Home to over 600 tropical animals representing 130 species from around the globe, RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo offers an intimate, hands-on wildlife experience right in Sevierville. Located near Governor's Crossing, this year-round indoor/outdoor zoo specializes in rare, small, and exotic rainforest species—making it one of the most unique animal attractions in East Tennessee.
Whether you're looking for a fun educational trip with young kids or an escape from a rainy mountain afternoon, here is everything you need to know about visiting.
Featured Wildlife Destination
RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo
Get up close with lemurs, tamarins, parrots, reptiles, and Aussie walkabout petting animals.
🐒 Exotic Exhibits & Rare Wildlife
1. Unique & Rare Mammals
Instead of standard safari animals, RainForest Adventures focuses on fascinating lesser-known creatures. Marvel at golden-headed lion tamarins (among the smallest and rarest monkeys in the world), playful lemurs, African crested porcupines, kinkajous, and African servals.
2. Tropical Birds & Reptiles
Listen to colorful macaws and inquisitive talking cockatoos greet you as you walk past indoor perches. In the reptile section, you’ll encounter giant tortoises, Caiman crocodiles, rare frogs, and massive snakes—plus fan favorites like axolotls and even a two-headed turtle!
3. Aussie Walkabout & Petting Area
Step outside to explore the 17,000-square-foot Aussie Walkabout. Here, families can grab feed bags to feed and pet friendly Dorper sheep, pygmy goats, llamas, and miniature donkeys right from their hands.
🦦 Exclusive VIP Animal Encounters
For a truly memorable experience, book a behind-the-scenes encounter for hands-on interaction with the zoo's resident stars:
- Sloth Encounter: Meet, feed, and take close-up photos with friendly sloths alongside an expert animal handler.
- Otter Encounter: Go behind the scenes to feed scallops and interact with playful otters (you can even hold hands with them through a safe enclosure window!).
📋 At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 109 NASCAR Drive, Sevierville, TN |
| Operating Hours | Open daily from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (364 days a year; closed Christmas Day) |
| Average Visit Duration | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Environment | Climate-controlled indoor exhibits & covered outdoor paths (Great for all weather conditions!) |
💡 Insider Tips for Your Visit
- 🌧️ Perfect Rainy or Hot Day Backup: Because the vast majority of habitats are indoors or climate-controlled, it's one of the best bad-weather spots in the Smokies.
- 📸 Stop by the Amazon Traders Gift Shop: Even if you're not visiting the zoo, the gift shop is open to the public and features handcrafted jewelry, global artisan goods, plush toys, and souvenirs where select purchases support animal conservation projects.
- 🎟️ Ideal for Young Families: The zoo's manageable size means no long, grueling walks—perfect for strollers, toddlers, and young kids who get overwhelmed at massive, spread-out zoos.
- ⏰ Arrive Early: Visit near 9:00 AM opening time to see the animals at their most active and avoid peak afternoon crowds.