Birthday festivities include cupcakes (while supplies last), face painting, games, icy treats for the animals, and much more! Guests are also encouraged to bring their favorite Knoxville Zoo photograph. Kids visiting Knoxville Zoo for the birthday celebration are encouraged to dress as their favorite zoo animal and design a birthday card for the zoo.

Guests who are turning 60-years-old in 2008 will receive free admission beginning August 2 and until the end of the year! (photo ID required)

"We are proud to celebrate 60 years of success at Knoxville Zoo," said Jim Vlna, Knoxville Zoo executive director. "We hope the guests who have helped make the zoo a success will join us in the celebration. I hope you will visit us often and experience the fun and excitement that changes each day."

So what do you buy a zoo for its 60th birthday? Check out the zoo's birthday wish list online at www.knoxville-zoo.org for zoorific gift giving ideas. For more information on the celebration call (865) 637-5331 ext. 300 or visit the zoo's website.

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.