ZOOS & ANIMAL PARKS SOUTH CAROLINA

Edisto Island Serpentarium is South Carolina's first dedicated serpentarium, located on Edisto Island in Charleston County, and open to the public since 1999. Founded by brothers Ted and Heyward Clamp, who brought over 50 years of combined snake-hunting expertise, the facility offers educational and exciting encounters with reptiles both native to the region and from around the world. Large naturalistic snake pits house both non-venomous species such as rat snakes and black racers, and venomous species including cottonmouth moccasins, copperheads, and rattlesnakes. Two ponds hold over 20 adult American alligators, while additional exhibits feature box turtles, snapping turtles, diamondback terrapins, bearded dragons, blue-tongued skinks, and monitor lizards. Daily shows include alligator feedings, snake demonstrations, and a rotating Keeper's Choice presentation covering topics from venom extraction to tortoise care.

Southern Palmetto Farms is a family-friendly agritourism destination spanning more than 40 acres in Aynor, South Carolina, in Horry County. Operated by a fourth-generation farming family, the farm features a Farm Animal Alley where guests can pet and feed goats and other farm animals. Seasonal programming includes u-pick sunflower and zinnia fields, a six-acre corn maze, a pumpkin patch, wagon rides, barrel train rides, trike tracks, inflatable jump pads, and a variety of other family activities spread across spring, summer, and fall seasons. Easter events, flower festivals, and fall harvest celebrations draw visitors throughout the year. The farm also offers birthday party packages, field trips for school groups, and summer camps for children ages 4 to 10.

Eudora Wildlife Safari Park is South Carolina's first drive-thru safari experience, located in Salley in Aiken County, and spanning a sweeping landscape where guests can encounter over 300 exotic animals from the comfort of their own vehicles. The three-mile safari loop lets visitors hand-feed zebras, emus, water buffalo, camels, giraffes, alpacas, lemurs, baboons, Highland cattle, and many more magnificent species up close. Highlights include Melman's Landing, a giraffe observation deck where guests can interact with and hand-feed the park's giraffes eye-to-eye, as well as an interactive walk-through trail, a Safari Village, and a family-friendly petting zoo. Founded with a passion for wildlife conservation, Eudora Wildlife Safari Park delivers an immersive and educational adventure for families, school groups, and wildlife enthusiasts throughout the South Carolina region and beyond.

The South Carolina Aquarium is a beloved waterfront attraction located at 100 Aquarium Wharf in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, where it has served as a hub of marine education and conservation for over 25 years. The aquarium immerses visitors in diverse aquatic ecosystems, with exhibits such as Jurassic Seas alongside rotating seasonal features like Shark Week events. Daily interactive programs include seining expeditions and opportunities to explore the rich biodiversity of South Carolina's rivers, wetlands, and coastal waters. The facility places a strong emphasis on conservation, particularly sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation and efforts to reduce plastic pollution in local waterways. Programming for families, teens, school groups, and adults, including evening events and sustainable seafood dinners, makes the aquarium a dynamic destination for guests of all ages.

Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is an 87,000-square-foot marine attraction located at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, housing over 10,000 marine animals across diverse aquatic ecosystems. The highlight of the aquarium is Dangerous Reef, a breathtaking 340-foot underwater tunnel where guests glide through a 750,000-gallon tank surrounded by sand tiger sharks, green sea turtles, sawfish, tarpon, and massive stingrays. Other notable exhibits include Rio Amazon, featuring tropical rainforest species; Living Gallery, showcasing corals, anemones, and a giant octopus; Friendship Flats, an interactive ray lagoon; and Planet Jellies, where glowing jellyfish drift through color-changing tanks. A specially designed habitat for African Blackfoot Penguins offers above-water and underwater viewing. The aquarium is a year-round family favorite on the Grand Strand.

Audubon's Silver Bluff Center and Sanctuary is a 3,410-acre wildlife sanctuary and nature preserve located along 2.6 miles of the Savannah River near Jackson, South Carolina, in the state's Midlands region. Managed by Audubon South Carolina, the sanctuary protects longleaf pine forests, native grasslands, and wetlands that support more than 200 species of birds, including the impressive Wood Stork. Visitors are welcome daily from sunrise to sunset to explore 25 miles of walking trails through diverse habitats, making it an excellent destination for birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. The sanctuary operates as a living classroom, offering educational programming and bird-friendly forestry workshops for landowners. Special community events, such as the annual Storks and Corks evening celebration, provide unique opportunities for wildlife observation in a relaxed, social setting. The center's conservation mission focuses on habitat stewardship and bird protection throughout the South Carolina Lowcountry region.

Hollywild Animal Preserve is a 100-acre nonprofit wildlife sanctuary in Wellford, South Carolina, providing refuge to more than 500 animals representing species from five continents. The preserve is perhaps best known for its open outback safari covering more than 70 acres, where guests can ride a Safari Bus to hand-feed free-roaming fallow deer, sika deer, white-tailed deer, zebras, bison, emus, donkeys, and Watusi cattle. The walking park features exotic wildlife including African lions, Siberian tigers, Asian elephants, chimpanzees, orangutans, jaguars, leopards, capuchin monkeys, baboons, camels, cougars, rhinoceros, and brown bears, among many others. Animals at Hollywild have appeared in more than 65 feature films and national advertising campaigns over the preserve's 44-plus year history. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, the park hosts its beloved Holiday Lights Safari Benefit, offering a magical drive through millions of lights. Educational Creature Feature programs round out the visitor experience at this unique South Carolina destination.

Greenville Zoo is a 14-acre AZA-accredited zoological park nestled within Cleveland Park in Greenville, South Carolina, and one of only three accredited zoos in the state. Founded in 1960, the zoo is home to over 90 species of animals across exhibit areas spanning Africa, Asia, South America, Primates, Reptiles, a farm, an aviary, and a lagoon. Notable residents include orangutans, red pandas, lions, and giraffes. Conservation is central to the zoo's mission, with programs such as Quarters for Conservation channeling community support toward wildlife preservation projects at regional and global scales. The zoo participates in AZA captive breeding programs for endangered species, providing visitors with both an enjoyable outing and meaningful connection to wildlife stewardship.

The Zoo and Nature Center at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a captivating wildlife attraction set within the historic grounds of Magnolia Plantation at 3550 Ashley River Road in Charleston, South Carolina. The facility features indigenous Lowcountry species including red foxes, bobcats, American alligators, birds of prey, and native turtles and snakes, most of which are non-releasable rescues cared for in partnership with Keeper of the Wild. A reptile house allows safe close-up encounters with local reptiles, while free-roaming peacocks, deer, chickens, rabbits, and goats add to the pastoral charm of the experience. All animals receive regular veterinary care, training, and enrichment. Set amid the plantation's renowned botanical gardens and centuries of history, the Zoo and Nature Center provides a distinctive combination of wildlife education, natural beauty, and Southern heritage for visitors of all ages.

The Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens is an AZA-accredited wildlife facility nestled within the historic Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. The zoo focuses on native Lowcountry species, providing a permanent home for animals that are either captive-bred or have sustained injuries preventing them from surviving in the wild. Visitors can observe red wolves, river otters, bald eagles, alligators, white-tailed deer, grey foxes, birds of prey, Marsh Tacky horses, and friendly Spanish goats, among others. The facility combines conservation and education, caring for sick or injured native wildlife while offering families an engaging look at the region's natural heritage within the broader Brookgreen Gardens cultural landscape.

Reptile Lagoon, located at South of the Border in Dillon County, South Carolina along Interstate 95, is one of the largest indoor reptile exhibitions in the United States. The facility showcases a remarkable array of reptiles, including snakes, alligators, turtles, and more than 15 species of crocodilians such as American alligators and endangered Nile crocodiles. Experienced handlers educate visitors about reptile biology and behavior while maintaining safety through custom-built viewing pools. A gift shop offers reptile-themed souvenirs, and proceeds from admission support the Crocodile Conservation Institute, giving the attraction a meaningful conservation mission. Reptile Lagoon also hosts birthday parties and special events, making it an engaging stop for families traveling the East Coast.

Ballyhoo Petting Zoo is a USDA-accredited, family-owned petting zoo located at 849 Norris Road in Anderson, South Carolina, offering hands-on encounters with over 30 species of friendly animals. Visitors of all ages can meet and interact with mini goats, alpacas, sheep, donkeys, miniature horses, potbellied pigs, cows, chickens, ducks, and bunnies. The zoo hosts guided animal interactions every 30 minutes, giving guests the opportunity to hold baby animals and feed residents using treat cups. Birthday parties, school field trips, and special events can be arranged with tailored packages that include educational tours and animal encounters. Open Thursday through Sunday, Ballyhoo Petting Zoo provides an accessible and affordable outing for families, school groups, and animal lovers throughout the Upstate South Carolina region.

The Animal Forest at Charles Towne Landing is a 22-acre wildlife exhibit set within Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site in Charleston, South Carolina. The habitat is designed to reflect the natural environment of animals that inhabited the Carolina lowcountry at the time of the area's first permanent English settlement in 1670, providing a living connection between natural history and cultural heritage. Residents include pumas, black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, river otters, bison, pelicans, and other native species. A three-quarter-mile walking trail winds through the forest, and a redesigned otter habitat features wide underwater viewing panels for an up-close look at these playful animals in motion. The Animal Forest is an integral part of the broader Charles Towne Landing experience, blending wildlife education with the compelling story of early colonial South Carolina.

Alligator Adventure is a reptile-focused wildlife attraction located in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, adjacent to the Barefoot Landing entertainment complex. Billing itself as one of the largest reptile facilities in the world, the park is home to thousands of alligators and crocodilians alongside snakes, turtles, mountain lions, macaws, capybaras, llamas, lemurs, flamingos, and ostriches. Live shows and educational presentations allow guests to come face to face with some of nature's most remarkable creatures. Photo opportunities and behind-the-scenes content enhance the visit, making it an engaging stop for families and wildlife enthusiasts exploring the Grand Strand area. With its diverse collection and interactive experiences, Alligator Adventure stands out as a one-of-a-kind destination on the South Carolina coast.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is an AZA-accredited zoological and botanical institution located in Columbia, South Carolina, established in 1974. The facility is home to approximately 3,000 animals spanning birds, mammals, reptiles, and aquatic species, complemented by 5,700 plant varieties across beautifully maintained botanical gardens. Visitor experiences include animal demonstrations, the scenic Saluda Skyride aerial tour, splash zones, zoo camps, and school programs. Riverbanks participates in the AZA SAFE conservation program and reef rescue projects, demonstrating a strong commitment to wildlife preservation. Drawing over one million visitors annually and serving 50,000 member households, the zoo offers a rich blend of wildlife encounters and botanical exploration. Private event facilities are also available, making Riverbanks a versatile destination for families and groups throughout the Carolinas.

Bee City Zoo and Honey Bee Farm is an interactive, hands-on animal attraction located in Cottageville, South Carolina, near Edisto River and Givhans State Park. The zoo features an impressive variety of species including tigers, lemurs, giraffes, monkeys, snakes, and birds, with visitors encouraged to hand-feed many of the animals for a close-up wildlife experience. Private animal encounters with baby and ambassador animals are available, along with giraffe observation sessions offered throughout the week. The zoo hosts birthday parties, field trips, and specialty programs catering to families and school groups. An on-site cafe and the farm's own line of raw, unpasteurized Bee City honey add unique flavor to a visit. Operating year-round, Bee City Zoo combines exotic wildlife encounters with agricultural education in a welcoming rural setting.

The Serpent Center, also known as the Serpent Center at Venom Central, is a specialized reptile education facility located at 497 Camden Rd in Vance, South Carolina, within Orangeburg County, conveniently situated about an hour from Charleston and minutes from I-95. Established with more than 40 years of herpetology expertise behind it and opened to the public in 2023, the center is dedicated to the world of venomous snakes, exhibiting species from around the globe with a focus on superior reptile husbandry and safety. The facility boasts an impressive record of zero bites, envenomations, or escapes across its entire history. Open by appointment only, The Serpent Center offers in-depth educational experiences for curious visitors, professionals, and enthusiasts alike, making it a uniquely compelling destination for those interested in the fascinating and often misunderstood world of venomous reptiles.

Myrtle Beach Safari, located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is an exclusive interactive wildlife preserve operated by renowned conservationist Doc Antle. The facility's flagship experience is the Wild Encounters Day Tour, a fully guided walking safari on over 50 acres where guests interact up close with extraordinary animals including tigers, elephants, cheetahs, chimpanzees, wolves, and lemurs. Tours run by reservation only and include professional photography, lunch, and intimate encounters with both large and exotic species. The park also offers night safari experiences and private photo encounters, providing one of the most immersive exotic animal experiences on the East Coast.