Brights Zoo — Attraction in Jonesborough

Never in my life have I or my family been treated with such rudeness. This zoo has really forgotten its home town roots. The front desk woman is not only uninviting but horrifically hostile. We will not be coming back. For the prices they are now charging, we will go to Knoxville.

Yea, I’m going to set the record straight. Your staff WAS rude, well just one girl in particular. She interjected herself in a private conversation between myself and my husband on prices. Trying to tell me how I was wrong about Knoxville being better and Brights prices being OUTRAGEOUS. (The last time we visited Brights was in 2019 and I don’t remember spend almost $100 to enter. But that’s neither here nor there.) It was not her place to speak to us in that moment let alone being as obnoxiously rude with her opinions. Yes we were taken by surprise because we were under the impression the prices were free for two and under. Charging a 2 year old full price ($15) is ridiculous but that’s your prerogative. I’ve never been to a place that charges toddlers. But the prices were not the BIGGEST ISSUES, my issue came with the absolute VILE WOMAN working the front counter. (She called the guy working with her “dad” and I assume she’s who is writing these responses, unless everyone that works at the zoo is completely unprofessional.) the fact that your staff, this girl, screamed at us in a full gift shop like we weren’t going to pay was absurd. (Yes screamed, there is a way to politely ask what age my children are and it’s when we are paying not when we have already paid and are half way across the room then demanding we pay for them too.) Her rudeness was my reasoning for asking for a refund, which was promptly given (I haven’t checked my accounts so I’m not sure if the money has actually cleared yet but we will see.) And yes we did come back after leaving because our kids had been looking forward to the zoo; which the zoo was disappointing at best, I might add. We were also followed for 1/4 of the time we were in the zoo by a girl radioing every time we moved to a new spot until I stopped and stared at her. As I’ve said, we will go to Knoxville before stepping foot at Bright’s zoo again. As for my “negative comments “ I would think a reputable business would be more concerned with the negative comments on their own page’s reviews which continuously address how rude staff are to patrons, than worry about being a keyboard warrior; because there are MANY negative reviews regarding staff. It seems that my experience is normal for Brights zoo. It’s such a shame because this place could be such a fun and friendly family spot if not for the rude employees/ entitlement. Have your employees undergo customer service training would eliminate 99% of your zoo’s problems.

And thanks I’m sure zoo Knoxville will be much...

Animals are OK. To bad they cannot be seen due to the enclosures being double and triple fenced. Likely due to ignorant visitors. Queueing up at the entrance is rediculous. Young ladies in charge are rude and have no clue how to control a crowd. Also, what rule would be broken if the zoo opened 15 or 20 minutes sooner considering 100 people where in line to get in at least an hour befor scheduled opening? Did anyone ever consider that OLD people might be viewing the exhibits on a day with temps exceeding 100 degrees? Why not have a 4 wheeler or golf cart cruising the paths in case someone is in need of transportation or 1st aid? I could go on ... However, maybe the owners should give some thought to a variety of things other than naming "Brownie" ... Oh, our visit was OK ... not the best zoo we've seen but it is OK... RESPONSE: Who regulates zoos in the US? AZA has been the primary accrediting body for zoos and aquariums for over 40 years. U.S. agencies such as OSHA and the USDA consider AZA standards as the “national” standard, and they refer to AZA standards when evaluating institutions.

We do not question how you take care of the animals ... seems very well done. Perhaps taking care of the visitors might be improved. Since several of our group exceeded 80 years of age, our concern was getting back to the starting point .... we did NOT see a single staff member or transportation vehicle the entire time we were walking the path in temps exceeding 85 degrees .... NOTE AZA fence requirements:Transparency: Visitors must be able to see the animals, and the animals must be able to see visitors. This not only creates a more engaging visitor experience, but it also allows the animals to feel less confined and more comfortable in their enclosure. Just saying..

I am not looking to get in a PP match with you ... just pointing out a few things our group thought might be improved. As far as entering .... The KIDS ... did not act as young adults, they acted as if they were masters of the entrance .... they had no guide lines, rope barriers, cone barriers or any other devices that could help with crowd control ..... By the way, NO staff was noted prior to 20 minutes before opening .... The crowd was 100 deep and the temps were in excess of 85 degrees .... MAKING ADJUSMENTS is the sign of good management .... gthat did not happen. Sorry .... Brights Zoo seems...

This is a amazing zoo. The animals are well cared for, the staff is beyond amazing. I learned alot this zoo has been a family owned n took care of since day one. Yes they have other workers there but all of them treat each other as family, each animal is special treated with more respect n love then I've seen at loads of other zoos I've been too. My kiddo and I loved learning the history, the well knowledgeable staff of each animal, the detailed ability to read and understand the animals more is amazing. The mix of animals u see and the admission price is such a amazing thing that we can't wait to go back again another time. They are upgrading n looks like getting more animals too but it was a blessing to see all the animals were loved, cared about, the habitats were large enough for the animal or animals in them along with factor they tend immediately to the animals as it is much more the animals to them its God's beauty and nature at its finest. They even care above n beyond for their guest and make every effort to make them feel like family too. There is not alot of rules or restrictions about what you need to follow or allowed to bring in and common sense why that is makes it alot cleaner, healthier place. I also love they have a no vape no smoke policy people don't realize this is not only for guest that are highly allergic to it but also does cause animals to have issues so I am glad this is not tolerated on premises. My kiddo n I can't wait to go back talk more with owners what we started talking boutIlove the history behind them and the animals and I pray and hope this zoo many many more years of success and blessings to come. All the animals are amazing can not just pick one say that is the one and only but it was a blessing to be able to see n experience the spotless giraffe she was such a sweetheart, along with feeding all the amazing other 🦒 giraffes but there is so many beautiful animals I can say I love them all. My kiddo n I want to say a extra special thank you to the love care and passion the entire family crew has there at this zoo and truly a blessing to know how much you all truly care. Hope to see you all around Halloween and see the amazing loved animals again. Thanks for a memory loving lasting visit. If your thinking of going here stop thinking and GO it is truly a BLESSING! THANK YOU again to the entire...