KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- Knoxville Zoo's new red panda mascot has a name!vThe zoo held a contest to name the new mascot and a winner has been chosen. The contest ended July 18 and the winning name is Bamboo entered by 8-year-old Jack Vaughan from Knoxville. Over 160 entries were received and several people entered the name Bamboo. The winner was chosen randomly from all of those who suggested the name Bamboo. Jack will receive a zoo birthday party for 20 guests including a special visit by the red panda mascot, Bamboo!

You can visit Bamboo, too! The new red panda mascot will be out and about during weekends and special events throughout August.

Don't forget to stop by the Boyd Family Red Panda Village during your visit to the zoo and see the new panda cubs on exhibit now!

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.