KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- Art and animal lovers will want to join Knoxville Zoo on Friday, Sept. 26, from 6 until 8:30 p.m. for Art Gone Wild. The evening art gala is a new event at Knoxville Zoo offering a unique way to enjoy the zoo and art created by the animals.

Guests will enjoy the opportunity to view and purchase exciting artwork painted by Knoxville Zoo's very own Picasso's of the animal world. Gala guests will enjoy sipping wine and nibbling on selected cheeses, while admiring one-of-a-kind works of art created by the animals with fingers, paws, noses, trunks, tails and brushes, too!

Zoo keepers from Knoxville Zoo offer animals a variety of activities to keep them mentally stimulated and physically challenged. One such activity is painting. Chimpanzees, gorillas and elephants show their talent with traditional brush strokes, but many other animals paint by walking, slithering, or waddling over canvas in a variety of colors.

Tickets for Art Gone Wild are just $25 for non-members and $20 for zoo members. The ticket includes admission to the event, wine, cheese, keeper chats, painting demonstrations, and the opportunity to view and purchase masterpieces created by Knoxville Zoo's finest artists.

Tickets are available by reservation only and must be purchased by Sept. 26. Guests must be 21 years-old or older and present valid photo identification (ID) the evening of the event. For more information or to reserve your tickets, visit www.knoxville-zoo.org or call (865) 637-5331, ext. 300.

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.