Overview
First, let's start with Chattanooga, one of the Richardson Tribe's favorite destinations. There are so many places to go and things to do in and around Chattanooga, a family could easily base their entire vacation on the city. With that said, read-on to learn more about the awesome little zoo in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The Chattanooga Zoo is located in Warner Park at the intersection of McCallie Avenue and Holtzclaw Avenue. The zoo celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2012, and many changes have occurred at the zoo throughout its long history. What began as a single cage with two monkeys has evolved into a very nice little zoo. If you are expecting the San Diego Zoo, you might be disappointed, but think in perspective, and you'll be impressed. Chattanooga is a relatively small city, and hasn't the tourism income of some larger cities. The funds just aren't available for a massive zoo. But, it is a fine little zoo. In some ways, it's better than its larger counterparts. The facility is rarely crowded, and the exhibits bring  animals up close to visitors.

The zoo is currently being updated with new building, habitats, and animals. When completed, over 12 million dollars will have been spent on the additions and renovations. It's an exciting time at the Chattanooga Zoo.

As of January 1, 2012, the zoo consists of five themed zones housing the following animals:

It's been a few years since we last visited the Chattanooga Zoo. In fact, the last time we came to the park was in 2007 on our very first camping trip in our old motorhome (Homer I). We really liked the zoo back then, but its location and entry left a lot to be desired.
Now, fast forward almost five years...

When we arrived at the zoo on this visit, we were pleasantly surprised to see a beautiful new entrance and gift shop. Apparently, the Chattanooga community is investing a lot of money into make their zoo a top-notch facility, and they spared no dime on work completed thus far. Even in Winter, it's obvious the landscaping is beautiful. A family of sculptured bronze chimpanzees welcomed us as we passed through the front gate.

Once in the park things began to look more familiar. It's a relatively small zoo, but there is a wide variety of animals on display. The kids were immediately drawn to the large chimpanzee exhibit in the center of the zoo. The chimps have a large outside area which resembles a jungle with vines draped around for play. Only glass separates visitors from the chimpanzees, and the animals seem to like the attention. They will come up to the glass and make gestures at the strange humans on the other side of the glass.

As we wandered through the zoo, the children were constantly entertained by the animals. We really love goats and other domestic livestock, so the "Warner Park Ranch" part of the zoo was especially popular for us. We also enjoyed the red pandas, parrots, snow leopards, and various monkeys. There is something really special about seeing these animals up close.

As a part of the park's renovation, they will be updating many of the habitats as well as adding a whole new section. We are excited at the prospect of having such a nice zoo in Chattanooga, and can't wait for the changes to take place. If you are interested in visiting, don't wait for the changes. The zoo needs support now, and you will not be disappointed.

For more information about the Chattanooga Zoo including dozens of pictures, click here.

Our little "monkey" John Micah poses with a wooden chimp at the chimpanzee habitat house.

Adventure Journal
Entry Date: March 2007
After a PB&J Adventure weekend camping at  Cloudland Canyon State Park, we headed North along Lookout Mountain to Choo Choo town and the Chattanooga Zoo. It had been a while since we visited that particular zoo. It was fairly close by, and the twins had never been, so we thought it'd be a good idea. Turns out, they've done quite a bit of work and gotten some new animals. It's not Zoo Atlanta, but it's pretty cool because it has different animals. Our Zoo Atlanta membership got us a 50% discount, so that made me like it even better.  On the ride home, we all discussed our favorite zoo animals as we ate ice cream sandwiches.  Everyone had a little different opinion about the animals, but everyone seemed to enjoy the trip.

 

Other Destinations
Up
Amicalola Falls State Park
Beaches of South Walton.
Berry College
Big Kahunas
Biltmore House
Blairsville, Georgia
Callaway Gardens
Cataloochee Ski Area
Cave Spring
Cedar Creek Park
Charlestown State Park
Chattahoochee Bend State Park
Chattanooga Zoo
Chehaw Park
Cherry Hill Park
Chester Frost Park
Chieftains Museum
Choccolocco Mountain Off Road Park
Cloudland Canyon
Cloudmont Ski and Golf
Consolidated Gold Mine
Cohutta Wilderness
Cumberland Island
Dauset Trails
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
Desoto State Park
Doll Mountain Campground
Dollywood
Dunnaway Gap
Enota Mountain Retreat
Etowah Indian Mounds
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Florala State Park
Franklin D Roosevelt State Park
Fort Mountain State Park
Georgia Mountain Fairground
Georgia Veterans State Park
Gold n Gem Grubbin'
Helen Georgia
Hillcrest Orchards
James H Floyd State park
James Island Park
Jellystone Park- Cave City, KY
John Tanner Park
Lake Allatoona
Lake Sidney Lanier
Lake Winnepesaukah
Little River Canyon Center
Live Oak Landing
Lula Lake Land Trust
Mammoth Cave National Park
McIntosh Reserve
McKinney Campground
Moto Mountain Powersports
New Echota - Cherokee Capitol
Noccalula Falls Park details and pictures
Old Stone Fort Archaeology State Park
Pine Moutain RV
Red Top Mountain State Park
Ridge Ferry Park
Rocky Mountain Recreation Area
Rock Town - Pigeon Mountain
Rome GA
Salt Springs Recreation Area
Silver Springs
Stone Mountain Park
Tanglewood Farm
Tannehill State Park
Tellus Science Museum
The Southern Museum
Topsail Hill Preserve
Townsend KOA
Townsend Tennessee
Twinbrook Resort
Up The Creek RV Camp - Park Details - Pictures
US Space and Rocket Center - Details and Pictures
Vogel State Park
Wild Animal Safari
World of Coke
Zoo Atlanta - Details and Pictures

December 2011

 

March 2007