We’re taking a walk on the wild side, trekking into East Tennessee to the small town of Limestone for some big time animal adventure. Welcome to Brights Zoo.

This private, family-owned facility is nestled in the hills about halfway between Johnson City and Greenville. They got their start in 2007 and today they welcome guests for both self-guided and guided tours, as well as several very special animal encounters

You ever fed a giraffe? For a few leaves of lettuce these guys are ready to be your very best friend. And more adventure awaits when you get out and about on a very specialized mode of transportation.

Exploring the zoo’s campus is extra fun when you climb aboard the Brights Zoo Express. This takes you out on the safari section of the zoo. Animals that may be seen include the Bongo, Watusi, Emu, Sable, Greater Kudu, and more. You have a ton of fun – and learn a lot.

Their education mission here is to inspire people to value wildlife and nature and to help protect animals and their natural environments through conservation – important efforts that all of us can get behind.

As you wander around the zoo you can visit animals from all over the world, from the savannahs of Africa to the rain forests of South America. You can encounter creatures of the air, the land, and sea. And have a wonderful time getting to know each and every one of them, especially with some of their amazing add-on experiences, like the unforgettable penguin encounter.

That’s one thing that’s great about visiting a place like Brights Zoo. It feels personal here. You can tell that these animals are truly cared for – from the smallest budgie to the tallest giraffe.