The new Clayton Family Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus follows Asian Trek as the second major project derived from the Zoo Knoxville Master Plan. As part of a new Adventure Education approach, the project will merge two key education experiences and spaces – an indoor, science-based lab classroom for hands-on study and a dipnet wildlife pond – both linked together with a series of boardwalks and decks. Other outdoor experiences will include conservation bogs and marshes, various turtle and tortoise habitats and a new otter exhibit. The building’s location is strategically placed with prime frontage to the main entry plaza giving visitors a key animal experience as they come through the ticketing gate while strengthening the clustering of all-season attractions at the zoo entrance. The 2.5-acre experience will be anchored by a combination of conservatory sky-lit habitats and beautiful museum-quality gallery exhibits. Features will include hands-on areas for research and discovery, views into a behind-the-scenes biosecure conservation room and turtle incubation areas as well as a Turtle and Tortoise Greenhouse experience where guests can observe and interact with the Herpetology staff managing this important collection of animals.
Zoo Knoxville held a soft opening for its members on April 9, 2021. As of April 12, 2021, the ARC is open to the public! You can view images from the soft opening here at knoxnews.com.