Lowcountry Zoo — Attraction in Georgetown

For those seeking an authentic and engaging wildlife experience in South Carolina, the Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens is a captivating destination. Nestled within the expansive and stunning Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, this AZA-accredited zoo offers a unique window into the native animal species of the South Carolina Lowcountry, all while contributing to important conservation and rehabilitation efforts. As a scientist, I particularly appreciate their dedication to animals that were either bred and raised in captivity or have sustained injuries that prevent their survival in the wild. The zoo provides thoughtfully designed habitats that mimic the natural environments of its residents. Visitors can expect to encounter a fascinating array of creatures, including majestic bald eagles, playful river otters, elusive red and grey foxes, and impressive alligators. The Cypress Aviary is a standout, allowing for an immersive experience as you stroll along a boardwalk through a swamp habitat teeming with various bird species. Beyond the wilder residents, the zoo also features a section dedicated to heritage breed farm animals, offering a glimpse into the agricultural history of the region. One practical tip for planning your visit: while Brookgreen Gardens is vast and offers shuttle services, you'll find it significantly more convenient to drive your car directly to the parking area for the Lowcountry Zoo. This saves time and energy, allowing you to dive straight into the animal encounters. The Lowcountry Zoo is more than just a collection of animals; it's an educational journey through the rich biodiversity of the region. The commitment to native species, the well-maintained habitats, and the beautiful, natural setting make it a standout experience. General admission to Brookgreen Gardens includes access to the Lowcountry Zoo, offering remarkable value for a day filled with art, nature, and wildlife. Whether you're a dedicated naturalist or a family looking for an enriching outing, the Lowcountry Zoo is a highly...

The Lowcountry Zoo is honestly such a hidden gem 🦓🌴. It’s part of Brookgreen Gardens, so you’re already in this gorgeous setting, but the zoo itself is such a cool surprise. Unlike your typical giant zoo, this one feels super personal and laid-back — you’re way closer to the animals, and you can actually take your time without fighting huge crowds.

They’ve got a really unique mix of native animals — think otters, alligators, foxes, eagles, owls, even a black bear 🐻. Seeing them in these natural, shaded habitats feels so different compared to concrete city zoos. The enclosures are well cared for, the animals look healthy and active, and the whole vibe feels more like you’re walking through nature than just looking at cages.

The staff is super friendly too 🙌. You can tell they actually care about the animals and love answering questions. There are signs everywhere with fun facts, so you actually learn a lot while you’re exploring.

💡 Insider tip: Go earlier in the day when it’s cooler — the animals are way more active then. And definitely wear comfy shoes, because you’ll want to wander through the zoo and the gardens afterwards.

Overall, the Lowcountry Zoo is a perfect stop if you’re in the area. It’s smaller, but that’s what makes it so special — chill vibes, cool animals, and gorgeous surroundings. 10/10 recommend if you want something fun, educational, and super...

The zoo is part of the bigger garden and access is included with the overall cost. Reasonable walking trails, but very limited animals. The best viewing is in the bird enclosures. We didn't see much of any other animals on the walk (possibly due to the time of year - mid October). Some benches along the way so you can sit and watch the animals or just enjoy the quiet.

Kids will like just messing about with the sand, grass, trees and sculptures. Just being able to run around and explore will benefit them

Ok place for a quiet walk, though a bit long if you have mobility issues. I walk with a cane and found some of the stretches between benches to be too long for my comfort.

There is a shuttle (we didn't know about) that will take you to various parts of the garden. Definitely take advantage of that. It's a long walk from the zoo to the next set of buildings where you can buy tix for some guided excursions.

Note -- tix for entry are good for a week, so go early in the week and you can go back again if you...