Founded in the late eighties by the Futrell family to showcase their private collection of both domestic and more exotic animals, The 200-hectare Waccatee Zoo site is now home to over 100 different animal species from all over the world.
The zoo has several trails that connect the different habitats, which run through fields, over creeks and beneath wooded canopies. The animals live in simple habitats that aim to replicate their living conditions in the wild.
The variety of animals here is vast. You can interact with domestic animals such as cows, horses and goats or observe peacocks roaming freely around the site. Take a trip to another continent with the African Safari collection and see zebra, buffalo, tigers, lions and leopards. The grounds themselves also play host to several species of migrating birds that choose the site as their breeding grounds.
One of the best known and most loved inhabitants here is Chico. At 27 years old, this chimpanzee is one of the zoo’s oldest inhabitants and was said to be a favourite of the zoo’s late founder, Archie Futrell.
Situated just 15 minutes’ drive away from Myrtle Beach, Waccatee Zoo is open seven days a week and has free parking available on site. The zoo itself is quite modest in comparison to larger city zoos and this is reflected in the small entrance fee. There is a snack bar on site offering some basic refreshments or you may prefer to bring food with you. The majority of the zoo is located outdoors making it a perfect family destination in good weather.
