View exotic animalsin their natural habitat at this charming, family-run zoo located in the woodedoutskirts of Myrtle Beach.
WaccateeZoo began in 1988 as the Futrell family's private collection of exotic anddomestic pets. Today it is a 500-acre (202-hectare) property, showcasing morethan 100 different species from around the world.
Simple, naturalhabitats are the focus at Waccatee, which remains a family-run enterprise. Thezoo is located on a private, wooded property and the trails connecting theexhibits run through fields, under tree canopies and over creeks.
Pet baby calves,horses, goats and ducks at interactive enclosures. You’ll also be enchanted bythe large collection of colorful peacocks that roam the park.
The zoo features alarge African safari collection, including herds of zebras, buffalo, tigers,lions, cougars and leopards. The grounds are a natural habitat and breedingground for many species of migratory birds.
Don’t miss meetingChico, a lively, 27-year-old chimpanzee, who is one of the zoo’s originalinhabitants. It’s said that he was like a son to the late founder ArchieFutrell.
Waccatee Zoo is just15 minutes by car from central Myrtle Beach. While it doesn’t have the fancyfeatures of some of the country’s bigger zoos, the trade off is admissionprices are minimal. Only basic food is available at a snack bar, so bring apacked lunch if you like. Much of the zoo is outdoors, making it a perfectfamily outing for sunny weather.
Thezoo is open seven days a week, and there is free parking.
