Calling all farming enthusiasts to join us at Nashville Zoo's Farm Day, presented by Tractor Supply Foundation on Saturday, May 20. Activities for the day include keeper chats, tours, photo opportunities and more. Guests exploring Farm Day can learn about the history of farming on Nashville Zoo's property as well as the importance of pollinators and heritage breeds.
Visitors can stop by Festival Field to chat with Nash Family Creamery to learn about modern dairy farming practices and sample local cheese products. Plus, visit booths from the Nashville Area Beekeepers Association, Tennessee 4-H Youth Development and Tennessee FFA. Other Farm Day activities will be taking place at the Zoo's Historic Farm throughout the day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Farm Day features the importance of pollinators and recognizes their crucial role in agriculture. Bees are some of the most vital pollinators but are becoming increasingly endangered. Guests have the opportunity to visit the Zoo's fully operational apiary and attend a Honeybee Keeper Chat at 1:00 pm at the apiary located towards the back of the Historic Farm.
Nashville Zoo celebrates 26 years at the Grassmere property which has a rich farming history that dates back to 1776. A family farm on the property experienced its most prosperous years during the early 1800s producing several primary crops including sweet potatoes, corn, wheat and hay. Many livestock species also called Grassmere home during this era. Even today, Nashville Zoo's Historic Grassmere Farm is home to several different species of livestock including American milking devons, belted galloways, miniature donkeys and more.
Several livestock species at Nashville Zoo are listed as heritage breeds which are traditional livestock animals that were common prior to industrial agriculture practices. Farm Day kicks off International Heritage Breeds Week (May 21-27) which aims to raise awareness for nearly 200 endangered livestock and poultry heritage breeds.
Farm Day is sponsored by Tractor Supply Foundation and is included with general Zoo admission or membership. Please keep in mind that advanced timed ticket reservations is required for both general admission and membership. Read more on the Zoo's Tips and Reminders to better plan for your visit.
For more information on Farm Day, visit www.nashvillezoo.org.
About Nashville Zoo
Nashville Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, exemplifying the highest standards of animal care and husbandry. Nashville Zoo is actively engaged in conservation research, habitat protection, breeding programs, and education initiatives in our backyard as well as around the world. With support from the Nashville community, donors, and sponsors, the Zoo is ranked the number one tourist attraction in Middle Tennessee and welcomes more than one million guests annually. Nashville Zoo is located at 3777 Nolensville Pike just six miles south of downtown. For more information about Nashville Zoo, visit nashvillezoo.org.
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