If you’re looking for a different way to celebrate this season, winter offers an exceptional experience at Nashville Zoo. Picture long quiet walks along wooded pathways and special glimpses at animals generally more active in the cooler environment. Many of the Zoo’s animals have adapted to the Middle Tennessee climate and can be seen throughout the day. See below for general temperature guidelines to help you plan your visit!
Check the weather before you go. Our animal care team will make daily decisions on some species depending on temperature and other factors. If you’re hoping to see a particular animal during your visit, we recommend contacting us in advance to see if it will be available for viewing.
Restaurants & Concessions:
Quills Café & Grill, Coffee & Cones and SnakeBites are open year-round. Other outdoor concessions are more likely to open on warmer, sunnier days when temperatures exceed 50 degrees. Screaming Gibbon Pizza Kitchen will be open Friday through Sunday during winter hours.
Rides:
Nashville Zoo will make daily decisions about operating the Wild Animal Carousel, Soaring Eagle zip line and Wilderness Express train. Weather permitting, all rides open at 10 a.m. Rides will not operate if the temperature is below 42 degrees. You can ask about ride availability by calling the Zoo or asking a guest services attendant at the ticket counter.
Temperature Guidelines:
Below 65°F
During winter hours, Komodo dragons will be visible in the indoor, climate-controlled portion of their habitat. On warm and sunny days our Komodo dragons might make an occasional appearance in their outside habitat area.
Below 55°F
When conditions are in this temperature range, our keepers will look at other conditions. Is it sunny? Is there a cold or warm wind? How old is the animal? These conditions will determine if and how long primates, ring-tailed lemurs and tropical birds (including lorikeets) will be outside.
Below 40°F
Kangaroos, rhinos and most primates will not be on exhibit if it is 40°F or below. Wind and precipitation may cause our keepers to bring the kangaroos inside before the temperature drops to 40°F, and allow the babirusa to have access to their heated indoor area.
Below 30°F
In addition to the animals listed above, red river hogs, babirusa, Andean bears, clouded leopards and other birds may be inside or have access to their inside areas during the day.
Extreme Cold
It is also important to note that on days of extreme cold, even our most cold-tolerant species will have access to their heated indoor holdings.