The Knoxville Zoo is home to an eclectic collection of animals from across the world. First and foremost, it is considered by many to be the red panda capital of the Western Hemisphere. Ninety-three cubs have been born here in 30 years. The Black Bear Falls exhibit was recently named one of the best black bear exhibits in the United States. It is home to four bears and features trees, waterfalls, and streams, as well as a viewing area that offers a peek inside the bears' dens. Also worth checking out is the reptile collection, often called one of the best in the country. There are more than 400 reptiles representing over 80 species, and the zoo is known for its great success with breeding rare and endangered species. Other exhibits worth visiting are Chimp Ridge, which houses nine chimpanzees, and the White Rhino exhibit, where 28 calves have been born since the 1970s. Also check out the zoo's resident bull African elephant, Tonka. He weighs more than 15,000 pounds and is one of only a few mature bull elephants on exhibit in the country.

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