Zoo Celebrates New Expansion

While Hank the chimp reflects on turning 40 years old, zoo visitors celebrate by taking a spin on the new carousel. The endangered species carousel is part of new, more visible entrance to the Chattanooga Zoo.Zoo
Cosgrove family, "We love the zoo we've been members for about six years, the carousel is wonderful."
Darde Long, Zoo Director, "Horsing Around up in Soddy Daisy, Bud Ellis and his crew of very talented carvers produced this unbelievable carousel. 1923, all the parts are original, all of the animals are hand carved there's a 1908 Wurlitzer organ that provides the music."
Visitors say they're amazed at the new expansion.
Ferguson family, "With gas prices being what they are hopefully people will stay here and bring money back to Chattanooga."
ZooZoo visitors can access the new entrance off of Third Street. They'll find more parking, a new gift shop and enclosed concession stand. Another entrance on Holtzclaw is under construction.
But that's not all zoo director Darde Long is excited about.
Darde Long, "We have plenty of rest rooms now, everybody laughs at me but you know when you worry about your guests, you want to make sure they all have what they need and we've had two bathrooms and 172,000 guests last year."
Sponsors paid for each carousel animal and the zoo received a grant to pay for the air conditioned building.
Phone: 697-1322
www.chattanooga.gov/prac/30_zoo.htm