Thrive's 'Yoga at the Zoo' event in Chattanooga offers laughs and support of Species Survival Plan

Thrive Yoga and Wellness is partnering with the Chattanooga Zoo to host the first Yoga at the Zoo event Saturday, Jan. 25 at 9 a.m.

Along with practicing their downward dog and cobra poses, participants will encounter living creatures as well. A few of the zoo's animal ambassadors will be on-hand to interact with yogis, said Sarah Olivo, manager of membership and stewardship at the zoo.

The class is appropriate for all levels, and parents are welcome to bring children old enough to practice.

"It's going to be just fun, easy poses - nothing too advanced - with options for modifications," said instructor Evangeline Blair.

Thrive Yoga and Wellness instructor Evangeline Blair, left, is introduced to Chattanooga Zoo animal ambassador Georgie, an African grey parrot, by zoo Educational Specialist Paige Odom. Yoga at the Zoo benefits the zoo's efforts to preserve species like Georgie's, which put on the endangered list in 2016 due to deforestation in Africa and its unfortunate popularity in the pet trade. / Staff photo by Emily Crisman

With the popularity of yoga with adorable animals, such as puppy, kitten and goat yoga, hosting a practice at the zoo seemed an ideal combination, she said.

"It's just a much more approachable, easy way to get involved in some sort of exercise," Blair said of the lighthearted environment such classes offer. "It's going to be fun and we're going to laugh and have a good time, and we're also going to get really good exercise in."

The class is donation-based, with suggested donations of $15, $20 or $25. Proceeds go toward the zoo's mission of conservation and efforts to protect endangered species.

The Chattanooga Zoo currently participates in 40 separate Species Survival Plan programs for species including jaguar, bobcat, Bali-mynah, chimpanzee, Komodo dragon, sand cat, serval, snow leopard and red panda, according to Olivo.

Thrive Yoga and Wellness instructor Evangeline Blair does a tree pose next to the jaguar exhibit at Chattanooga Zoo. Blair is leading Yoga at the Zoo, which benefits the zoo's conservation efforts of species like the highly endangered jaguars in Argentina. / Staff photo by Emily Crisman

In addition to the zoo, East Brainerd yoga studio Thrive partners with several other local organizations, such as Audubon Acres and the Chambliss Center for Children.

"We just really like being involved in the community and in spreading the message of healthy movement," said Blair.

The Chattanooga Zoo is at 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. To reserve a spot in the class, click here.

Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.

Thrive Yoga and Wellness instructor Evangeline Blair does a tree pose next to Snow the peahen at Chattanooga Zoo as two male peacocks observe while resting on tree limbs. / Staff photo by Emily Crisman