ChattanoogaZoo

Colonel F. G. Oxley of Bridgeport, Alabama donates $500 to the City of Chattanooga for the purpose of establishing a zoo in East Lake Park.

Oxley Zoo opens in East Lake Park and becomes Chattanooga’s first official zoological facility. Due to City funding constraints, Oxley Zoo closes in 1911.

A zoo is briefly mentioned in a newspaper article as a new attraction in Olympia Park (would later be renamed Warner Park). Despite this information, little is known about this early zoo.

A permanent zoo in Warner Park is established with the construction of 4’x6’ cage for two Rhesus Monkeys.

By 1942, increased animal acquisitions make the Zoo one of Chattanooga’s favorite attractions. The collection includes lions, buffalo, alligators, and bobcats. The primary objective of the Zoo in this era is entertainment.

After thirty years without significant change, plans are made to shift the Zoo’s focus to a petting zoo environment. “Zooville” opens in spring 1969 featuring goats, sheep, and other domestic farm animals.

Conditions begin to rapidly deteriorate at the aging facility. On a national scale, zoos begin to shift toward natural habitat exhibits and conservation education.

Public opinion is strongly voiced about the conditions that the animals are being housed in. There is a consensus that the Zoo should either be improved or closed. A support group is formed called Friends of the Zoo (FOZ) and private donations are sought to help with improvements. The zoo staff is increased, and for the first time, professionalism is stressed. There is also a movement toward attaining accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Facility renovations begin and educational programming is initiated.

A new hyena enclosure is built and is one of the early accomplishments of FOZ.

A comprehensive Master Plan is developed to transform the Zoo into a state-of-the-art facility encompassing all 50 acres of Warner Park. However, the scope proves to be too large for the public sector and private philanthropic community to support.

A scaled-down Master Plan is developed. Recognizing the financial and physical property constraints of the Zoo, the planning committee produces a more feasible plan that shifts the facility's role toward education and logical exhibition of living species to enhance community environmental education opportunities.

Jaguar exhibit opens.

The Zoo receives accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for the first time. A new exhibit for Spider Monkeys is completed.

White Tailed Deer and Prairie Dog exhibits open. Log Cabin Visitor’s Center opens to the public.

The Zoo Master Plan undergoes a comprehensive update to expand the Zoo from 5 acres to 12 acres. Phase 1 construction begins in the fall of 2000.

Gombe Forest Chimpanzee exhibit opens.

The Zoo receives accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) again for a new five-year term. Warner Park Ranch exhibit opens.

Phase one of the Himalayan Passage is completed featuring the Zoo’s popular Red Pandas.

Cougar exhibit opens.

Phase two of the Himalayan Passage is completed with the additions of Snow Leopards and Hanuman Langurs.

A new $4.2 million entrance complex opens on the eastern boundary of Warner Park. Featuring a new gift shop, ticketing area, concessions pavilion, and carousel the new entrance project enables the Zoo to expand its overall property by 35%. Also in 2008, the Zoo receives AZA accreditation for a third time.