

We are pleased to announce that you can now walk the full Brights Zoo facility. Except for an occasional maintenance or safety closing, the full site is now available as a self guided walking tour.
You can download a walking tour guide map here. So now you can come and see the Giraffes and other back lot animals any time. No more need to schedule this portion of the zoo, just come by during the regular General admission hours.
General admission hours change monthly and are weather dependent so we encourage you to check the HOURS tab here on this site and our Facebook page at www.facebook/BrightsZoo for any weather closings before you head out to the zoo. Rain and unhealthy temperatures below 50 or excessive heat force us to send the resident animals into the safety of shelter.
Does this mean that we can no longer book a scheduled Guided Tour?
Of course not! We are now offering a larger choice of options for your visit. Brights Zoo will continue to offer the same guided experience that has set up apart from all other zoos. If it’s an educational, closer access, guided tour that you are seeking, our signature GUIDED TOURS are still available. Call us today for a booking. Private tours are not scheduled on Sundays.
Look for our Animal Encounter experiences, now scheduled twice daily in the mornings and late evenings.
Welcome to the all new Brights Zoo. Come play with us.
Thank you for planning your visit to Brights Zoo. We want your visit to be a top notch experience. Take a moment and review this section to pre-plan your visit, so you take full advantage of all we have to offer.
In the section under "Plan your visit", we cover the most requested information. Be sure to visit each tab and page.
The 2013 Season begins April 1st and ends December 31st
Inclement weather or cold temperatures may prevent some animals from being available.
Hours change without notice, make sure you check back often for updated information.
Weather, temperatures may extend or reduce hours on a daily/weekly basis.
(Ticket sales close at 4pm)
Lorikeet feedings are offered twice a day during the week and 3 times a day during the weekend. Ask about feeding schedule. Feeding are offered on a first come first served basis up to the daily maximum visitor count.
Note: Brights Zoo reserves the right to combine guided tours as needed, depending on available staff. When two or more groups are combined, the tour price will reflect the total number of visitors in the group. If you do not want your tour combined with another, please indicate this choice when reserving the tour, so we can determine if enough guides will be available to cover each tour.
Beginning in 2013, Brights Zoo now offers self-guided tours. We have opened up a large portion of the zoo to allow guests to go through the zoo on their own.
Self-guided Prices and Hours are as follows:
Adults $19.95
Children $15.95
Seniors $17.95
Military w/ ID $15.95
Nectar for feeding lorikeets - $3 per cup
Season passes go on sale March 15th and is valid for an entire season. With a season pass, you receive unlimited admission to the self-guided area of the zoo.
A season pass for a family of four is $160. (Add additional children for $35 per child)
The price for a season pass for a couple is $95.
The price for a season pass for a single individual is $65.95
Please keep in mind:
Season passes are good from April 1st to Dec 31st of each season.
Season Pass Benefits:
• Unlimited general admission zoo visits for the entire season for the guests named on the card.
• 10% discount for special events
• 10% discount on private parties
• 10% discount for Private Safaris
• $1.00 off nectar for feeding the lorikeets.
• Replacement pass cost $5.00 apiece.
Up to 4 people $160
5-9 people $35 per person
10-14 people $30 per person
15 or more $20 per person
Guided Tours- Guided tours are available by reservation only during regular operating hours. We prefer appointments be scheduled at least seven days in advance. Guided tours are led by knowledgeable staff and each tour averages 2 1/2 hours. Due to limited staff, groups that will exceed 60 visitors require approval by the zoo director.
Note: Brights Zoo reserves the right to combine guided tours as needed, depending on available staff. When two or more groups are combined, the tour price will reflect the total number of visitors in the group. If you do not want your tour combined with another, please indicate this choice when reserving the tour, so we can determine if enough guides will be available to cover each tour.
Self-guided Tour
Adults $15.95
Children $11.95
Seniors $13.95
Military w/ ID $11.95
Guided Tour (Reservations required)
All Ages $20.00
Students $8.
One educator at $8. admission for every 15 paid student admissions
One Bus Driver at $8. for every 40 paid student admissions
Additional guests can attend for $17.95 if pre-paid. If additional guests pay at the gate the fee is $17.95 plus tax.
Please keep in mind:
• To qualify for the group rate, there must be 15 or more paid admissions at the gate. Children under 2 years of age are not included in the group total.
• Educational discounts require a one lump sum payment to cover all students and staff booked at the tax exempt rate.
• No other discounts can be applied to the group rate.
• Groups over 60 must be approved by the zoo administrator.
• Lorikeet Landing is closed to groups over 60.
• A confirmation will be sent upon receipt of completed materials. Please allow 24 hours for response.
• Please reserve at least one week in advance.
• Tax-exempt purchases may not be paid with cash, personal check, or personal charge. If you are not a tax-exempt institution, you must pay Tennessee state sales tax.
• If your group is tax exempt, please provide a copy of tax exemption / resale certificate when you register, or pay at the gate.
• Brights Zoo accepts most major debit and credit cards (VISA, MasterCard and Discover).
• Up to 30 guests
• Self-guided tour of the general admission area
• No guided safari!
• Mascot visit to birthday party
• Party coordinator
• Ice on request
• Use of picnic area
• If Party Room reserved, choice of movie on big screen
$358.50 + tax (for up to 30 guests)
Additional adults $15.95 per guest
Additional children $11.95 per guest
Additional senior citizens $13.95 per guest
Additional Military Guests w/ ID $11.95 per guest
Extras:
Use of Brights Zoo Party Room: $75.00 per hour
Nectar to feed Lorikeets (if paying at the door) $3.00 per guest
Nectar to feed Lorikeets (pre-paid at party booking) $2.00 per guest
Plates, Tablecloths and beverages for 30 people * $30.00
Visit from bottled fed babies or trained animals $20.00 per animal
Party themed gift bags for children Varies (ask at time of booking)
Guided tour of reserve area (15 person min) $3.00/guest
Birthday celebrator's photo on the Brights Zoo digital sign $75.00
Additional photo and/or message $50.00
You are welcome to bring additional food and beverages for your birthday celebration.
No balloons, streamers or confetti please! These items pose a choking risk to our animal friends.
* Tablecloths are for Party Room use only.
Drinks – Juice boxes and 2 liter drinks.
Plates, cups and utensils are non-themed.
$300.00 per person (2 people maximum)
$100.00 per person and groups are limited to 6 people or less.
Gratuity for your guide is included in the Behind the Scenes tour cost.
$100.00 per person
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You should look over all the options and services we offer in the “Plan Your Visit” section of the website to discover what best meets your needs and budget. Here is a taste of what you will find.
General Admission
Brights Zoo is offering general admission for the 2013 season. We have opened up a large portion of the zoo to allow guests to go through on their own. See the "Rates" and "Hours" section for admission prices and hours.
School Groups
Brights Zoo is currently open for school groups by reservation only. Please schedule appointments at least seven days in advance. Visits are guided tours lead by knowledgeable staff and each tour averages two to three hours in length.
Group Gatherings
Want a unique setting for your offsite meeting, wedding reception, family reunion or special celebration? We also host birthday parties for children and adults! Whatever the occasion, we're ready to make your event an experience you'll always remember.
Corporate Retreats
Brights Zoo provides a way for business groups to really get away from it all without sacrificing the entire year's travel budget. Inspire your employees with the beauty of some of the world's most magnificent creatures. There is nothing like a safari tour to bring the whole office together.
Give them a birthday to remember!
Come celebrate your child’s birthday! Build the perfect party for your little wild one. For adult birthday ideas, please contact one of our event consultants.
Weddings
A Celebration of Romance and Nature! The natural and exotic surroundings of Brights Zoo provide an extraordinary setting for a special wedding ceremony, plus unique locations for memorable photographs. We look forward to meeting you and discussing your plans and requirements.