Free Day at Knoxville Zoo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Knoxville, Tenn.—Tomorrow promises to be a beautiful day and since it also happens to be Kroger Free Day at Knoxville Zoo, it’s the perfect day to visit the zoo! Visitors to Knoxville Zoo will enjoy free admission and parking on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (Last admissions are one hour before closing at 3:30 p.m.) Kroger will be on-site all day with activities and give-aways for visitors, too; stop by the Kroger tent in the front plaza to participate.

“Kroger Free Day is wonderful way to thank the community for their support all year and to also make sure everyone has the opportunity to visit the zoo,” says Jim Vlna, the zoo’s executive director. “It also gives us the chance to help other organizations who make our community a better place to live.”

Visitors are encouraged to bring a donation for one of the partner organizations who will be on-site during Kroger Free Day. Mission of Hope, Young-Williams Animal Center, The Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley, Club Ebobo and Knoxville Zoo’s Green Team will benefit from items received on Kroger Free Day.

Mission of Hope is a volunteer organization providing assistance, aid and resources to those living in poverty-stricken
areas in rural Appalachia. They are requesting donations of non-perishable food items, new children’s toys and hygiene
items such as tooth brushes, toothpaste, dental floss, bar soap, deodorant and shampoo.

The Young-Williams Animal Center is in need of dry and canned dog, cat, puppy and kitten food. (Dry dog and cat food donations are requested in 20 pound bags or smaller.) The Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley is requesting donations of Purina brand dog, cat, puppy and kitten food. Zoo staff will be collecting school supplies for the Mbeli Bai Gorilla Study’s conservation education program, Club Ebobo, which benefits schoolchildren in Congo, Africa, and Knoxville Zoo’s Green Team will be collecting old cell phones, cell phone accessories, and used printer cartridges for recycling.

A donation is not required to attend Kroger Free Day, but it is greatly appreciated, so stop by Kroger, pick up one of the requested items and help our partner charities make a difference. Special thanks to Kroger, WIVK FM, WNOX FM, and WOKI FM for their support of the event.

Knoxville Zoo is located off exit 392 from Interstate 40 and is open every day except Christmas Day. The zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, the zoo is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Admission and ticket sales stop one hour before the zoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3 p.m. For information, please call 865.637.5331 ext. 300.