The Chattanooga Zoo’s summer wild encounters

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This summer, the Chattanooga Zoo is packed with new adventures and exciting experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

The zoo is offering a multitude of activities, giving guests the chance to not just see animals, but interact with them up close.

Families can join in an Ice Cream Safari, enroll their kids in the Zoo Summer Camp as junior zookeepers, or take part in a Wild Encounter — an opportunity to meet favorite zoo animals face-to-face.

Jake Cash, the Chattanooga Zoo’s Director of Communications, expressed the zoo’s mission:

“Letting people experience these animals up close, firsthand, and develop a love for nature and for wildlife. So we believe that’s a huge asset to the community, and we definitely appreciate everyone who comes out, loves our animals with us, and enjoys the zoo.”

Cash’s words explained how these experiences aren’t just for entertainment — they are about building a lasting connection with nature and wildlife.

Hands-on experiences like Wild Encounters let guests meet animals up close.

One guest admired watching an anteater being fed while an expert elaborated on the animal’s fascinating features:

“She sticks her nose through the wire? Yeah, you stick it through and she’ll eat…”

Betsy the anteater’s long nose amazed visitors as she quickly gobbled up her food.

From feeding an anteater to getting licked by a giraffe, each Wild Encounter is designed to be interactive, educational, and sometimes a little messy.

Meeting and feeding Porter the Giraffe was a highlight for many.

Seeing such majestic creatures up close gave visitors a chance to form a personal connection.

Bryce Massey, a local community member, shared his excitement:

“It’s super, duper cool because no chance ever would you be able to [come] this close to these wild animals and really interact with them. So it was such a great experience getting to experience these different types of activities.”

Every encounter is led by an expert staff member, ensuring both the animals and visitors have a positive — or, as they like to call it, pawsitive — experience.

Sometimes, even the animals get so comfortable they do a little happy dance!

Samuel Simcox, another guest, encouraged others to take part:“I think you should visit the zoo because it’s a great place, and it’s fun for your kids and family — it’s a great adventure, ya know?”

With a wide variety of animals ready to meet visitors face-to-face and nose-to-nose, the Chattanooga Zoo promises a summer full of wild memories and unforgettable moments.

Click here to schedule a wild encounter with your favorite zoo animal.