Nashville Zoo strives to create a safe and enjoyable experience for all of our guests as well as our animals, so we ask that you respect the following rules and regulations:
No Smoking
For the health of our guests, staff and animals, Nashville Zoo is a smoke-free environment. Visitors are required to extinguish all smoking materials, including e-cigarettes, before entering Zoo grounds.
No Pets
Pets present health, safety and quarantine issues and are not allowed on Zoo grounds, including the parking lot and inside parked cars. The Grassmere Animal Hospital (615-832-6535) is a few blocks south of Nashville Zoo and offers kenneling during your visit. Trained service dogs are permitted. For more information about service dogs, please see our Accessibility page.
Children Must Be Accompanied
Guests ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult (18+).
Do Not Feed the Animals
All Zoo animals are on a carefully structured diet. Introducing outside food can cause illness to the animal.
Respect the Animals
Do not make loud sounds, bang on windows, throw objects into exhibits, harass or tease the animals. Anyone found doing any of the above will be asked to leave the Zoo.
Stay on Paved, Public Pathways
Rails, moats, rocks, fencing and other barriers between you and the animals are there to protect both you and the animals from harm. Please do not lift children over rails, let them play on rocks, rest them on railings or stick fingers or arms through fences. Do not enter non-public areas.
Walk, Don't Ride
Bicycles & Tricycles (or anything with pedals used for propulsion), skates (in-line, in shoes, under boards or otherwise), and motorized vehicles (unless recognized as an accepted ADA vehicle) are not permitted. You are welcome to bring your own wheelchair, stroller or wagon.
Quiet, Please
Nashville Zoo is a peaceful place. Please refrain from using loud radios or making loud noises.
No Glass, Disposable Straws and Lids or Balloons
You are welcome to bring a cooler, but please omit the above items that are hazardous to animals. Please help keep our Zoo beautiful by placing trash and recyclables in designated receptacles.
No Alcohol
Guests appearing to be under the influence of alcohol will be asked to leave the premises.
No Weapons
Firearms and other weapons are not permitted. Off-duty police carrying a weapon must notify Guest Services upon entering the Zoo.
No Drones
To ensure the safety of our animals and enjoyment of all guests, Nashville Zoo prohibits the operation or use of any unmanned aerial vehicle on, from or above the Zoo's property without written consent from the Zoo. This includes all UAVs, also commonly known as “drones,” regardless of their size, weight or purpose.
Shirt and Shoes Required At All Times
Nashville Zoo is a family environment. Please exercise decorum while visiting.
Do Not Damage Vegetation
The Zoo's landscape is here for everyone to enjoy. Please do not pick or damage bamboo, flowers, leaves or other plant materials.
Please Note:
Nashville Zoo reserves the right to refuse or revoke admission to anyone who engages in or appears to be engaging in inappropriate or offensive conduct, as determined by Zoo staff. The Zoo is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged articles and is not required to issue refunds or exchanges for inclement weather. All guests entering Nashville Zoo grounds grant permission to Nashville Zoo to utilize his/her image or any recordings for any purpose without payment.
Thank you for your cooperation, and we hope you enjoy your visit to Nashville Zoo! For comments and questions, please call 615-833-1534 or email pr@nashvillezoo.org.
Revised 6/1/2017