Reviews of Brights Zoo (Zoo)

Ashley Biddix

What a hidden gem! We just recently discovered this wonderful zoo! Great price and the staff are very nice and helpful. The zoo is well maintained with lots of shade! The bathrooms were immaculate! Concession stand was also great with good prices. The animals are well cared for. The zoo was very busy the day we visited but definitely did not feel overcrowded by any means, plenty of room. We will definitely be back!

Margi Chambers

These people really care about the animals and replenishing endangered species. They also care about their patrons. They treated our family with kindness when we needed help in the parking lot. I highly recommend this beautiful zoo!

Patricia Bowen

The little ones had a wonderful time.

Stacy Miller

Fun time! Lost of cute animals. Whole family enjoyed it

Cecil Mowdy

Great place to take the kids.

Drew C

Actually a good zoo. Animals and property look well kept and everyone we interacted with was very nice and respectful. Some exhibits are even better than the North Carolina's zoo believe it or not. For a privately owned zoo it's worth a stop. Also they have a red panda.

Ellie K

I personally love this zoo! I've been 2 or 3 times, and the birds and giraffes were most definitely my favorites. The giraffes were very tall and the keepers that would assist in feedings obviously care alot for their animals. The lorikeets are fun to dance and feed, I love to have them lined on my arm. The Hyacinth macaw, Scarlet Macaw and Blue and Gold Macaw miraculously stay on their little tree all day! I am amazed at how cute they are. The African Grey will dance with you if you sing with it. And the Macaws will say Hi and Hello if you excitedly say it to them. Brights Zoo taught me a lot of cool things about my favorite species of animals! I do understand why people are giving low ratings about the owner, and it seems pretty consistent, but my family never had direct contact with the owner, just staff. People who complain about the zoo being small don't understand that it is non-profit, more animals and they might have to make enclosures smaller. I enjoyed the new indoor enclosures, a definite hit up when its raining. Someone was complaining not getting a refund when it was raining, but this zoo needs more funds, so if I were them, I'd gladly let them keep my money. Thank you Brights Zoo! (To get the lorikeets to dance, move your head as upside down as possible, to get the African greys to dance say "Pretty Bird! Pretty Bird! Who's a Pretty Birdddd?" The Macaws are pretty self explanatory)

Ashley Biddix

What a hidden gem! We just recently discovered this wonderful zoo! Great price and the staff are very nice and helpful. The zoo is well maintained with lots of shade! The bathrooms were immaculate! Concession stand was also great with good prices. The animals are well cared for. The zoo was very busy the day we visited but definitely did not feel overcrowded by any means, plenty of room. We will definitely be back!

Vernon Wells

Great place for a party. Staff very accommodating. Zoo actually opens on March 1st, 2019.

alicia nance

Everyone here was super nice, especially the blonde lady (didn't catch her name). They seemed to take very very good care of their animals. Everyone was playing and seemed healthy and happy. My daughter had the best time feeding the goats.

Betty Louwsma

I loved this zoo! I spent 4 days there and enjoyed every minute. The Bright family are wonderful hosts and made sure I enjoyed my visit. The animals are well cared for and happy. The grounds are beautiful and delicious food is available on site. Although it's quite a drive for me I intend to go back.

Tammy Turner

I enjoyed feeding the giraffe. Great fun and the animals were exotic. U don't see many of these at a regular zoo.

Dustin Huffman

One of the worst experiences I’ve ever had in a field trip. This has to be the most rude and greedy staff I’ve ever come in contact with!! When speaking about a group of special needs kids, the woman said she was fully aware of the “conditions” that those kids have! I’ll never go back, and I will vigilantly try to keep others from doing so!! I wish I could give -5 stars!!

Anjelica Lara

The collection of animals is amazing. Every habitat is neatly kept and clean. The pathways are smooth and well kept. Great lunch choices but it does take a bit to order and get your food.

Elisa Aldridge

My little ones loved it. Clean. The goat, lorikeet, and giraffe feedings were fun!

Michael Riley

A very nice place. Friendly staff. Good experience

Evan Walde

Very good small zoo. It's a bit over priced for being so small. But also not very crowded, lots of opportunities to feed the animals. Great for small kids. They have done a lot of work making it very nice!

Garrett Hensley

The Zoo is awesome but the staff can be a little too stern. I understand rules, but a smile wouldn't hurt.

Sarah Owens

Kids had a blast! The animals were awesome and feeding the giraffes was totally worth it!!

Dave Slagle

This was my first time here and I was pleasantly surprised. The zoo is very clean and neat and the animals are well maintained. The walking paths are easy to navigate for everyone from children to people that require special needs. The only problem we ran into was when we arrived to purchase our ticket. The line was very long and slow, but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Doug Chaffin

Love the close-up viewing of the animals including some animal petting and feeding. The people are very nice. Much better experience than the huge, overpriced zoos I've been to. The safari ride was neat and informative. Ready to go again!

Margi Chambers

These people really care about the animals and replenishing endangered species. They also care about their patrons. They treated our family with kindness when we needed help in the parking lot. I highly recommend this beautiful zoo!

ERNEST UNDERWOOD JR

Worth every penny

Kristen Walker

Low temper staff has no regard or training to special needs even when told the person has special needs the proceed to scream and then accuse the person of doing something that is 100% not capable to do due to lack of fine motor skills. The owner or manager is a hot head and can't admit when his staff is in the wrong. This place is just screaming for a discrimination lawsuit especially if they keep verbally abusive employees.

John D

Granddaughter really liked it especially feeding the giraffes and the goat's. Will return there again with the other grandchildren. Staff was very friendly and helpful answering questions about the giraffes.

Erez Hadad

Bright zoo north east TN is a beautyful, clean and well maintained zoo. The animals have a lot of space to move around and they seems happy and healthy:) Take your kids to enjoy a family day at the zoo. Or just go there to support the local zoo. You can feed the goats, giraffes and shothe gift shop is not expensive have books for 3-6$ and t-shirts for 10$. They are offering annual pass for about 40$ per person which is great well worth deal if your kids like to learn about animals and watch nature.

Jason Sterling

Very child friendly. Great staff, and super fun supply of foriegn animals

Kirk kismet

Varied and interesting menagerie; staff is friendly and knowledgeable; animals all appear engaged and well-fed

Sara Green

Owners were great. Staff took time with kids and us. Animals seemed happy and loved. Could have loved on those goats all day. Crazy friendly. Loved the birds and getting to feed them. Learned a lot. Giraffes were awesome and the big Guy was funny. Wish this was local to us. We would be there all the time. Food was good and not expensive at all. Such a great experience. Hope to make it back again soon!

mark el

It was a nice place. Well kept.

Lauren Boyd

Beautiful tree lined zoo with plenty of shaded benches. You can truly tell these animals are well loved and taken care of. Staff is very friendly.

James Cassell

Peaceful and relaxing

Joe Prehoda

It was a fun stop. A bit pricey but a good time

Kristen Amsden

Sensitivity training needed by all staff. Owner needs to brush up on customer service skills and focus on connecting with his guests rather than picking fights. It should be his top priority to ensure all guests have pleasant interactions with staff while on site- not defending the verbal bashing and traumatic experience given to a special needs child. Updated to add- many people from the special. Reds community were upset by this and went to the business FB page to complain. The owner has since deleted all comments made to cover up the incident, VERY deceitful and such an underhanded way to run his business.

Lori Mccurry

Great field trip day!!

Steven Caldwell

Absolutely fantastic. Very clean and well-kept. The animals look and seem like they are well taken care of. Lots of babies so they have to be doing something right! I really great option foreclosed by afternoon of family fun.

Daniel Winiger

Very clean well manicured and spaceous. Wide variety of animals

Carlton Greene

If I could give this place more stars, I would. This is a really great collection of animals, especially my absolute favorite - the capybara! They wouldn't let me have one... #sadface. The area is spread out and designed nicely. You get a nice taste of the tropics on entrance with the exotic birds and the squirrel monkeys... but ten feet away, you get ring-tailed lemurs! My daughter especially loved the variety of small monkeys and the zebras. If you get an opportunity, definitely feed the goats - they are very appreciative and leave your hands slimy (don't worry parents, they have hand sanitizer next to the goat area). We spent over three hours inside and looked at each area at least twice. Who would have thought that such a neat business would be right in the middle of a rural area? I could not recommend Bright's Zoo more highly.

Tara Lyn Stevenson

I loved this place! We went for my daughter's school trip today and I though it was wonderful! It is no where near as hectic as the Knoxville Zoo and the pricing for getting in and the food it great! There is a large variety of animals and you can see them very easily. The note cards give good information and have QC codes to give more info. My daughter enjoyed learning where the animals were from and it even shows a map of the locations. Will for sure be going back!

Dana Holt

Nice place. Lots to see and do. Animal interactions were really cool

Gamer Kids

Great place to take the kids and very reasonably priced

Jennifer Lamb

I went for the first time yesterday with my 10 month old nephew and we both enjoyed it. It was super clean, neat and easy to navigate. The animals looked very clean, healthy and were interactive. They may not have lions, tigers, bears or elephants but my opinion it's way better than the Knoxville Zoo and much closer. Watching the little monkeys come up to the glass and play and interact with my nephew as I held him up to the glass was worth the admission itself. He laughed so hard at them he was snorting and shaking.

Ashley Spence

Great little zoo so will take the kids there again

William Branch

Very nice and helpful staff beautiful place

fred bounds

An amazing place. So much fun. Better than any zoo that I have been to before.

victor maclaren

Had a great time at the zoo today. The facility and grounds are clean and well stocked. The animals are well cared for and had ample room. Greatly appreciated the shade trees, benches and misting stations along the pathway on such a hot summer day. A good variety of animals. In view of what you get, reasonable pricing. Thank you for the great time and memories. Highly recommend for all ages.

James Helyer

Nice little zoo. Very clean and well kept. Helpful and friendly staff. For the most part the animal enclosures seemed adequate however the enclosures South America building seemed sparse and small.

Krissy Lee

For a small local zoo this was amazing. Staff was very knowledgeable. Prices are very reasonable.

jill harold

Had a wonderful time!

Sharon Schlegel

this is one of our families favorite places to visit. It's a great low key activity, the grounds are always so neat, the workers are friendly and the animals are fabulous.

James Vance

great fun for the kids and adults. my son, my mother and myself loved it and old tell everyone to go at least once. and the pizza at the café is great to. the souvenir shop is nice to.

Kevin Lay

Wonderful little zoo. Lots of cool animals. Exhibits are close to each other and you don't have to walk but a little ways before you see another exhibit. I love this zoo so much.

Shelia Smithee

Very nice had a great time

Brent Cox

We always make a year trip here and two years ago became members which gets us in for free anytime and discount on merchandise. The zoo is close and has all of our favorite animals and our very favorite, the giraffe. If you haven't been then your a fool. I'm holding of on Knoxville Zoo until they get more renovations completed and have gotten my wild animals fix by coming here. Nice staff who are always helpful.

Carol Hess

All of the animals appear well tended. You can feed goats, giraffes and birds. Most walkways have at least a little shade and there are some misters to keep cool. Clean restrooms were available at both ends of the Zoo. It is definitely a place my family will visit again.

Amber L

We love this zoo but the young lady working the front REALLY needs customer service training. She scolded us on everything we can’t do the second we walked in the door or we would be thrown out. We were three woman with 3 young kids. They had a blast and the zoo keeper with the giraffes is AMAZING. Such a sweet lady. The staff inside is intense and not pleasant. We will be back but I dread the 5 minute lecture when we walk in the door.

christian sanchez

Best zoo I've ever been too. The amount of care given to the grounds /animals is like nothing I've seen at any zoo before . I could not believe how clean how beautiful this place was . The family that owns this place has done a great job I'm sure they've put there heart and soul into this place and boy does it show . I've been to zoo all over in so many states this is my favorite hands down . The owners daughter who works the front often is helpful and so kind to talk too what great people . I would give 10 stars if I could !!!

Philip Price

Visited Brights while we were in Johnson City. Our kids really loved it, and it was great for our family!

Amanda Depew

I went on a field trip with my kids and I had a blast. It was better than I ever expected. They have plenty of animals to look at and admire. It was a hot day but with all the trees around the habitats you had plenty of shade to keep cool. They have a concession for when you get hungry and an indoor enclosure with reptiles and other. It's a days worth with the family for sure.

Michael Hawkins

Very pleased, more than I expected

Julie Miller

Very nice zoo. Very clean. All employees are nice too. Bigger variety of animals than I thought would be here.

Clarissa Mink

When with Grandview Elementary School Pre-K field trip and had so much fun. The kids loved seating in all the animal shaped seats. They got to feed the giraffes, goats and some birds.

Donna Sweet

Well kept and beautiful, had a great time with my daughter and my granddaughter!

Kelli Tipton

I love this zoo! Great place to bring the family and have fun very hands on and informational. Affordable and alot of shaded areas to stay cool and sit. They also have a spot where you or kids can get wet mist to cool off.

Kevin Lay

Wonderful little zoo. Lots of cool animals. Exhibits are close to each other and you don't have to walk but a little ways before you see another exhibit. I love this zoo so much.

Ben Bateson

Nice private zoo. Animals look well cared for and there are lots of animals to see. Admission is also reasonable.

Michelle Kerney

Loved it!! Giraffe's are Amazing!!

Jeremiah Wilder

This zoo is a great way to spend the day with family we were treated with respect. And prices are very reasonable even for lunch. They accept college military and first responder id. I would like to thank them for all their hard work and a great place to take your family

1981cj71

First time visit. Took grandkids and was greatly impressed. Clean, well maintained, well cared for animals, friendly staff, fair prices, a wonderful visit. I recommend this place as a must visit for both young and old.

Tosha Hensley

It was fun and amazing have lots of fun wish they had a few more animals like elephants and hippos

Leonard Hahn

Best zoo I've ever been too. The employees make the place. Its nothing fancy but the people that run the place are phenomenal.

Kristy Hurt

Love this place! It's a day of family fun of all ages. More then we expected and we will visit again real soon.

Jason McCoy

Awesome zoo! Our family favorite.

Billyjack Freshour

It was an ok day. Priced a little high but not a bad place to visit....once.

Tami Harrison

Cole always has a good time!

Tom Sells

Law minimum for most enclosures. Redundant animals. Hardly any enrichment and poor enclosures. Rude Staff.

Mark Gent

This is one of the absolute best things you could do with your kids here in this area. My youngest daughters Kindergarten class took there school field trip to Brights Zoo and they all had so much fun. I had never been and I had the best time with all the kiddos. They got to feed the goats and the giraffes. That was my daughters favorite thing to do. They also got to go inside with the birds and feed them and let them land on them. It was an absolute thrill to watch these kids react to the birds landing on them and nibbling at there hair and tickling them. If you are going to feed the animals it cost $1/$2 depending on witch animal you feed. They only do it at certain times so make sure to check your map for the feeding times. They had friendly employees and they were very helpful and knowledgeable of the animals they take care of. There food is also amazing and it's ready in a jiffy. If you have never been I recommend you to come and get in on the fun. The gift shop is very nice has plenty to choose from and some of there jewlwey is very unique in the choose of animals they pick. My little one loves the goat earrings. If you are ever in the area i I would recommend you going to the brights Zoo make time to go. It's something you don't want to miss.

Cindy Stout

Lots of animals, great food and lots of places to sit and rest, you can also feed giraffes and birds, lots of cute places to snap photos too! Friendly staff also :)

Birgit Goldfarb

Brights Zoo is an amazing place to visit. I always enjoy their giraffe, goat, & lorikeet feeding opportunities. Concessions are very reasonably priced and there are many benches throughout the zoo to sit down and rest if you need to. The staff are all very friendly and knowledgeable. Best of all, the animals and reptiles are well cared for and such a joy to visit. I highly recommend a 2-4 hour visit for all ages!

Amanda Dalton

What a wonderful facility and wonderful owners who truly area about animals, people and conservation. They care about the welfare of their animals and put them first on a daily basis! I applaud them for the work they do and all the conservation work that they support. Go check them out, you won't be disappointed!

james Bolden

2 stars because of how rude david bright was when we placed our order and also the fact the food was over priced and horrible....21.71 for microwaved burger and spaghetti and paid for meat balls they cut in half to make it look like a lot....over all the zoo was good but bad concession stand

Edward Dauski

Lots of fun .kids enjoyed how close they can get. Something new every year

Manfred Jessee

Had a great time there. Great place for families and anyone who loves animals.

Shelby freeman

Great place and great staff! Well worth the money! We have passed and visit weekly! We ❤ Bright's Zoo!!!

Randi Wallace

Had so much fun wandering around all day and seeing the different exhibits

Pam Sutton

I was a nice zoo. Really small but nice.

Ms. Anderson

Great field trip!

Elizabeth Lineberry

We were pleasantly surprised with all this Zoo had to offer! Kind knowledgeable staff and so many beautiful amazing animals!!! Our boys had a blast!!!

Mike Hammons

Good place to take the family. Friendly staff. Nice concrete paths. Plenty of shade and places to sit. The animals were beautiful and the signs were informative. We are very lucky to have such a great place in our region.

Tracy Wimberly

My family has had annual passes here for the past couple of years. We always have a great time!

Conrad Shutts

Awesome zoo. Very easy to navigate and get around. Kids loved feeding the Giraffe.

Cathy Christensen

Beautiful tree lined zoo with plenty of shaded benches. You can truly tell these animals are well loved and taken care of. Staff is very friendly. A must see if passing through. Love my " not so little goober Alf the giraffe! "

Barbara Shaffer

Great experience. A lot of cool animals. Staff very attentive. Well worth the price. Can't wait to go again.

Maren Nelson

We visited Brights Zoo for the first time today and loved it! Great collection of animals and wonderful spacious exhibits.

Jim Fitzpatrick

Nobody gave me a tour to tell us about the animals

Brandy Boone

Incredible zoo experience for the whole family, extremely friendly staff, we love Brights!

Lacey Gilbert

Such an amazing place to go my baby loved it and animals are well keep up and everything Is clean !

Karen Cannon

This is a beautiful zoo! Large place....nice shade throughout and lots of amazing animals. Joined to be members.. Love it!

JEFF MCNEESE

Fantastic place for all ages.

Marilyn Young

A phrase many people have used is “My happy place”. I can personally agree with them. Brights Zoo is a wonderful place to spend a day (or more!). After the first visit, I got a yearly pass and LOVE going here to spend a few hours. The zoo is clean and beautiful. Wide sidewalks, arched natural shaded avenues everywhere, benches to rest on, but you won’t want to sit long......WAY too much to see. ❤️. So many animals that I had never seen before....they took my breath away. You don’t even realize how educational it is. The owners take pride in their home. Do I even need to mention Alf?!? I watched him grow from a little scudder to such a handsome “teen”. (I end up talking to all the animals. Ya can’t help it! This is a jewel in a gorgeous mountain setting.....perfect for families on vacation.

Anna Howell

We took my three grandchildren, ages 2, 3 and 5! We all loved it! It is so well kept and clean and we loved all the animals! They loved feeding the giraffes and goats! We were very impressed by the staff inside the zoo especially the feeding staff! They were so kind to my grandchildren and patient and seemed to love their job and the animals! I cannot believe we haven’t been here before and will definitely come again! And the food prices were very reasonable and the selection had an awesome variety of healthy and non healthy! I only have one suggestion! If it hadn’t been for the staff inside the park our experience would not have been as pleasant! I realize there have to be very strong rules around the animals but there was me, my daughter and daughter in law and three children and when we came in it was more threatening of nature and very unpleasant ! I felt like a teenager being scolded! I understand you have to give the rules but I think we were told about 5/6 times if you do this we will throw you out! First of all we got it the first time we are adults and our children are young! I feel like the lecture you get in the beginning could be handled in a more respectful way! There are ways to get your point across than being demeaning and hateful! That being said we had an awesome day and will be back! You do an amazing job! Have a blessed day!

John Federer

What an awesome zoo. The habitats are roomy, and the staff keeps it clean. We love it so much that we bought a pass to the zoo. Pays for itself in 3 visits. The food bar is good enough to justify a short visit just to do lunch and see our favorite animals.

Kerri Berthiaume

Nice staff/crew. Animals arent scared of people. No over crowding like in Knoxville. No huge lame lines. Goats are VERY hungry.

Peter Garst

Great zoo. The staff are very nice, and the zoo is very clean and wonderfully laid out.

Lisa Richardson

Was great for small kids

Teresa Smillie

This is a gem of a zoo and one of the cleanest and well maintained zoos I have ever been to. From the hard working staff to the wide variety of endangered animals this was an awesome experience. I would highly recommend a visit . Very educational and heartwarming to see how dedicated the staff are and how they care for the animals. Giraffe feedings are amazing and the spider monkeys kept me smiling with their hilarious antics.

Kathy Randall

Brights Zoo is the most wonderful time for both young,old and in between. They are also handicap friendly. It is very clean and cheerful and a breeze can be felt even on the hottest day because of the trees. We were able to feed the giraffes carrots for a fee which was incredible and the keeper was informative and very patient with the childrens questions. The entrance fee was a little high ($90.00 for 3 adults and 2 kids) but it costs them to keep this place so nice.

Marilyn Young

A phrase many people have used is “My happy place”. I can personally agree with them. Brights Zoo is a wonderful place to spend a day (or more!). After the first visit, I got a yearly pass and LOVE going here to spend a few hours. The zoo is clean and beautiful. Wide sidewalks, arched natural shaded avenues everywhere, benches to rest on, but you won’t want to sit long......WAY too much to see. ❤️. So many animals that I had never seen before....they took my breath away. You don’t even realize how educational it is. The owners take pride in their home. Do I even need to mention Alf?!? I watched him grow from a little scudder to such a handsome “teen”. (I end up talking to all the animals. Ya can’t help it! This is a jewel in a gorgeous mountain setting.....perfect for families on vacation.

John McKinney

Loved it !!! Best maintained zoo ever !!! Friendly and knowledgeable staff !!!

Miranda Bennett

Loved this zoo! Not overpriced like most and beautiful enclosures for the animals. They don't all look miserable like at most zoos. Loved the hands on experiences

Elizabeth Gust

Very nice, to have a Zoo in area not to far from where you live... Lots of varieties of different animals, history, and how they live... "Great little Family get together to visit"...

Cori Marcum

It was such a great time! Feeding the animals was so much fun! The birds actually land on you which was incredible. My kids won't stop talking about it. There is so much going on that there is no way someone can get bored there.

Rebecca Delong

Awesome little zoo

Loretta Henley

Terrible experience. It rained the whole time. Employees are hateful. No refund. No rain check. Will never spend money here again. Spread the word. It wouldn't allow me to post without picking a star. 0 stars for me. Big disappointment for my granddaughter.

Heather Perez

This was my 1st time at Brights Zoo and didn't know what to expect since its much smaller. But it was so great. All the animals were out and visible. The whole place was neat and clean and staff was very friendly. Only downfall but not a huge deal, is the concession stand was a little slow. Definitely will go back.

Kobe Norman

Very kid friendly and amazing staff. But the animals get very repetitive. Meaning you will find 2 or 3 of the same animals around the zoo.

Donnie Massey

Awesome zoo. We were able to see ALL the animals. The animals were interested in the people and well cared for. We will be back.

Teresea Wells

Excellent, very clean walk ways, very clean restrooms. Will go back, loved it. Just the right size.

m kraus

Private zoo. Less animals than Knoxville zoo but more animal feeding experiences available (check the times to plan you day if you are looking to feed a certain animal). Enjoyed the experience.

Anna Howell

We took my three grandchildren, ages 2, 3 and 5! We all loved it! It is so well kept and clean and we loved all the animals! They loved feeding the giraffes and goats! We were very impressed by the staff inside the zoo especially the feeding staff! They were so kind to my grandchildren and patient and seemed to love their job and the animals! I cannot believe we haven’t been here before and will definitely come again! And the food prices were very reasonable and the selection had an awesome variety of healthy and non healthy! I only have one suggestion! If it hadn’t been for the staff inside the park our experience would not have been as pleasant! I realize there have to be very strong rules around the animals but there was me, my daughter and daughter in law and three children and when we came in it was more threatening of nature and very unpleasant ! I felt like a teenager being scolded! I understand you have to give the rules but I think we were told about 5/6 times if you do this we will throw you out! First of all we got it the first time we are adults and our children are young! I feel like the lecture you get in the beginning could be handled in a more respectful way! There are ways to get your point across than being demeaning and hateful! That being said we had an awesome day and will be back! You do an amazing job! Have a blessed day!

Elizabeth Corby

Great place for kids and very clean. Got great workers there as well. A lot of animals and great parking.

John Federer

What an awesome zoo. The habitats are roomy, and the staff keeps it clean. We love it so much that we bought a pass to the zoo. Pays for itself in 3 visits. The food bar is good enough to justify a short visit just to do lunch and see our favorite animals.

Olivia Gaines

Very cool zoo with lots of animals and fun things to do!

YOUNG 365

The older lady that runs it needs to work on her social skills I'm guessing maybe an owner maybe. She lives onsite. She is very rude and snippy. Most of the other staff was very nice but this lady almost ruined the whole experience. She seemed as if she didn't like people being there and was almost like she was trying to start a fight. She was rude to us in 2 different areas of the park. And I heard her being rude to another family. Nice little zoo if only the owners were nicer or at least not completely sour

Blind Man Gaming Prophet25

Pretty cool little place good parking descend prices great place for kids

Sarah Bradley

I never went to a zoo and this was awesome for my first one I recommend it for everyone I loved it

Kirsten Swindall

Loved seeing all the animals and getting to feed the giraffe!

science curious

Loved this zoo. Animals active staff friendly

Patricia Decroo

Love love love Brights Zoo! We were treated like family and that was so special! Thank you Mr David and Mrs Melinda and Miss Connie Bright! A special thanks to Miss Maggie and Miss Kari for the wonderful carrot interaction with Melmac, Valerie, Shenna, ugh, I cannot remember the other girl, and of course our ALF! Hope to get back there someday!

Kevin Gravell

This is a great place to come see a large variety of animals up close. It's just the right size, it takes around 90 to 120 minutes to walk around and see all the exhibits. We like to go often to see how much the place is expanding as well as seeing the baby animals grow up. Very friendly and helpful staff who love their jobs make it a great visit.

Robert Collins

Wonderful place to spend a couple hours... Very reasonably priced gift shop!!!

Josh F

Great for the kids.

Jim Williams

To be a privately owned zoo this place and the people that work there are phenomenal.

Katy Ordway

Very impressive. Our children and my husband and I really enjoyed this whole place. The animals were great (well cared for), the kids did gem mining and got some great stones, and then lunch was awesome (so so much better than I would have ever expected). Staff was great. Lots of shade and beautiful landscaping. Just an overall great experience!

Angie Edmiston

I was pleasantly surprised by this zoo! It is small, and I expected to see cramped exhibits and unhappy animals. While some exhibits could be a little bigger, most were pretty spacious. All of the animals seemed content and well cared for. They were also more interactive than at most zoos. Giraffe feeding was definitely a highlight! Concessions were reasonably priced and had a larger variety than expected. Highly recommend!!

Paige Wininger

Very nice small zoo! A good variety of animals - great for kids! You can feed the giraffes, and the lorikeets! The staff are very friendly and helpful, and the grounds are stroller friendly!

Thomas Hill

This is a real legit zoo. Very impressive smaller zoo.

Jerome Mettetal

This is a great zoo. It is very clean and easy to walk. All the people we met were very helpful and friendly. The zoo is not gigantic like a San Diego zoo for example but it has a great variation in animals and is so well taken care of. I think it is a family run business and it is obvious they have a passion for what they do. I hope they can continue to maintain the level of care they are giving to the animals and property as they continue to expand. It is certainly an asset to the community. Everytime we have been there with our grandchildren they have had a great time!

william britt

Very clean and great friendly staff

Anna Grey

Awesome zoo! Very clean and nice paved paths. Lots of animals to see. They also have a good concession stand with many options for a lunch or snacks, reasonably priced. We've been here a few times over the last few years and enjoy it every time.

Jonathan Miller

Pretty cool zoo, easy walk and access to all the animals. Love the giraffes!

Katy Ordway

Very impressive. Our children and my husband and I really enjoyed this whole place. The animals were great (well cared for), the kids did gem mining and got some great stones, and then lunch was awesome (so so much better than I would have ever expected). Staff was great. Lots of shade and beautiful landscaping. Just an overall great experience!

Ride AMAP

Great little zoo. The variety of animals is impressive and you are more up close and personal with them as compared to say the Knoxville Zoo. I was there right when the zoo opened on a May weekday and was very pleased with the activity of the animals. Most of them were up and moving and interesting to watch. As the day got hotter they stopped moving and started napping, so go early to catch them up and at them.

Mike Ervin

Great place and great staff

Shawna Hawbaker

Loved going to this zoo everyone was really polite and extremely helpful with everything the employees made it a wonderful atmosphere to be in

Kelly Lester

Alright for a small zoo. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio is the very best and in comparison there is no contest. Not a ton of variety in animals but the layout is a wonderful walk, shady and sunny, clean. Bring your own food.

Mary Beth Birchfield

Loved it. We went while it was raining but we still had fun! My 2 year old and 4 year old loved it! The staff was super nice! We fed the lorikeets and it was our favorite part. We cannot wait to go back when it isn't raining!

Anna Sutton

We love Brights Zoo. We have been season pass members for 2 years and really enjoy going. Even when there are a lot of people there it doesn't feel crowded. It is always clean and well maintained. It is easy to see the animals. My kids love feeding the giraffes and the goats. We are so lucky to have such a great zoo in our area!

Kaytie Mottern

Such a fun experience for my my little fam. The zoo was really nice and all the staff was friendly. A lot of the animals would come up to us so we could actually see and interact with them. They also had a lot of different animals that you don’t get to see at the Knoxville zoo.

Donnie Wallingford

First time going today. Clean bathrooms and overall clean facilities. Pricing for everything was really reasonable. We definitely had a good time despite the heat today!

Trinity McClellan

Went on school field trip. Wish the zoo was bigger, but very happy with it overall!

Adam Berryhill

This place is an absolute gem for our area! My trips have always been a mixture of laughter, intrigue and awe to see those beauties with my own eyes! Please keep up all the hard work and happiness you bring to the kids (and big kids like me!)

Sam Deyton

A well maintained zoo with a friendly staff and an amazing selection of animals.

Jeanne Wilson

Clean place, fun for all ages

Joe Royston

Surprisingly good Zoo, especially for a rural area.

Linda Johnson

Vast variety, peaceful paths, and wallet-worthy!!!

Nina-Jo Moore

Great little zoo!!

Lola Bea

It was pretty fun. The animals were really cute. They could have more variety though.

Sheila Reed

I love love LOVE Brights Zoo! It’s beautiful and clean and has a great variety of animals. My favorite part of the zoo is feeding the goats.

Tanya Biggs

It was ok small but no interaction same price as Knoxville zoo convenient if you can't travel far

Ingrida Ievans

Brights Zoo is a beautiful, family-owned zoo in rural Northeast Tennessee near the town of Limestone. It is an easy day trip from Knoxville, the Tri-cities, and other tourist locations in the Smoky Mountains region. Brights has a terrific assortment of animals, a few of which could be fed for a nominal fee. The giraffe deck and exhibit, home to the famous Alf and four other giraffes, is definitely a highlight of the park. Be sure to set aside a few dollars to hand feed them some carrots. Public giraffe feedings are offered three times a day in fifteen minute increments. Don't forget to check out the various keeper talks showcasing some of the other animal species as well. The animals are all cared for extremely well, live in large spaces, and have plenty of enrichment items. The grounds are gorgeously landscaped with wide concrete sidewalks that easily accommodate visitors with strollers and wheelchairs. The terrain is slightly hilly, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes! Food at the concession stand is varied, reasonably priced, and very tasty. The gift shop has a great variety of souvenirs where you will find something for people of all ages. All of these are run by the wonderful Brights family and their amazing staff. Brights Zoo is a hidden treasure absolutely worth seeking out and visiting. You will not be disappointed! .

Charles Breeden

It was agreat zoo got season for family

Aynnie Miller

Great place for the family. Clean, well cares for. It is a great place to go on a Saturday afternoon. Great for the kids and there isn't tons of walking. Food prices are surprisingly affordable. Feeding the animals is always a big hit with the kids.

Rethinkin It all

animals of all kind. they are all excited to see you. staff are friendly and informing. grand baby's loved it. so did we

Carolyn Williams

This place is pretty neat. Would have gotten five stars if they would have taken a issue more serious with one of the staff kicking a baby water buffalo that was reported by one of the parents. They just said really like it was no big deal. They are sent their to work with and around the animals. If you cant work around them and handle them following you then find another job.

Dan Lau

Had a very good time. The animals were all lounging and the staff had closed the Zoofari down early because of the heat. They care about the animals and it was a fun experience

Adam Kuykendall

everything was so cool. my baby girl loves the giraffes

Tessa Winstead

Such a great zoo and it's not packed with people. Great zoo for young kids who want to run around and enjoy themselves.

Gabriel Miller

Very good zoo to visit....owner is very kind.

Scott Schulze

It's an awesome place

Angie Edmiston

I was pleasantly surprised by this zoo! It is small, and I expected to see cramped exhibits and unhappy animals. While some exhibits could be a little bigger, most were pretty spacious. All of the animals seemed content and well cared for. They were also more interactive than at most zoos. Giraffe feeding was definitely a highlight! Concessions were reasonably priced and had a larger variety than expected. Highly recommend!!

Jeasterling Easterling

Awsome place...definitely need to feed the giraffes..

carol monk

Love the animals.great people that work there.

David Campbell

Great experience for first time zoo visitors. Great way to spend a summer afternoon.

Harry Unroe

What a wonderful zoo. This is a must if you have not been.

Michelle Holder

Huge zoo and very well kept! Worth going for the day.

Pete Barber

A place where special needs children get picked upon, and yelled. A place where the owners friends call you names, and your special needs kids names. Was told not to bring my child to this zoo because he simply has autism.. it

iiiduncaniii

Overall the place is nice. It has a lot of shade and benches. The food is affordable, but just ok taste wise. It did take them about 20 minutes to cook two 7in pizzas and a grilled cheese with tater tots, meanwhile one of the staff who came about 5 minutes after we already ordered, somehow was able to get her food in less than 10 minutes. The animals look very well kept. The ticket price however, at nearly $20, I think is a bit steep compared to other places we have visited. We selected the lorikeet feeding with an additional $2 per guest for my 7 year old daughter and turned out my daughter did not want to go in the lorikeet cage because she was afraid of having lorikeets landing on her head, so my wife had to go inside the cage to feed them instead. Somehow i wished that was handled a bit differently by the staff. They have a gem mining area which is another $23+. This was a fun little activity. Both my wife and daughter loved it.