At some point, we all think we live in a "zoo" as defined by crowds, confusion and unrestrained behavior in our lives. But the Greenville Zoo does not exhibit any of these characteristics and in fact can be a calming, delightful and educational place for adults and children.
Set on fourteen acres in Cleveland Park, the Greenville Zoo is under the auspices of the Department of Parks and Recreation for the city. According to Jeff Bullock, the Zoo Administrator, in 2010 as a part of its 50th anniversary celebration, "we redefined our mission statement and have taken on new challenges to help meet that mission. Starting with the animal collection, everything from what animals we are going to exhibit to how they are cared for has been examined and refined. Also to better serve our animal population, Dr. Heather Miller joined our staff as our full-time veterinarian...the current plan is to take care of all our animal management needs as we move forward with the development of a new overall master plan. This master plan will serve as a roadmap to the future of the zoo and its collection."
FAQs About the Greenville Zoo
How can I be assured animals are treated humanely?
The Greenville Zoo makes every effort to ensure that all of the physical and psychological needs of each animal are met and/or surpassed. As an AZA accredited institution, the Greenville Zoo must meet the official approval by a group of zoo experts. These experts, called the AZA accreditation commission, carefully examine each zoo that applies for AZA membership, including living environments, social groupings, health and nutrition. The AZA also make sure that animals are provided with enrichment, which stimulates each animal’s natural behavior and provides variety in their daily routine. The Greenville Zoo prides itself on continuing to maintain these high standards.
How long does it take to tour the zoo?
It takes approximately 1-1½ hours to tour the zoo.
Are pets welcome in the zoo?
Pets are welcome in Cleveland Park, but not inside the zoo grounds.
Can we bring food and drinks along? Are picnic areas available?
Yes — you may bring food and drinks to the zoo. There are two covered picnic shelters inside the zoo, one beside the concession stand and another across from the education building.
Do you rent wheelchairs, wagons or strollers?
Equipment rental is unavailable. However, you are welcome to bring your own to the zoo. The entire Greenville Zoo is accessible.
Is the zoo handicapped accessible?
Yes. The zoo has both ramps and stairs leading to all exhibits.
The Zoo has 33 employees who do take care of everything involved with the animals from their food to their habitat. Crystal Rose, the Operations Manager says "a lot of these animals eat better than people." To back up this claim she opens the huge refrigerator/freezer stocked with meats and fresh vegetables. There is a "recipe book" that the dietitian/chef Karen Dolasin follows that includes animal favorites like "monkey chow biscuits." Many foodstuffs are donated; the Kroger chain gives loaf bread as "snacks" for the elephants.
As a part of the excellent care and feeding that the Greenville Zoo delivers, it is accredited by the AZA, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The AZA sets high standards as "fewer than 10 percent of the approximately 2,400 animal exhibitors licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture are AZA accredited." Among other benefits, the Greenville Zoo participates in "Animal Exchange [which is] access to specimens from other AZA accredited zoos and aquariums for loan or breeding." It also allows access to AZA colleagues who are experts in their fields.
There are about 6,000 members of the Greenville Zoo and participation can range from an individual annual membership for $39 that includes a reciprocal relationship with over 130 other zoos like Riverbanks in Columbia and Zoo Atlanta. The Adopt-an-Animal program starts at $25 and the highest level is $1,000 where the member gets a "meet and greet" with the keeper of the chosen animal plus a "behind the scenes" tour for up to ten guests. What a once-in-a-lifetime gift for a Greenville client or grandchild that is almost guaranteed not to be duplicated!
The Education Curator of the Greenville Zoo, Leanne White, has options that can be fun for any age. The Summer Camps range in age from Kinder Camp (a 3-year-old with parent) to Teen Camps for 12-14 year olds. There are also "Zoo Overnights" including a flashlight safari and behind-the-scenes tours.
There have been wedding receptions and corporate parties at the Greenville Zoo, as well as annual events like "Hot Dog Day" in July, the "Sippin' Safari" in September and the "Boo in the Zoo" in October.
The newest event at the Zoo is the arrival of three Amur Leopard cubs. According to Administrator Bullock, "they are three of the five Amur leopards born in North American zoos in 2010...the Amur leopards are nearing extinction with only about 200 left in zoos and fewer than 40 remaining in the wild." Born on St. Patrick's Day, the cubs aptly named Jade, Emerald and Clover, are native to the Russian Far East and are the rarest of the big cats in the world.
About 270,000 visitors come to the Greenville Zoo annually and it is open seven days a week except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.