated land for zoological purposes. In August 1906, just months after opening, Col. Robert Galloway oversaw construction of 23 cages and concrete bear enclosures, laying the groundwork for what would become a regional landmark. Galloway Hall, the zoo’s first permanent building, was completed in 1907 and named in his honor, though it has since been replaced by newer exhibits. Throughout the early 20th century, the zoo expanded with purpose-built structures like the Carnivora Building (1909), the Elephant House (1910), and the Aquarium (1959), which remains one of the oldest continuously operated exhibits.
The zoo underwent a dramatic transformation beginning in the early 1990s, investing over $77 million in renovation and expansion. This campaign reshaped virtually every aspect of the park, replacing outdated enclosures with naturalistic habitats designed to replicate ecosystems from around the world. In 2008, TripAdvisor ranked the Memphis Zoo #1 in the United States, a distinction based entirely on visitor reviews and satisfaction. The zoo is also an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), placing it among fewer than 250 institutions worldwide that meet the organization’s rigorous standards for animal care, conservation, and education.
Among the zoo’s most celebrated exhibits is Teton Trek, which recreates a Rocky Mountain landscape inspired by Yellowstone National Park. Visitors can observe grizzly bears, elk, timber wolves, and trumpeter swans in a setting that mirrors the natural habitat of these iconic American species. The Northwest Passage exhibit delivers an immersive Arctic experience where polar bears and sea lions inhabit a specially designed cold-water environment. China showcases species native to Asian ecosystems, while Cat Country — a 3-acre open-air habitat — houses tigers, lions, fennec foxes, and meerkats in shared naturalistic spaces.
At Zambezi River Hippo Camp, guests encounter hippos and flamingos in an exhibit modeled after an African riverbank. The historic Aquarium continues to house aquatic life from both freshwater and marine environments, having first opened in 1959. The Herpetarium is home to snakes, alligators, lizards, and frogs, while Primate Canyon — a replacement for the original Monkey Island built in 1936 — provides a lush habitat for apes and monkeys. The distinctive Round Barn exhibit, acquired from the Memphis Police Department in 1923, now features exotic hoofstock and birds.
The best time to visit is during the spring and fall months when temperatures are comfortable for walking the expansive grounds. Summer visits require early arrival to catch animals at their most active, while winter offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds. The zoo’s three zones and 19 exhibits require at least half a day to fully explore, and visitors are encouraged to check the schedule for feeding times, keeper talks, and seasonal special events that add variety to repeat visits.