Zoo Sets Record Attendance Again in 2004

A total of 494,033 guests visited Nashville Zoo in 2004 representing an increase of 6.8% from 2003 and the highest attendance in the Zoo’s history. Zoo memberships also increased by 21% with more than 62,000 people declaring to be Friends of the Zoo.
The Zoo’s attendance increased as much as 13% annually for the past several years. The success is, in part, attributed to tremendous exhibit growth. Since 2001, the Zoo has opened seven habitats including Gibbon Islands, the meerkat habitat, and Bamboo Trail featuring six animal exhibits.
“The Zoo staff has been working extremely hard to create a world-class Zoo for Nashville and it is exciting to see the community embrace and support our accomplishments,” says Nashville Zoo President Rick Schwartz. “2005 will prove to be our most ambitious year to date with planned openings of five new exhibits starting with our new elephant habitat.” On April 9, the African Elephant Savannah will open to the public introducing guests to a 3-acre replica of African grassland including a 150,000 gallon pool, mud hole and shade trees for the Zoo’s three female elephants. The African elephant habitat is funded through the generosity of The Cal Turner Family Foundation and the Turner family.
Nashville Zoo offers many animal species found around the world. These beautiful creatures can be found in equally beautiful habitats like Gibbon Islands, The Unseen New World and Bamboo Trail as well as the Hyacinth Macaw, Meerkat and Bongo exhibits. The Zoo also offers the Grassmere Historic Farm, Critter Encounters petting area and exciting animal shows and programs.

Nashville Zoo is accredited by the prestigious American Zoo and Aquarium Association assuring the highest standards of animal care and husbandry. The Zoo is a non-profit organization located at 3777 Nolensville Road and is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission prices from April through October are $11 for adults, $7 for children 3 to 12, and $9.50 for seniors (65+). Admission prices from November through March are $8 for adults, $6 for children 3 to 12, $7 for seniors (65+). Nashville Zoo’s mission is “promoting environmental and species conservation through education and recreation.” For more information about Nashville Zoo, please call 833-1534 or visit their website at www.nashvillezoo.org.

Photo Copyright Jan Duke