From lions and tigers to dolphins and sharks, you’ll find some of the best wildlife encounters in the South. Zoos, aquariums, and nature centers abound in every state. Feeling really adventurous? Many places on our list offer face-to-face interaction with some of their exotic animals. Grab your safari gear and get ready for an unbelievably wild experience! 

  

Tennessee 

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere/ Nashville, Tennessee 

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is middle Tennessee’s top attraction, and if you visit you’ll see why! See animals from around the world including spider monkeys, white rhinoceros, elephants, clouded leopards and much more. Fly above the trees on one of the zoo’s newest attractions, the Soaring Eagle zip line. This ride takes guests on a tree-top trek to see giraffes, rhinos and more. Soaring Eagle is the newest design of zip line rides and the only zip line you ride both ways and with a friend! Check out the daily schedule of activities to ensure you do not miss out on amazing events. With plenty of tours and animal shows available, the adventure will never stop on your trip to the Nashville Zoo. 
Nashvillezoo.org 

 

Tennessee Aquarium/ Chattanooga, Tennessee 

More than nine 9,000 animals swim, crawl, and fly through the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. Situated on the banks of the Tennessee river, this aquarium is dedicated to educating visitors about freshwater ecosystems. Their butterfly garden overflows with exotic flowers, a cascading waterfall, and hundreds of free-flying butterflies. End your visit with a movie at the incredible IMAX 3-D theater, where you’ll feel like you’re a part of the action. 
Tnaqua.org  

 

Kentucky 

 

Newport Aquarium/ Newport, Kentucky 

Spend your day under the sea at the Newport Aquarium! This aquarium showcases thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water. You'll be amazed at all there is to see and do, including fun and interactive activities like touching a shark or meeting a penguin. If you dare, cross the Shark Bridge: he world’s first suspended rope bridge where guests can walk just inches above more than a dozen sharks, stingrays and other ocean animals. 
Newportaquarium.com 

 

Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo/ Horse Cave, Kentucky 

Spend your day down under at this hands-on zoo in Horse Cave! Kentucky Down Under is an interactive adventure zoo that showcases Australian animals like the kangaroo. Staff are always on hand to educate visitors on the animals and their habitat. Also on the property is Mammoth Onyx Cave, one of the most beautiful and easily accessible caves in the United States. A tour of the cave features stalactites, stalagmites and other formations created by water.  
Kentuckydownunder.com 

 

North Carolina 

 

Western North Carolina Nature Center/ Asheville, North Carolina 

Each species found in the Western North Carolina Nature Center has a unique story. Most of the animals that live here have been imprinted, meaning they have no fear of humans and never learned the skills they need to survive in the wild. The Nature Center contains over 40 acres of exhibits that get you up close and personal with some incredible wildlife. From reptiles to wolves to black bears, you’re sure to have a wild experience at the Western North Carolina Nature Center.  
Wildwnc.org 

 

Carolina Tiger Rescue/ Pittsboro, North Carolina 

If you’re a cat lover, you need to make a trip to the Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro. Despite its name, this wildlife center features more than tigers. See ocelots, lions, cougars, and even monkeys! The Carolina Tiger Rescue rescues wildcats and provides sanctuary for these gorgeous animals while educating the public about the plight of wildcats in captivity and in the wild. Through their “Adopt a Cat” program, you can help the rescue continue its efforts while forming a special connection with one of their animals. Both public and private tours of the facility are available. 
Carolinatigerrescue.org 

 

Georgia 

 

Georgia Aquarium/ Atlanta, Georgia 

Visit America’s largest aquarium at the Georgia Aquarium! Situated in the heart of Atlanta, the aquarium houses more than one hundred 100,000 animals and thousands of species. Guests will marvel at, learn about and come to better understand majestic aquatic animals like whale sharks, manta rays and more! Special animal encounter programs offer the chance to go behind the scenes and come face-to-face with dolphins, sea otters and penguins. Make sure you don’t miss out on this incredible experience on your next trip to Georgia.  
Georgiaaquarium.org 

 

Wild Adventures/ Valdosta, Georgia 

Wild Adventures in Valdosta is a theme park, water park and animal park- all in one! Enjoy thrilling rides and roller coasters for all ages, hundreds of exotic animals, and a refreshing Splash Island. The Birdhouse allows guests to feed and greet colorful, exotic birds. Have some family fun playing mini golf, go-karting, or playing some games in the arcade. Limitless fun is waiting for you at Wild Adventures. 
Wildadventures.com 

 

Arkansas 

 

Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari/ Gentry, Arkansas 

Want to encounter zebras, wolves, bears, and leopards without ever leaving your car? Check out the Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari in Gentry for an experience you won’t soon forget! The safari consists of a four mile drive-through, petting parks and a walk-through  area for interaction with some of the exotic animals. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic surrounded by wildlife. You’re guaranteed to come home with some wild photos!  
Wildwildernessdrivethroughsafari.com 

 

Mississippi 

 

Ocean Adventures Marine Park/ Gulfport, Mississippi 

Get up close and personal with some of your favorite marine animals at Ocean Adventures Marine Park in Gulfport. If you’ve ever wanted to snorkel with stingrays, kiss a sea lion or play with a dolphin, you’ll love this park! In addition to meeting the animals, Ocean Adventures offers dolphin and sea lion shows, reptile presentations, and a discovery center. The park staff make learning fun, and you’ll leave with great knowledge about marine mammals. 
Oceanadventures.us 

 

Jackson Zoo/ Jackson, Mississippi 

This historic animal park is starting its next century in the heart of the capitol city. The Jackson Zoo is home to more than 300 creatures, from the tiny Madagascar hissing cockroach to the giant white rhinoceros. The park contains twelve endangered species as well as several historic landmarks.  One of their most popular exhibits, Chimp Island, lets guests watch chimpanzees and other monkeys swing and play around. The Jackson Zoo is focused on fostering an appreciation for wildlife and creating lasting memories for families.  
Jacksonzoo.org 

 

Texas 

 

Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge/ Fort Worth, Texas  

Sitting on three 3,000 beautiful acres, the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge is a peaceful nature reserve just ten miles from downtown Fort Worth. Explore twenty miles of pet-friendly hiking trails. Resident animals include a bison herd and prairie dog colony. Professional naturalists offer a wide variety of programs, classes and guided hikes each week. Stop by the Hardwicke Interpretive Center to learn more about the refuge and environmental conservation.  
Fwnaturecenter.org 

 

Fossil Rim Wildlife Reserve/ Glen Rose, Texas 

Fossil Rim Wildlife Reserve is where Africa comes to Texas! Experience this seven-mile scenic drive where you can interact with over one thousand rare and endangered animals roaming free in their herds. Enjoy the thrill of zebras, giraffes, and more coming right up to your car. For a more educational experience, reserve your spot on a guided tour or even spend a night at the Foothills Safari Camp. 
Fossilrim.org