The Memphis Zoo, which is home to more than 3,500 animals, continues to renovate and expand, impressing all who visit. Not only do its attractions provide hours of entertainment to guests, but they promote and stimulate the community that has supported it since opening in 1906. The Zoo's plethora of awards is irrefutably deserved, attributed to research breakthroughs, rare animal additions and its devotion to further staff and visitors' education.

A locally based company, Mahaffey Tent and Party Rentals, is honored to have formed a partnership with such an honorable organization whose mission is to preserve wildlife through conservation, education and research. Over the past few years, Mahaffey has collaborated with the Memphis Zoo to provide numerous exhibits and host events to showcase the Zoo's dedication and hard work in upholding its mission.

In March 2013, Mahaffey was given the opportunity to install a structure large enough to house the Memphis Zoo's 17,000-gallon salt water pool for an interactive stingray exhibit. Through the Zoo's partnership with Living Exhibits, Inc., the exhibit will not only allow observers to view several species of stingrays and sharks, but they will also be able to safely touch and pet these creatures. The pool is specifically engineered as a habitat for the stingrays and sharks to thrive, while also doubling as a hands-on teaching platform for Zoo visitors. Stingray Bay will be open to the general public beginning March 9 through October 30.

"We are extremely excited about the addition of Stingray Bay to the Memphis Zoo," said Nancy Kelso, Memphis Zoo Vice President of Visitor Services. "We are grateful for the partnership with Mahaffey Tent and Party Rentals as this new addition gives our visitors the comfort of a covered area while getting the experience of an outdoor exhibit. We look forward to an eventful season."

In addition to these two seasonal attractions, Mahaffey has had the privilege of contributing to other events, such as Memphis Zoo on Ice, a 5,400 enclosed ice skating rink, Zoo Lights, Zoo Brew and numerous weddings, as well as sponsoring temporary exhibits throughout the year.

Mahaffey is the leading provider of tent and party rentals in Memphis and the Mid-South. Since 1924, the company has grown exponentially, with experience covering prestigious events nationwide. Expanding expertise locally and nationally, Mahaffey provides custom structures for disaster relief efforts, military operations, remote industrial sites, renowned special events and more. The company was recently named one of the fastest-growing inner city companies in the country by the Inner City 100 in both 2012 and 2013.

About the Memphis Zoo

The Memphis Zoo, located in Memphis, Tenn., is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 different species. Recently named as one of the top zoos in the country by TripAdvisor®, the Memphis Zoo has completed over $93 million in renovation and expansion since the early 1990s. The Zoo's animal inhabitants reside in one-of-a-kind exhibitry, such as Once Upon A Farm, Commercial Appeal Cat Country, Primate Canyon, Animals of the Night, Northwest Passage, TetonTrek and CHINA - home to giant pandas YaYa and Le Le. The Zoo was founded in 1906 and resides on 70 acres in the middle of Overton Park. The Memphis Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Memphis Zoo,YaYa and Le Le are trademarks of the Memphis Zoo.