The Greenville Zoo

A Family-Friendly Adventure with Animals from Around the World

Embrace the wild at the Greenville Zoo, a must-visit attraction in the heart of Greenville, SC. Home to exotic animals from around the world, including leopards, giraffes, orangutans, and more, this family-friendly spot offers an up-close look at wildlife while promoting conservation and education. Stroll along the pathways and enjoy interactive exhibits and viewing spots to see the animals up close. Seasonal events throughout the year make every visit unique, like Brew in the Zoo, Sippin' Safari, Boo in the Zoo, and more. Whether you're planning a fun day with the kids or looking for a memorable stop on your Greenville adventure, the Greenville Zoo is the perfect place to explore with its wonderful open-air exhibits and collection of wildlife.

Set on 14 acres in the city’s Cleveland Park, the zoo was founded in 1960. At that time, most of the animals were indigenous species that had already been called the Upstate region home. In 1962, a monkey dome was added and populated with 26 Colobus Monkeys. Needless to say, those handsome primates were not indigenous to the area and the zoo was off and running as a host to animals from around the planet.

Today, the Greenville Zoo is widely regarded as one of the region’s finest and one of its best-kept secrets. For residents, it has become a tremendous source of pride—and a really popular school field trip destination! For visitors, the zoo remains another one of those amazing little Greenville discoveries that seem to reveal themselves around every corner. Its location in Cleveland Park means easy access to playgrounds, picnic tables, walking and biking paths (including the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail) and more—all just minutes from the heart of Downtown Greenville.

Simply put, it’s a cool little zoo that you really ought to see. The zoo is open year-round, but hours vary based on season. Be sure to ask about special rates for kids, seniors, and the military.

If you want a sneak peek of some of the Greenville Zoo's favorite inhabitants, check out the Giraffe Cam or take a look at the photo gallery below!