KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- As we celebrate the birth of our nation on July 4th, Knoxville Zoo will say "Thank You" to military and service personnel by hosting the Salute to Service Day.

Active military, National Guard, police, fire and emergency medical personnel will have the opportunity to visit the zoo's many animal exhibits and celebrate the 4th of July at no admission cost. The free admission is for the active personnel only and an active ID relating to the military or service position will be required for entry.

"We would like to take this opportunity to say 'Thank you' for your sacrifice and dedication to our community and our country," said Jim Vlna, executive director Knoxville Zoo. 

Service personnel and their families will enjoy all that's new at the zoo this year including Toadally Frogs, Bloomin' Butterfly Gardens and The Boyd Family Red Panda Village. There's so much to see, so much to zoo!

Knoxville Zoo is located off exit 392A from Interstate 40 West and is open every day except Christmas Day. The zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, the zoo is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3 p.m. For more information, please call 865.637.5331 ext. 300 or visit www.knoxville-zoo.org.