Information
Landmark: Greenville ZooCity: Greenville SC
Country: USA South Carolina
Continent: North America
Greenville Zoo, Greenville SC, USA South Carolina, North America
Overview
Greenville Zoo – A Closer LookWhat's It All About?The Greenville Zoo might be small, but it's packed with animals and fun!
You can find it in Cleveland Park, just east of downtown Greenville, South Carolina.
It covers about 14 acres.
They really care about teaching people about animals, protecting them, and making it a fun place for families.
Even though it's not huge, you'll see animals from Africa, South America, and North America.
It's a big part of what makes Greenville cool.People like the zoo because it's clean, easy to walk around, and you can get really close to the animals.
It's great for families with kids, school trips, or anyone who wants to learn something new in an hour or two.How It StartedFirst Opened: 1960Started By: David Fleu, who was in charge of Greenville Parks and Recreation back thenWhy: They wanted a place for local animals where people could learn about nature.Over the years, the zoo got way better.
Now, the AZA approves it, and they focus on animals from all over the world, teaching people about protecting them, and making sure the animals are well taken care of.Now, the city owns it, and the Parks and Recreation Department runs it, with help from the Friends of the Greenville Zoo, which is a group that wants to help the zoo.What You'll SeeThe zoo is small, but the path goes in a loop, so you can see everything easily.
The animals are grouped by where they're from or what kind of place they live in:1.
African SavannahGiraffes: Everyone loves the giraffes!
Watch them eat or hang out with the zookeepers.Lions: There are some African lions living in a big area that looks like rocky grasslands.Nile Hippopotamus: You can watch the hippos from above and below the water!African birds and antelope: Check out the hornbills, crowned cranes, and other animals in outdoor areas.2.
South American AreaJaguar: This area is new.
It looks like a rainforest, with places for the jaguars to climb and lots of shade.Howler Monkeys: You'll definitely hear these guys!Ocelots, toucans, and snakes: Find these animals in their special areas along the shady path.3.
North American SpotBobcats: See these wild cats from North America in a wooded area.Red Pandas: They are from Asia, but a lot of people want to see them.Farmyard: Kids can pet goats, pigs, and small donkeys.Learning and Fun StuffThe Greenville Zoo cares a lot about teaching people and protecting animals.
That's why they have:Zoo Camp: In the summer and when school's out, kids can go to day camps where they see what the zookeepers do and learn about animals.Wildlife Academy: This is a program where you learn about science and animals.Keeper Talks: Zookeepers talk about the animals and answer questions.School Trips: The zoo trips are planned to help with what kids are learning in school.They have special days, like World Giraffe Day or International Red Panda Day, with crafts, games, and shows.Helping the PlanetThe Greenville Zoo is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), so they're doing their part to help animals.Species Survival Plans (SSP): They're helping animals, like the Amur leopard, Siamang gibbon, and red panda.World Partners: The zoo works with groups that protect animals in Africa and South America.Being Green: They plant local plants, compost, and teach people about recycling.The zoo is part of a big team that's saving animals and teaching people about them.Things to DoThe zoo often has events that bring people together:Boo in the Zoo (October): Dress up for Halloween and get candy!Zoom Through the Zoo: Run a 5K to raise money for the zoo.Breakfast with the Animals: Eat breakfast and see the animals up close.Zoo Tunes: Listen to live music and eat from food trucks at the zoo.The zoo is a fun place to learn and hang out with people.Plan Your VisitHow Long: About 1.5 to 2 hoursEasy to Get Around: The zoo is good for wheelchairs and strollers.Hours: Usually 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (you have to go in by 4:00 PM), but check to be sure.Cost: It's not too expensive, and people who live in Greenville County, kids, and older people get a discount.What Else?Gift shop with toys and booksSnacksPlayground and picnic areas are close by in Cleveland ParkBecause it's in Cleveland Park, you can do other fun stuff, like walk the Swamp Rabbit Trail, rent a boat, or have a picnic.The Final WordThe Greenville Zoo shows that even a small zoo can be a great place to see animals, learn about them, and have fun with your family.
From giraffes to jaguars, you'll get to see amazing animals and learn why it's so important to protect them.
You can find it in Cleveland Park, just east of downtown Greenville, South Carolina.
It covers about 14 acres.
They really care about teaching people about animals, protecting them, and making it a fun place for families.
Even though it's not huge, you'll see animals from Africa, South America, and North America.
It's a big part of what makes Greenville cool.People like the zoo because it's clean, easy to walk around, and you can get really close to the animals.
It's great for families with kids, school trips, or anyone who wants to learn something new in an hour or two.How It StartedFirst Opened: 1960Started By: David Fleu, who was in charge of Greenville Parks and Recreation back thenWhy: They wanted a place for local animals where people could learn about nature.Over the years, the zoo got way better.
Now, the AZA approves it, and they focus on animals from all over the world, teaching people about protecting them, and making sure the animals are well taken care of.Now, the city owns it, and the Parks and Recreation Department runs it, with help from the Friends of the Greenville Zoo, which is a group that wants to help the zoo.What You'll SeeThe zoo is small, but the path goes in a loop, so you can see everything easily.
The animals are grouped by where they're from or what kind of place they live in:1.
African SavannahGiraffes: Everyone loves the giraffes!
Watch them eat or hang out with the zookeepers.Lions: There are some African lions living in a big area that looks like rocky grasslands.Nile Hippopotamus: You can watch the hippos from above and below the water!African birds and antelope: Check out the hornbills, crowned cranes, and other animals in outdoor areas.2.
South American AreaJaguar: This area is new.
It looks like a rainforest, with places for the jaguars to climb and lots of shade.Howler Monkeys: You'll definitely hear these guys!Ocelots, toucans, and snakes: Find these animals in their special areas along the shady path.3.
North American SpotBobcats: See these wild cats from North America in a wooded area.Red Pandas: They are from Asia, but a lot of people want to see them.Farmyard: Kids can pet goats, pigs, and small donkeys.Learning and Fun StuffThe Greenville Zoo cares a lot about teaching people and protecting animals.
That's why they have:Zoo Camp: In the summer and when school's out, kids can go to day camps where they see what the zookeepers do and learn about animals.Wildlife Academy: This is a program where you learn about science and animals.Keeper Talks: Zookeepers talk about the animals and answer questions.School Trips: The zoo trips are planned to help with what kids are learning in school.They have special days, like World Giraffe Day or International Red Panda Day, with crafts, games, and shows.Helping the PlanetThe Greenville Zoo is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), so they're doing their part to help animals.Species Survival Plans (SSP): They're helping animals, like the Amur leopard, Siamang gibbon, and red panda.World Partners: The zoo works with groups that protect animals in Africa and South America.Being Green: They plant local plants, compost, and teach people about recycling.The zoo is part of a big team that's saving animals and teaching people about them.Things to DoThe zoo often has events that bring people together:Boo in the Zoo (October): Dress up for Halloween and get candy!Zoom Through the Zoo: Run a 5K to raise money for the zoo.Breakfast with the Animals: Eat breakfast and see the animals up close.Zoo Tunes: Listen to live music and eat from food trucks at the zoo.The zoo is a fun place to learn and hang out with people.Plan Your VisitHow Long: About 1.5 to 2 hoursEasy to Get Around: The zoo is good for wheelchairs and strollers.Hours: Usually 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (you have to go in by 4:00 PM), but check to be sure.Cost: It's not too expensive, and people who live in Greenville County, kids, and older people get a discount.What Else?Gift shop with toys and booksSnacksPlayground and picnic areas are close by in Cleveland ParkBecause it's in Cleveland Park, you can do other fun stuff, like walk the Swamp Rabbit Trail, rent a boat, or have a picnic.The Final WordThe Greenville Zoo shows that even a small zoo can be a great place to see animals, learn about them, and have fun with your family.
From giraffes to jaguars, you'll get to see amazing animals and learn why it's so important to protect them.
