30 replies to this topic

[DaltonGA]

Leonard23, on Jun 29 2006, 01:51 PM, said:

Since I'm not a resident of Tennessee I may not know the whole story, but from what I know it had something to the merger of the Grassmere foundation with the original Nashville Zoo society.  Also from what I know they wanted the zoo closer to Nashville's DT but with space to grow.

The only zoo I've visited I would rate ahead of Memphis is the San Diego Zoo. The Knoxville Zoo is nice and has a lot going for due to the oversight from the University of Tennessee. Warner Park Zoo is the Chattanooga zoo and it is very small and primitive by today's standards, but has really improved since it almost closed in the late-70's/early-80's era. I haven't been to the Nashville Zoo, since it is recent I assume its facilities are good but has a long way to grow to meet the standards of the Memphis Zoo.

[frankliner]

The Nashville zoo actually has one of the top breeding programs in the nation. This is because there are actually 2 Nashville zoos. The old Grassmere zoo that was located out of town was kept solely as a breeding location for the animals and this has yielded pretty impressive results. I remember reading a few years back that they were one of the few zoos in the world to get some type of tigers to breed.

That being said, Memphis certainly has a more developed exhibition area. However, considering that Nashville still has not built out much of it's exhibition zoo and has 2 large locations for the animals, I have to give it my vote. Potential matters  

[Clobber]

frankliner, on Aug 18 2006, 02:48 AM, said:

The Nashville zoo actually has one of the top breeding programs in the nation. This is because there are actually 2 Nashville zoos. The old Grassmere zoo that was located out of town was kept solely as a breeding location for the animals and this has yielded pretty impressive results. I remember reading a few years back that they were one of the few zoos in the world to get some type of tigers to breed.

That being said, Memphis certainly has a more developed exhibition area. However, considering that Nashville still has not built out much of it's exhibition zoo and has 2 large locations for the animals, I have to give it my vote. Potential matters  

See THAT's what I tried telling my school back in the day.  But they still wouldn't make me valedictorian.  

Just kidding.  But I think there is a difference between achievement and potential.  Memphis hasn't just developed more, they've put it on a very, very high level.  I don't doubt Nashville's potential in the least.  But there are a few world class zoos with less acreage than even Memphis.  So size isn't everything . . .

[memville]

Can you even compare the memphis zoo to the rest of the TN zoo's?

[AmandaHugginkiss]

Justiceham, on May 9 2006, 10:53 PM, said:

The Murfreesboro Zoo. I vote it the best zoo in Tennessee. Sike! It's a nice concept, though. I do admire the Discovery Center at Murfree Springs. There is a nice wetlands area with cool wildlife and you may sit and watch all day for free.

Where is Discovery Center located? I wouldn't mind going before classes begin.

Pertaining to the topic, Memphis Zoo is quite remarkable. I went on Tuesday since it was free and man that place was packed. I had to go twice and that gorilla was literally sitting in the same spot with her arms folded.. priceless..

[mandrws1]

I've been to a number of other zoos and the Memphis Zoo is one of the best in the country!  I've never been to Nashville's zoo, but from looking at it on the website it doesn't look too bad.  It still has a very long way to get to where the Memphis zoo is though.

[Justiceham]

AmandaHugginkiss, on Aug 19 2006, 05:53 PM, said:

Where is Discovery Center located? I wouldn't mind going before classes begin.

Pertaining to the topic, Memphis Zoo is quite remarkable. I went on Tuesday since it was free and man that place was packed. I had to go twice and that gorilla was literally sitting in the same spot with her arms folded.. priceless..

It's located at the Maney Avenue/Broad Street intersection, or next to BBC Motors. The actual museum is kid-themed, but the wetlands walkway is worth the visit. The landscaping is superb.

[tennreb]

A long time ago Nashville tried to get the state to build them a zoo as a state zoo.  The Memphis Zoo protested.  I guess they won.

[Clobber]

tennreb, on Sep 14 2006, 07:15 PM, said:

A long time ago Nashville tried to get the state to build them a zoo as a state zoo.  The Memphis Zoo protested.  I guess they won.

Hopefully such preferential treatment will never occur (again).

[nashvillwill]

Zoo, definately Memphis. But don't forget about one of the other great wildlife viewing attractions in the state....The Chattanooga Aquarium. It is a truly wonderful sight. I'm afraid that the new Atlanta Aquarium will overshadow it, but let's hope not.

Edited by nashvillwill, 24 March 2007 - 12:13 AM.

[East Side Urbanite]

Friends,

As a bit of a "zoo enthusiast," I've visited about 25 U.S. zoos (maybe 30) and the Toronto Zoo. I was born in Memphis and have been to the Memphis Zoo at least 15 times over the years (I'm 45). Have been to Knoxville Zoo once (I was very impressed) and the Warner Park Zoo in Chattanooga twice (the first time was depressing; the second time I was VERY pleased at the improvement. I've visited the Nashville Zoo (at its present location) about 20 times.

Here's my take:

1. Memphis. Hands down the best zoo in the state. Wonderful setting along North Parkway and in Overton Park. Very small and loaded with interested exhibits. Has most of the "big-ticket" animals. Great vibe. Near some nice residential streets, which would allow some folks to walk to the zoo. Reminds me in some respects of the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. Could be one of the 20 best zoos in the nation.

2. Knoxville. A VERY underrated zoo. One of the better in the Southeast. Some sections and specific exhibits are big league. Strong overall animal collection and a respected history of leadership and public support (from what I know). However, I'm not a fan of this zoo's general location and the surrounding area.

3. Nashville. Strong potential for growth (lots of unused acreage) and a visionary leader in Richard Schwartz. The entrance is fabulous with lush bamboo, greenery, mccaws, gibbons and playground. Located in South Nashville -- home to the city's international community -- means the diversity of visitors is always strong. Every visit is like a walk around the world. But NOT in a pedestrian-friendly area, which hurts the charm of the overall setting.

4. Chattanooga Zoo. A great example of a quality small zoo. Better collection of animals than you might anticipate. Not far from downtown and in a fairly "old school" urban area, which I like.  If the Warner Park area redevelops over the next 15-30 years with good building and people density, this could be a cool urban zoo.

ESU/WW