Ted Beattie, Natalie and Jim Haslam; image by Zoo Knoxville

KNOXVILLE - Zoo Knoxville commemorated the legacy of Ted Beattie, the zoo’s second executive director, by naming the central part of the African animal area in his honor. The Ted Beattie Heart of Africa was unveiled at a reception hosted by Natalie and Jim Haslam attended by family, friends and colleagues of Mr. Beattie and supporters of Zoo Knoxville.

The surprise announcement was made in the newly-christened area of the zoo that is home to animals native to Africa and designed to give guests the experience of exploring an African forest. Heart of Africa was constructed under Beattie’s leadership and the zoo’s first modern exhibit featuring natural habitats.

Ted Beattie’s brilliant marketing and promotional skills raised the zoo’s profile in the community during his tenure from 1987 until 1992, and he impressed upon the business leaders and elected officials the importance of supporting it. Under his leadership, the zoo added many new departments, and gained national recognition for its conservation work.

“Ted laid the foundation for Zoo Knoxville to become a modern and forward-thinking zoo,” said Lisa New, Zoo Knoxville President and CEO. “What he put in motion 30 years ago was the zoo’s evolution into a conservation organization working to save animals from extinction on an international level.”

“Ted Beattie inspired the community to share his vision of what our zoo could be. He set high goals, saying we should be a great zoo doing extraordinary things. Today our remarkable zoo has achieved his vision,” said Jim Haslam.

Zoo Knoxville is a nonprofit entity situated on 53 wooded acres just east of downtown Knoxville. Zoo Knoxville features exhibits of wild animals in natural habitats and is world renowned for its efforts in conservation and species survival. Zoo Knoxville is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Knoxville’s largest attraction, the zoo is open every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Currently, the zoo is open from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. daily. Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. For more information visit zooknoxville.org.