Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park is a 13-acre zoological facility located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
Updated in April 2026, this guide reflects the current daily operating schedule and the full opening of the Cape of Africa expansion, which features expanded habitats for giraffes and lions.
Quick facts
| Fact | Details |
| Opening hours | Daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| Ticket prices | Adults from $14.95, children (3-12) from $13.95 |
| Address | 301 North Holtzclaw Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404 |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Free on-site parking; CARTA Bus Route 4 |
| Typical time needed | 2 to 3 hours |
Chattanooga Zoo opening hours
Chattanooga Zoo is open daily from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. The final admission for the day is permitted at 4:30 pm, exactly 30 minutes before the zoo gates close.
Opening hours remain consistent throughout the year, including weekends. The facility is closed only on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. During specific fundraising events or educational programmes, certain sections of the zoo may close early to the general public.
5 great Chattanooga experiences to book
- 🦇 Pay a visit to the Nickajack bat cave on a guided kayaking adventure.
- 🍴 Take a Southside food tour – and get a history lesson while feasting at multiple stops.
- 🚁 See the city, river and mountains on a sights-packed helicopter ride.
- 👻 On an after-dark ghost tour, uncover murders and mysteries.
- 🌊 Tackle the whitewater on an Ocoee River rafting trip.
Chattanooga Zoo ticket prices
Ticket pricing at Chattanooga Zoo depends on where you buy the tickets and when you visit. Book online in advance on a weekday, and standard admission costs $14.95 for adults and $11.95 for children. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, that goes up to $16.95 for adults and $13.95 for children. Pay on the door, and it’s usually $3 extra.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026.
How to get to Chattanooga Zoo
The zoo is located within Warner Park, approximately two miles east of downtown Chattanooga. Visitors travelling by car can reach the entrance via East 3rd Street or McCallie Avenue.
For those using public transport, the CARTA Bus Route 4 (Belvoir) provides regular service to the zoo, with a stop located at the intersection of McCallie Avenue and Holtzclaw Avenue. The walk from the bus stop to the main entrance takes approximately five minutes.
Why book the Derailed Trolley Tour and Train Ride?
- 🚋 Guided City Trolley Tour: Board a vintage-style trolley for a narrated journey through downtown and the Southside, uncovering the fascinating history of Chattanooga’s transformation from a rail hub to a vibrant modern city.
- 🚂 Missionary Ridge Local Train: Experience a nostalgic ride on a historic locomotive operated by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, traveling along authentic tracks that have served the region for generations.
- 🧱 Pre-Civil War Tunnel Passage: Feel the history as your train passes through the Missionary Ridge Tunnel, a remarkable piece of engineering completed in 1858 that remains a centerpiece of the local rail line.
- 🔄 Historic Turntable Demonstration: Watch a live demonstration of the massive mechanical turntable used to rotate locomotives, and enjoy a guided peek into the active restoration shops where vintage railcars are brought back to life.
- 📜 The Chattanooga Choo Choo Legacy: Begin your adventure at the iconic 1909 terminal station and learn the stories behind the world-famous song and the legends of the “Scenic City” transport era.
Parking at Chattanooga Zoo
Visitors can use the dedicated, on-site parking lot located directly in front of the main entrance. Parking is free for all zoo guests and includes designated spaces for coaches and oversized vehicles.
During peak periods, such as weekends and school holidays, overflow parking is available in the surrounding Warner Park areas. These additional lots are also free of charge and are within walking distance of the zoo gates.
How long to spend at Chattanooga Zoo
A standard visit to Chattanooga Zoo requires two to three hours. This timeframe allows visitors to walk the full circuit of the 13-acre site and view the primary animal habitats.
Families participating in animal encounters, camel rides, or the zoo train should allocate an additional hour to their itinerary.
Accessibility at Chattanooga Zoo
The zoo is fully wheelchair accessible, with paved pathways connecting all major exhibits. The terrain is largely flat, and all indoor facilities, including restrooms and gift shops, meet ADA accessibility standards.
The facility is a certified sensory-inclusive site through KultureCity. Visitors can borrow sensory bags at the front gate, which include noise-cancelling headphones and fidget tools, and there are designated quiet zones located throughout the grounds.
Inside / what to see at Chattanooga Zoo
The zoo is divided into several geographic and thematic zones, housing species from across the globe. The Himalayan Passage features red pandas and snow leopards, with the red panda exhibit being one of the largest in the United States.
In the Gombe Forest, visitors can observe a troop of chimpanzees in an indoor-outdoor habitat. This area also houses other African species, including servals and various primates.
The Cape of Africa zone serves as a primary highlight, featuring a large savanna habitat for giraffes and white rhinoceroses. A dedicated viewing platform allows visitors to see these animals at eye level.
The Deserts & Forests of the Americas section houses jaguars, tamanduas, and a variety of reptiles. The zoo also features a petting area where guests can interact with domestic goats and sheep.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Advice |
| Timing | Arrive at 9:00 am to view the animals during their most active morning feeding period. |
| Crowds | Visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday to avoid the larger groups that typically attend on weekends. |
| Layout | Follow the circular path starting to the right of the entrance to ensure you see every exhibit in order. |
| Entry process | Purchase tickets online in advance to use the expedited entry line and skip the ticket window. |
| On-site logistics | Bring a refillable water bottle, as several water stations are positioned near the zoo’s café and restrooms. |
Frequently asked questions about Chattanooga Zoo
| Question | Answer |
| Is Chattanooga Zoo suitable for children? | Yes, the zoo features a miniature train, a carousel, and interactive petting zones designed for children. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Chattanooga Zoo? | It is recommended to book in advance during peak seasons, though tickets are available at the gate. |
| Is Chattanooga Zoo open on Sundays? | Yes, the zoo is open every Sunday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. |
| Are bags allowed at Chattanooga Zoo? | Yes, standard day bags and rucksacks are permitted, and storage lockers are available near the entrance. |
Things to do near Chattanooga Zoo
- Tennessee Aquarium: A large freshwater and saltwater aquarium located in downtown Chattanooga.
- Creative Discovery Museum: An interactive museum for children featuring science, art, and music exhibits.
- Hunter Museum of American Art: An art museum perched on a bluff overlooking the Tennessee River.
- Warner Park: The surrounding public park which includes a fitness centre, swimming pool, and baseball fields.
- Sculpture Fields at Montague Park: A 33-acre outdoor art park featuring over 40 large-scale sculptures.
More Chattanooga travel
Other Chattanooga travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- How to ride the incredibly steep Lookout Mountain Incline Railway in Chattanooga.
- Visiting Ruby Falls and Rock City Gardens from Chattanooga.
- What to expect at Moccasin Bend National Archaeological District in Chattanooga.
- Getting to Chattanooga: The best stops on the Nashville to Chattanooga drive.
- Road trips from Chattanooga: What to see on the Chattanooga to Sevierville drive.
