Bonus day
Regular prices are in effect through the end of May at Chattanooga Zoo, but Saturday, May 28, will be an even better deal. School’s Out ($) 4 Summer celebrates the end of the school year with $4 admission all day for children and adults (children 2 and younger get in free). The zoo is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
Starting Wednesday, June 1, visitors to Chattanooga Zoo can expect to pay a little extra at the admission gate: more moolah for the monkeys, more smackers for the serval, more greenbacks for the meerkats.
In a news release, zoo officials say the increased cost of admission - $1 more per visitor - will help offset the expenses from additional exhibits, wages and animal care.
Since the last price increase in 2012, the zoo has added the Deserts & Forests of the World exhibit, renovated and expanded many existing exhibits and added more than 50 new species, including fennec fox, komodo dragon, two-toed sloth, meerkat and several venomous reptiles, according to the news release.
Acquisitions and animal births have added to the zoo's population, notably the prehensile-tailed porcupine and snow leopard cubs. Additional educational offerings and guest enhancements also are now available, including the Wild Encounter program and camel and train rides.
"Our goal is to keep zoo prices affordable and to continue to be a community resource for all," says Dardenelle Long, the zoo's CEO and president. "We always hate increases, but even with this increase, we are still the best deal in town."
The new rates put regular admission at $9.95 for adults, $6.95 for children 3-12 and $7.95 for seniors. Membership rates also will rise about 20 percent, but memberships may be renewed for the year before the rate hike takes effect next week. The zoo also has added a Grandparents Plus option to its membership levels.
The zoo will continue to honor its military and student discounts.
Chattanooga Zoo is at 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. For more information, call 423-697-1322 or visit www.chattzoo.org.