One year ago Thursday a fire broke out in the education building at the Chattanooga Zoo that housed many of the facility’s program animals. Chattanooga Fire Department personnel worked with the Zoo’s staff to save as many animals as possible.

Many program animals were lost, including two chinchillas, two rabbits, three quail, an African gray parrot, prairie dog, and crested gecko. However, 20 animals were rescued from the building.

The Chattanooga community responded with $20,000 in cash donations and a tractor trailer filled with animal care essentials, including food, temporary shelter and materials for exhibit enclosures.

“Some of the most meaningful donations came from schoolchildren, who collected their pennies and allowances to help the Zoo and its inhabitants,” said Darde Long, Zoo director. “We were humbled by the generosity of our community - especially during such a difficult time.”

One year later Zoo business is booming with an increase in attendance of 32 percent from last year.

Additional education animals (Zoo ambassadors that make visits and have visitor interaction up close) have been added: two ferrets and a chinchilla were donated by John Allen Elementary; and George, the Amazon parrot, who brings his own unique personality to Zoo programs.

A new education center replaced the burned one.

“We now have a beautiful, open space with hardwood floors and vaulted ceilings, where we host many events,” said Ms. Long. “We’ve already had a wedding, two receptions and a company team-building retreat.”

The new building also houses new staff office space.