Visitor Information

Nashville Zoo Master Plan

In 1996, with the help of then Mayor Phil Bredesen and the Nashville Metro Council, Nashville Zoo was offered a chance to move from a 100-acre site in Cheatham County (northwest of Nashville) to a 200-acre site called Grassmere just six miles south of downtown Nashville.

The Master Plan for the new zoo is a great vision of the potential for Nashville's future. As with so many of the projects underway in our community today, the Zoo's goals are to serve our children and families while also drawing visitors to the city. Of course, Nashville Zoo hopes to do this in its own unique way while also providing the highest quality of care for our animals and contributing to the support of endangered species worldwide.

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The Nashville Zoo Master Plan

What Has Already Been Accomplished?

Through the generous support of many individuals, corporations and foundations, great strides have been made in developing the now 183-acre Grassmere property. World-class exhibits make Nashville Zoo a favorite destination for thousands of people every month.

In addition to these exhibits, Nashville Zoo added a new entry bridge that guides our guests to our new Entry Village complete with restrooms, our Zoofari Cafe, Zoofari Market, Zoofari Outpost, and Shamba Market.

What's Next?

Nashville Zoo's Master Plan will expand the park into the remaining acreage of Grassmere. When complete, Nashville Zoo will be one of the largest Zoos in the country. Future exhibits will be designed and built to immerse our guests into the many environments of our world. Visitors to Nashville Zoo will wander into regions designed to reflect the plains of Africa, the rain forest of south America and the exotic landscape of Asia as well as other intriguing destinations.

Building a world-class Zoo for Nashville depends heavily on support from many local and regional organizations as well as support from the city of Nashville. The most exciting part of the Master Plan is that you can make it happen!

What Can You Do?

Your support will help the Zoo grow, and there are several ways you can get involved:

  • Visit Us - We are open every day except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Come and see the changes taking place. For price and times, visit our Information page.
  • Become a Member - The benefits of being a member of Nashville Zoo are numerous. Free admission, free parking, discounts at the Zoofari Cafe, Zoofari Market, Zoofari Outpost and Shamba Market as well as discounts on many educational programs and activities are just a few of the reasons to join. Please visit our Membership page for more information.
  • Adopt an Animal - Make a pledge to support the feeding and care of some of our residents. In return, you will receive a certificate, some information about the animal you are adopting and other interesting items. Please visit our Adopt-an-Animal page for more information.
  • Volunteer - Many of our events could not happen without the support of hundreds of volunteers. Get involved by visiting our Volunteer page.
  • Contact Your Local Council Member - The growth and development of Nashville Zoo will depend heavily on financial support from the city of Nashville. The benefits of a world-class zoo embraces people from all walks of life, age and race. Please let your elected representatives know that you support your zoo.

If you would like to know more about our Master Plan and ways you can help us achieve our goal to build a world-class zoo for Nashville, please contact us at development@nashvillezoo.org.