Know Before You Go
Hours & Directions
Dining
Policies
Accessibility
FAQ
Get Tickets
Today's Schedule
Zoo Map & App
Our Animals
In-Park Attractions
Backstage Pass
See the Calendar »
Kids' Parties
Private Rentals
Camps, Classes & Overnights
School Group Trips
ZooVentures
About Us
Zoo History
Grassmere Historic Home & Farm
HCA Healthcare Veterinary Center
Future Plans
Nashville Zoo is committed to saving species and protecting habitats near and far.
All Conservation Work
Fund Conservation
Support Operations
Donor Society
Planned Giving
Corporate Sponsors
More Ways To Give
Jobs & Internships
Volunteer Opportunities
Nashville Zoo is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Your donations and visits support our mission to inspire a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation and leadership.
Besides roaming our trails, grabbing a bite to eat, visiting our veterinary center, taking a spin on the carousel, feeding the lorikeets, and petting the goats - we have a variety of keeper talks and animal feedings scheduled weekly.
Here you will find our daily schedule of activities. Scheduled events and activities are subject to change, so please be sure to check the schedules prior to your visit.
Andean bears, sometimes known as spectacled bears, can be recognized by the rings of lightly-colored fur around their eyes and are the only bears native to South America. They are considered to be the most herbivorous of all bear species, as well as the most arboreal, searching for food in trees and building leafy platforms to feed and sleep on. These bears play an important role in forest ecology because of their diet: as they travel, they disperse seeds in their droppings, maintaining the presence of fruit trees in the forest. You can see our Andean bears in Expedition Peru: Trek of the Andean Bear.