Memphis’ KangaZoo is now open

By , Daily Memphian Updated: March 29, 2021 12:20 PM CT | Published: March 27, 2021 11:43 AM CT

The Memphis Zoo is now home to more animals from the land down under.

It now has 20 red kangaroos in its KangaZoo: 17 adults and four juveniles. And the new exhibit is open — wide open. 


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“So, as you come into the exhibit, one of the first things that you will notice, the kangaroos are free ranging,” said Matt Thompson, the Deputy Director of the Memphis Zoo. “They kind of go wherever they want. The idea is for our visitors to come in and kind of walk around the exhibit and observe kangaroos doing what they would do.”

Which means Steve, age 4 1/2, could hop over and introduce himself, says Arianna Montoya-Garcia, one of the kangaroo keepers.

The new exhibit does have a surcharge: $4 for members and $5 for non-members. 

“When you walk into the exhibit, you will be greeted by an exhibit guide who will give you some tips on the best way to interact with the animals,” Thompson said.


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The red kangaroos are already used to people; they are actually privately owned and on loan to the zoo. 

The exhibit will be open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day. It will stay open until Oct. 31.

Topics

city of Memphis Memphis Zoo kangaroos kangazoo

Allyson Brown

After living in Missouri, Illinois, Mississippi, Louisiana, California and Ohio, Allyson is happy to be home in Memphis. If you take a look by the Houston High School track, you can still catch her name on the leader board. She likes good food, music and sports. If you have a suggestion about one or the other, send it her way. Also, she’s happy to hear your story ideas.