The Little Ponderosa Zoo

The Little Ponderosa Zoo

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Little Ponderosa is a nonprofit zoo and rescue facility for exotic animals. We have rescued animals from across the US and provide them forever homes.

Call ahead to reserve your birthday party or group outing today! In-Season Prices:Admission Rates are $15 adults, $10 seniors, $10 juniors,2 and under are FREE. We have group rates for 20 or more people over the age of 2 at $8 per person. Groups must be scheduled in advance. We also do field trips, educational programs, birthday parties, sleep-overs, and away events. We have zoo keeper for a day programs and animal interaction programs.

Photos from The Little Ponderosa Zoo's post 06/06/2026

Good morning from The Ponderosa!
And Charlie the camel!

Make the most out of your Saturday!
Stop by, see Charlie, hit a food truck and have a zoo day!

HOURS:
Mon-Sat 10-5
Sun 12-5
Last admission at 5:00

As always thank you for your support and God bless!

11 Must-Visit Tennessee Wildlife Rescues for Unforgettable Animal Encounters 06/05/2026

We are overjoyed to have been named the #1 Must-See Wildlife Rescue in Tennessee by Travelmag Tennessee!

Here’s a couple of things the author, Irma, had to say about us.

“Unlike many wildlife facilities that keep visitors at a distance, Little Ponderosa offers interactive opportunities that let you get closer to the animals than you’d ever expect.”

“Little Ponderosa proves that smaller rescues can make a massive impact. The facility may not have the polish of major zoos, but what it lacks in glamour, it more than makes up for in heart.“

We are grateful that others love our little place as much as we do!
Stop by and see what all the fuss is about.
We’re open, rain or shine, Monday through Saturday 10am-5pm and Sundays 12pm-5pm.

11 Must-Visit Tennessee Wildlife Rescues for Unforgettable Animal Encounters These 11 Tennessee wildlife rescues offer meaningful animal encounters, conservation stories, and unforgettable ways to support rescued animals.

Photos from The Little Ponderosa Zoo's post 06/04/2026

THIS WEEKEND

Don’t forget to stop by the zoo this Saturday, June 6th, and enjoy our first Feast with the Beasts food truck rally!
Food trucks/booths will be serving from 11AM-4PM.

We’d like to thank our vendors for supporting the zoo with their participation and the donation of a portion of their proceeds for the day.
Sissy’s Sweet Sips
Tina’s Sweet Factory
Big Daddy’s Snack Shack
865 Small Town Treats
Break Through Nutrition
Floyd’s Snack Shack

We hope to see you there!

06/03/2026

The Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue is looking to hire a new member for our team. The open position is a full-time position for an animal caretaker/zookeeper.

We are looking for someone that is hard-working and is passionate about caring for animals. We are in need of a team member that has a flexible schedule, can work in all weather conditions, is willing to work weekends, and can work partial and/or full shifts on holidays. We are hoping to find someone that is comfortable with this and is willing to go above and beyond for the animals that call Little Ponderosa home.

If you are interested in this position, you can find an employee application on our website that you can email to us at [email protected] or mail to us at 629 Granite Road, Clinton, TN 37716.

Photos from The Little Ponderosa Zoo's post 06/03/2026
05/26/2026

What's that? The Little Ponderosa Zoo is open today? From 10am-5pm?

Scale yeah!

We hope you'll stop by and allow our cold-blooded community to welcome you with some side-eye on this cloudy Tuesday.

Photos from The Little Ponderosa Zoo's post 05/25/2026

IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN!

Our jeeps of the jungle Fundraiser will return in June!
So mark your calendars,polish those 🛞, take your top off and come join us!
JUNE 20th 10am-2pm

Some frequently asked questions…

Interested in being a vendor?
CLICK THIS🔗
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/vendor-registration-23

Can you bring a cool jeep?
YES

Can you look 😎 supporting wildlife and conservation?
YES

Will people tell you how cool your jeep is?
👏 THEY ARE JEEP PEOPLE

Can you sponsor this event?
CLICK THIS 🔗
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/jeeps-of-the-jungle-sponsorship

Will there be hot dogs?
MOST LIKELY

Message us with any questions or give us a call at 865-457-5536

If you’re interested in parking your jeep in the zoo please arrive no later than 9:30 and you must leave your jeep in place until the event is over.

We look forward to seeing you!

GOD BLESS!

Photos from The Little Ponderosa Zoo's post 05/20/2026

🚨Warning🚨

If you have been contacted by [email protected] about being a vendor at out Feast with the Beasts event (or any other LPZR event), do not click any links or pay them any money as they are not affiliated with The Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue in any way.

If you would like to register as a vendor for this event, please use the correct link below.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/feast-with-the-beasts-vendor-registration

We apologize for any confusion this may have caused and you to report them if they contact you.

Photos from The Little Ponderosa Zoo's post 05/20/2026

🎭 Masquerade for Madagascar
Presented by Little Ponderosa Zoo & Rescue

Calling all Bridgerton fans! After seeing the latest season, have you ever dreamed of going to a Masquerade Ball? We may not be able to promise that you’ll meet the love of your life, but we can promise a night full of fun and dancing! Little Ponderosa is hosting its first Masquerade event, called Masquerade for Madagascar on Saturday, June 27th. This event is to help raise funds for a new ring-tailed lemur enclosure.

Did you know that a group of lemurs is called a troop? Bring your troop, dancing shoes, and mask on down to the Little Ponderosa zoo to support our local troop of ring-tailed lemurs! Can’t dance? Don’t worry about it, you’ll be in disguise. Dress in anything from black tie or formal to casual and simple. Just don’t forget your mask!

Guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring:
✨A formal masquerade atmosphere
✨Meet our beloved lemur Mango
✨Music that will make you want to MOVE IT MOVE IT
✨A unique after-hours zoo experience

All ages are welcome anytime from 4-8pm. Kids 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult in order to attend the event. The kid dance will include an age-appropriate music playlist, plus kids ONLY are allowed on the dance floor from 4-6pm. The exceptions to this are parents/chaperones of smaller kids can dance with their children. At 6:05pm, the dance floor will change to adults ONLY and will include an adult music playlist. Kids are still allowed to be at the event from 6-8pm, but cannot be on the dance floor during those times. This is to help prevent injuries or missteps while dancing. All guests are to be out of the zoo by 8:30pm.

Tickets
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/masquerade-for-madagascar

Sponsorship
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/masquerade-for-madagascar-sponsorship

Want your business to be the top-listed Government Service in Knoxville?

Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.

Location

Telephone

Website

http://littleponderosazoo.com/

Address

Knoxville, TN

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm