History of Greenville Zoo in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 24, 2026

Located in Greenville, South Carolina, the Greenville Zoo is a 14-acre facility that offers an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the zoo is committed to excellence in animal care, education, and conservation efforts. It houses a diverse collection of animals from around the world, including giraffes, lions, orangutans, and giant anteaters, displayed in naturalistic habitats designed to reflect their native environments. Beyond its exhibits, the zoo serves as a vital community resource, providing interactive educational programs, summer camps, and outreach initiatives aimed at fostering a greater understanding of wildlife and biodiversity. With a focus on sustainable practices and wildlife preservation, the Greenville Zoo remains a prominent cultural and recreational landmark, inviting guests to connect with nature while supporting global conservation initiatives.

1957: Greenville City Council Approval

In 1957, the Greenville City Council officially granted approval for the establishment of the Greenville Zoo.

1960: Commencement of Zoo Construction

Construction work for the Greenville Zoo began in 1960, marking the transition from legislative approval to physical development.

1960: Grand Opening of Greenville Zoo

In 1960, the Greenville Zoo officially opened its doors to the public in Greenville, South Carolina, marking the beginning of its history as a local wildlife attraction.

1962: Monkey Dome Construction

A new exhibit known as the monkey dome was built in 1962, which facilitated the addition of 26 colobus monkeys to the zoo's animal population.

1981: Greenville Zoo Expansion and Growth

In 1981, the Greenville Zoo saw significant growth, reaching a total of 70 animals housed in 11 distinct display areas and expanding its physical footprint from 5 acres to 14 acres.

1984: Temporary Closure for Upgrades

During 1984, the Greenville Zoo temporarily ceased operations to undergo a period of major renovations and facility upgrades.

1986: Grand Reopening and New Facilities

Following extensive renovations, the zoo reopened in 1986, introducing several new amenities including an education center, a reptile house, a gift and refreshment center, a South American animal exhibit, and a waterfowl lagoon.

2002: Opening of Cub Kingdom

In 2002, the Greenville Zoo expanded its facilities by opening the Cub Kingdom preschool playground for younger visitors.

2003: Opening of Asian Encounter

The zoo introduced the Asian Encounter exhibit in 2003, further diversifying its animal displays.

2008: Masai Giraffe Exhibit Opening

In 2008, the public was invited to view the newly opened Masai giraffe exhibit, which showcased giraffes named Autumn and Walter.

October 2012: Birth of Kiko the Giraffe

In October 2012, the Greenville Zoo celebrated the birth of its first-ever giraffe calf named Kiko, born to a mother named Autumn who is on a breeding loan from the Franklin Park Zoo.

2014: Passing of Ladybird and Joy the Elephant

In 2014, Ladybird, a 44-year-old African elephant, was humanely euthanized following severe abdominal issues, and Joy, the zoo's remaining elephant, tragically passed away while being transported to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado due to AZA single-elephant regulations.

March 14, 2015: Birth of First Gibbon

On March 14, 2015, the Greenville Zoo celebrated the arrival of its first-ever baby gibbon born at the facility.

June 21, 2015: Birth of Red Panda Willie

On June 21, 2015, the zoo announced the birth of a baby red panda, who was named Willie in honor of the famous country music artist Willie Nelson.

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2015: Creation of the South American Pampas Exhibit

During 2015, the Greenville Zoo transformed its former elephant enclosure into a South American Pampas exhibit, which initially housed a Giant anteater called Moe and was subsequently expanded to include two Rheas relocated from the Queens Zoo.

2021: Greenville Zoo Infrastructure and Animal Expansion

Throughout 2021, the Greenville Zoo saw significant growth, including the construction of a new Amur leopard den and the opening of the state-of-the-art Primate Row. The zoo expanded its animal collection to include an American alligator named Big Al, 14 Chilean Flamingos, two Southern Screamers, and Kunekune Pigs named Bill & Ted. The year concluded with a record-breaking Holidays at the Zoo event in December 2021.