At area zoos and aquariums, we can get up close and personal with our multi-legged cousins and see ourselves in their antics and unique personalities. Take time this summer to explore the miraculous diversity of our planet and of our own coastal regions.
Brookgreen Gardens (pictured above)
1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet
(843) 235-6000
brookgreen.org
Most know Brookgreen Gardens for its history, fine art and holiday favorite Nights of a Thousand Candles, but it also houses an accredited zoo featuring rescued native animals of the Lowcountry maintained in natural habitats.
Alligator Adventure
4604 U.S. 17 S., North Myrtle Beach
(843) 361-0789
alligatoradventure.com
This animal park showcases a range of species and features swamps with alligators, live shows and various additional wildlife, including a newly acquired sloth.
Ripley’s Aquarium
Broadway at the Beach
1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach
(843) 916-0888
ripleyaquariums.com/myrtlebeach
A year-round favorite, Ripley’s Aquarium swells with summertime crowds for a bit of air-conditioned, rain-free fun with sharks, stingrays, rotating exhibits, a glass-bottom boat adventure and more.
T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station
Barefoot Landing / Socastee
4898 U.S. 17 S., North Myrtle Beach
(843) 361-4552
myrtlebeachsafari.com
At the Barefoot Landing satellite location you’ll get a taste of the real show at the world famous Doc Antle’s Myrtle Beach Safari. There you’ll meet and hold tiger cubs, ride on the backs of elephants and learn about the preservation efforts of the organization.
Waccatee Zoo
8500 Enterprise Road, Myrtle Beach
(843) 650-8500, waccateezoo.com
For more than two decades, the Waccatee Zoo has cared for more than 100 species on 500 acres of wooded, shady land, including big cats, herds of buffalo, zebras and visiting migratory birds.
Photos by Christopher John Photography and courtesy of Brookgreen Gardens, Alligator Adventure, T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station at WWW.MYRTLEBEACHSAFARI.COM and Ripley’s Aquarium
