Chattanooga Zoo: A Wild Encounter You Won’t Forget!
If you’ve ever strolled through the Chattanooga Zoo and thought, “I want to pet that!” — you’re in luck! The zoo has just rolled out an enchanting experience that lets you get up close and personal with some of its cutest residents. That’s right, my fellow animal lovers, it’s time to check “pet a red panda” off your bucket list!
Meet Avi and His Sweet Tooth!
During my visit, I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Avi, the zoo’s charming male red panda and proud dad to his son, Pilatus. Let me tell you, bonding over grapes is a surefire way to win an animal’s heart! I got to feed Avi grapes directly from my hand, and yes, I admit it — happy tears were shed as I petted his soft back. It was a magical moment!
But wait, there’s more! Avi and his pals also munched on their favorite treats like bamboo and biscuit treats while I learned all about their adorable behaviors and their natural habitats. Did you know that red pandas have a unique sweet receptor? That means they’re able to detect artificial sweeteners! It’s a pretty rare trait among animals, making them even more fascinating!
Get to Know Primrose the Porcupine
Next up was a snuggle session with the ever-so-sweet Primrose, who, according to the zoo’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Jake Cash, is often underrated. “She might be nocturnal, but don’t sleep on her!” he said. I couldn’t agree more!
Inside her cozy enclosure, Primrose indulged in some treat-time bliss with corn and apples on a skewer. Watching her eat was a delight; she has impeccable table manners, and after doing so, she cozied up on her branch for a peaceful nap. Fun fact: These porcupines can hang from their tails! Who knew?
Next Top Model: The Giant Anteater!
For those of you curious about our furry friends’ unusual features, the giant anteater’s tongue is the star of the show! I had the honor of meeting two adorable anteaters, Betsy and Pico. Their antics are hilarious, particularly their fierce competition to snag each other’s share of food. But the best part? Treating them to some delicious yogurt at the end of the encounter, which they went totally wild for! With their long, spaghetti-like 2-foot tongue (yes, you read that right), they sure know how to make an impression! And guess what? Giant anteaters don’t even have teeth! Now that’s something that’ll stick with you!
More Wild Encounters Await!
The Chattanooga Zoo offers several options for encounters, including opportunities to meet cheerful meerkats and the cool komodo dragon! Talk about a wild time! Encounters are available to book for select dates from December 22 to June 30, so mark your calendars!
Oh, and here’s an exciting tidbit: a portion of the sales from these encounters goes directly to conservation organizations that specialize in protecting the species you’re meeting. So, not only do you get to hang out with some adorable animals, but you’re also supporting a great cause!
In conclusion, if you’re searching for a unique and heartwarming experience, grab your furry friends and family and head out to the Chattanooga Zoo for your wild encounter! Trust me, you won’t regret it!
