Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo: Highlighting rare species near extinction
Prepare to “ooh” and “ahh” upon arrival at the Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo in Sevierville, Tenn. Located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, the zoo offers such a fun experience, you’ll forget it’s educational, too.
Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo has been themed by one of the nation’s finest zoological contractors, whose work includes the Animal Kingdom at Disney World. The zoo features more than 600 live animals, representing more than 130 species. The creatures that typically call the rainforests of the world home can be viewed at the zoo, making this a learning experience for not only the kids, but parents, too.
The zoo’s officials primarily work to bring animals likely to be seen on the Animal Planet and Discovery Channel for visitors to see. The majority of the animals located on the premises have been born or hatched in captivity. Other animals are on loan at zoos across the country for education reasons.
One of the latest exhibits at the zoo, the Aussie Walkabout, features all your favorite Australian furry friends, including kangaroos and wallabies. The 17,000-sq. ft. exhibition also contains a walk-through bird aviary in addition to an authentic Outback sheep station, colorful parrots and cockatoos.
Speaking of birds, Rainforest Adventures serves as home to a variety of tropical and temperate birds. Many species of birds are affected by loss of habitat, are hunted for human consumption and other extreme pressures that result in near extinction. At the zoo, see some of these birds that face extinction, including the Moluccan cockatoo, Congo African grey parrot and Gouldian finches among others.
HelloMetro Tip: The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and closed on Christmas Day. General admission is $11.99 for adults, $9.99 for seniors and $6.99 for children ages three-12 years old. Children two years old and younger are admitted free.
Posted by Leah M. Caudle
