Chattanooga Zoo employee Kirk Parker holds Norris, a Dumeril's ground boa, at the 2012 Go Bananas Day.IF YOU GOWhat: Go Bananas for Reptiles DayWhen: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, June 15Where: Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave.Admission: $8.95 adults, $5.95 ages 3-12Phone: 423-697-1322Website: www.chattzoo.org
The Chattanooga Zoo staff is celebrating the opening of its new "Deserts and Forests of the World" exhibit on Saturday, June 15, which happens to coincide with the zoo's annual Go Bananas Day.
So both occasions are being combined into Go Bananas for Reptiles, with special events featuring primates and reptiles.
"We are thrilled about the opening of the 'Deserts and Forests of the World' exhibit," says Darde Long, zoo executive director. "This exhibit has added more than 30 new species to our collection and impacted the footprint of the zoo."
"Deserts and Forests of the World" is the new home for a number of unique and rare species, according to a news release. These include komodo dragons, Chinese alligators and a sloth. The new exhibit is also the zoo's first venture into housing venomous snakes such as vipers and rattlesnakes.
Go Bananas for Reptiles, during which the zoo's primates will be featured, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
At 2 p.m., zookeepers will introduce visitors to some favorite animals and share interesting facts about them during an hourlong show. Both events are free with regular zoo admission.