See Downtown Knoxville's new mural commissioned by the zoo

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Zoo Knoxville commissioned a new mural now complete in Strong Alley in Downtown Knoxville.

Local artist Gared Luquet created the 180-square-foot mural which features a southern white rhino, a Malayan tiger, a giraffe, an Aldabra giant tortoise and a red panda—all animals from Zoo Knoxville. Luquet has done other local murals.

The mural was created through the Dogwood Arts' Art in Public Places Mural Program. Knoxville Utilities Board provided the wall space. It is among 37 murals in Strong Alley.

“Using photos from my visits to Zoo Knoxville along with images from the Zoo’s archive, I created a scene set in the tiger temple where a group of unexpected friends are hanging out, relaxed and enjoying each other’s company," said Luquet.

The zoo recently welcomed tw