Memphis Zoo's mission is to connect people with wildlife.

Our vision is to preserve wildlife through education, conservation and research. Aware that the zoo of tomorrow begins today, our staff and volunteers are dedicated to providing a naturalistic and enriching sanctuary for our animals, and a clean, friendly, entertaining and educational experience for our guests. Together, we are building one of the world’s great zoos.

Education and Conservation

Two of the most important avenues to accomplishing our mission are Education and Conservation. Each is its own distinct division within the Zoo dedicated to implementing our mission. The Memphis Zoo recognizes the importance of these two functions working closely together to create in our visitors a heightened appreciation for nature, increased scientific literacy, inspiring future generations of environmental stewards and being a positive force for change. 

Education

Through hands-on and interactive school classes and adult education programs, the Education department is able to spread awareness and knowledge on endangered species and efforts across the globe to preserve them.

Conservation

Memphis Zoo's vision is to become an effective and internationally recognized leader in the field of conservation biology. 

Memphis Zoo staff share the following common values:

• The biodiversity of ALL flora and fauna have value and as a zoological and botanical garden we have a responsibility to support their preservation
• The destruction, degradation or loss of functional ecosystems and the species that occupy them is unacceptable
• Conservation education performs a critical role in explaining to our audience how the natural world operates and how human activities can both positively and negatively affect species and their habitats
• Research and science should inform management and policy regarding conservation of ecosystems or species
• Maintaining the genetic diversity and sustainability of our animal collection for potential future reintroductions is necessary as a hedge against extinction. Click here to learn more about the IUCN Red List of "Amazing Species."
• The composition and management programs for our living collection must be planned wisely to maximize our impact on global biodiversity preservation.