In 2016, Zoo Knoxville began a visionary and ambitious fundraising effort to facilitate its future. Today, the Dream Wilder Capital Campaign reflects an astounding collaboration between public and private funding sources, with gifts totaling over $37 million to date.
Dream Wilder has enabled the zoo to create closer connections between humans and animals, and bring transformational experiences to children of all ages. It will nurture memories and grow our community’s appreciation for wildlife. And, it will highlight the zoo’s conservation work that’s at the forefront of saving critically endangered turtles and tortoises both globally, and here in East Tennessee.
With your support, Zoo Knoxville will continue its legacy of firsts and bests – inspiring and delighting guests, while helping to save endangered species from extinction and making a significant impact on our community.
Zoo Knoxville is THE destination for fun, learning and memories that last a lifetime.
The first phase of the Dream Wilder campaign was achieved because of the generosity of the Boyd Family. Boyd Family Asian Trek opened in spring 2018. With elements of adventure for guests and animal residents alike, this habitat bridges the gap between curiosity and conservation. Guests enter into the wild, surrounded by endangered tigers, primates and cranes in this mysterious and surprising experience. Each of these animals is in need of our conservation help and is part of a larger Species Survival Plan that coordinates breeding for endangered species nationwide. Bringing this experience into reality also means that Zoo Knoxville will make a positive and lasting contribution to the survival and vitality of these threatened species for generations to come.
The 2.5 acre Clayton Family Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) Campus, including the 12,000 square foot, state-of-the-art FirstBank ARC Center, is the second major project in the zoo’s Dream Wilder Capital Campaign. It is the largest and one of the most important projects in Zoo Knoxville’s history.
We invite you to be a part of this journey and Dream Wilder with us. Your donation directly supports the Dream Wilder campaign.