We have been to many zoos in many different states and so far this is a major favorite. Zoos we/I have been to include the San Diego Zoo( by far least favorite), Pittsburg Zoo, The Smithsonian National Zoo(another favorite), the Columbus zoo and Aquarium, The Maryland zoo, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve in MD, and Lake Tobias Wildlife Park in PA. Catocin Wildlife Preserve and Lake Tobias are both small but nice zoos and between those two, Lake Tobias is our favorite because of the safari ride where you get to be up close and personal, even feed many animals including White Bison and Watusi Cattle. The main reason the Zoo Knoxville is a favorite is because of how close you get to the animals and the fact you can SEE them. This is by far the best view I've ever gotten of a lion, red panda and otters. The lions had a glass enclosure that had two younger, but very large lions only about 4 feet away from us. The red pandas were only about 4 feet away as well and the otters played with my children and several other children as well. Swimming as the childen ran back and forth in front of the glass or playing catch the hand/foot when my children sat in front of the glass. I'm sure they have days where they don't feel like playing, but I'm glad they were in the mood when we were there as it was a blast to watch. The fact that many animal enclosures have glassed in areas where people can get "into" their enclosure with them is awesome. However I wish they were alittle easier to get into and walk around in as they are very hard on someone with disabilities like me. Walking hunched over or crawling is very painful for me. They maybe just for kids, but hey isn't there a kid in all of us? The Smithsonian zoo beats this one in a couple areas, the elephants and orangutans. At the Smithsonian Zoo the elephants are closer and have a walking area around a very large part of the zoo. This is not only great for them, but for people wanting to see them as well. The orangutans have a rope area above where you walk under them that just has to be seen to fully understand. The shows here where you can get close to animals such as owls and hawks is also great, of which the Zoo Knoxville did not have. The Zoo was well thought out with many areas to view the animals which was really great and appreciated. Note though that we went on a day where there wasn't huge crowds and we do that on purpose every place we go if possible. Too many people and I don't care how well thought out a Zoo is, you don't see anything but the backs of other people. The animals MOVED and played with people and each other. A monkey loved my husbands cowboy hat and played peek a boo with him! A lady that was there said she never saw them do that though, so don't expect that one! The animals were alert and active, which is a rarity at zoos. The day wasn't extremly hot though so that also had to be taken into account. The animatronic dinosaurs were also AWESOME! I've never seen them up close and they were very realistic and really cool. All and all a great Zoo and you can tell the animals are well cared for because of their body language and level of activity we had a very good time and didn't leave until our closed at 5pm.