Memphis Zoo

How do you repair a broken leg on a 300-pound tortoise? Hagrid has always enjoyed the finer things in life: mud baths, slow walks, neck scratches and—most importantly—snacks. For many years, the 300-pound, 40-year-old Aldabra giant tortoise has been a beloved ambassador for the Memphis Zoo, long before animal encounters became commonplace. So when one of his keepers noticed early one morning that something wasn’t right, the team knew he needed to be evaluated. X-rays revealed a fracture in Hagrid’s upper forelimb bone. The cause remains unknown, and he was transported across Tennessee to the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine for specialized care. What followed was an extraordinary collaboration. Memphis Zoo keepers and veterinarians joined UT zoological medicine and anesthesia specialists, an equine surgeon, residents, technicians, clinical students, and an anatomy clinical instructor. With no standard playbook for a procedure this rare, the team developed a plan tailored specifically to Hagrid—including a 3D model of his fractured bone to help prepare for surgery. Hagrid’s leg is now stabilized with two metal plates and must remain immobilized while the bone heals. His prognosis is guarded, and there are still many unknowns. What we do know is that an incredible team across Tennessee is doing everything possible to keep Hagrid comfortable and give him the best possible chance. Mud baths are on hold for now, but snacks are still very much on the menu. Please keep Hagrid, his keepers, and veterinary teams in your thoughts as he begins this long road to recovery. Tim Chamberlain #UTCVM #MemphisZoo #VeterinaryMedicine #ZoologicalMedicine #TortoiseCare https://lnkd.in/eDXWTm_v

Today, we're celebrating the incredible Memphis Zoo career of Morgan Powers. Over 55 years, Morgan did it all. He worked with and cared for hundreds of animals across many exhibits, inspired wonder in guests through his work, and brightened the day of everyone around him. Whether you knew him as the Bear Man or hung out with him and Peggy Sue at the farm, chances are you've seen Morgan making his impact at the Zoo. As this storied career comes to a close, Memphis Zoo thanks Morgan Powers for 55 years of dedication.

Mid-South restaurants and food trucks, this is your chance to be part of Zoo Rendezvous 2026! On September 11, more than 3,000 guests will gather at Memphis Zoo for our biggest fundraiser of the year. Showcase a signature dish, meet new customers, and join some of the region’s top culinary talent for one unforgettable night. Space is limited, and spots are filling quickly. Don’t miss your chance to put your food in front of one of the Mid-South’s largest event crowds. Answer the call and reserve your space today: https://lnkd.in/g7AQdAnN #memphiszoo #memphis #ZooRendezvous #restaurant #foodtruck

A bold new chapter begins today. Thanks to a historic $50 million challenge gift from Diane Smith and the Smith family, the future of the Memphis Zoo is taking shape. This challenge is more than a gift. It's an invitation for our entire community to help create a world-class home for wildlife through enhanced animal care, conservation, immersive habitats, and unforgettable guest experiences. Now it's your turn to help bring this vision to life. Join the challenge and make your gift today: https://lnkd.in/eMHCEYjs To learn more about the Smith Family Challenge to Memphis Zoo, read the full story from Daily Memphian here: https://lnkd.in/eN3xjcQw #memphiszoo #Memphis #animals

Happy World Snake Day! Last month, Memphis Zoo researchers joined partners from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service in Louisiana for another milestone in the recovery of the critically endangered Louisiana Pinesnake, the rarest snake species in North America. The team conducted a historic release at a second recovery site and launched a new radio telemetry project to monitor the snakes after their release into the wild. These efforts build on more than 20 years of conservation work led by Memphis Zoo and Director of Conservation and Research Dr. Steve Reichling to help restore this species to its native longleaf pine forests.

This year, we’re calling all heroes, villains, alter egos, and everything in between for a night of food, drinks, entertainment, and after-hours Zoo fun on Friday, September 11. Fifth Third Bank presents Zoo Rendezvous, with Associate Partner Uber Eats! Early Bird tickets are available for $175 through July 31. Starting August 1, tickets increase to $200. VIP tickets are $250 and include early admission at 5:30 p.m., a complimentary Giraffe Deck feeding, a complimentary Sea Lion show, and access to the VIP Lounge with exclusive food and music. Every ticket supports the mission of Memphis Zoo. Suit up with us for Zoo Rendezvous 2026! 💥 https://lnkd.in/e5PeJi8U #memphiszoo #memphis #ZooRendezvous #event #party

Happy 250th, America 🇺🇸 Thanks to everyone who came out and celebrated Fourth of July with us! ❤️🤍💙 #250America #memphiszoo #july4th

What wildlife is living alongside us in Memphis? The Memphis Zoo is proud to join forces with local community partners to launch a new Urban Wildlife Research Initiative that will help us better understand how wildlife and people coexist across our city. Using motion-activated cameras placed throughout Memphis, this collaborative project will provide valuable insights into the animals that call our community home while supporting conservation efforts here in Memphis and beyond. Learn more about the initiative: https://lnkd.in/ekQND_Rx Overton Park Conservancy University of Memphis Wolf River Conservancy #memphiszoo #wildlife #research #conservation #animals

Learn more about how Ndjole has adjusted and settled into the troop, with an update from Associate Curator Melissa! 🦍 Speaking of gorillas… Gorilla Golf is on August 3rd! DON’T WAIT! Early bird pricing for this event is available through the end of June. Gorilla Golf is an exclusive invitational scramble tournament at Ridgeway Country Club built for players who love a great day on the course. Visit our website to sign up, and for more information on this tournament! https://lnkd.in/ekAjmPUh

Join us in congratulating Memphis Zoo CEO Matt Thompson on being named one of Memphis Magazine’s CEOs of the Year! Check out the full article below. https://lnkd.in/eFBJ8yam Memphis Zoo is incredibly proud to be led by someone whose dedication, vision, and commitment continue to strengthen the zoo and its impact on our community. Matt’s journey with Memphis Zoo began more than 30 years ago, and throughout every chapter, his leadership has helped shape the zoo into what it is today. Congratulations, Matt, on this well-deserved recognition!