Special Events

Squirrel Appreciation Day - January 21 

Red, grey, or even black, what’s your favorite color of squirrel? Squirrel Appreciation Day reminds us to enjoy these nut-burying, scampering animals. 

World Wildlife Day - March 3

World Wildlife Day will be celebrated at the Greenville Zoo with a theme “Sustaining all life on earth", which aligns with goal 14 of UN Sustainable Development Goals.   

Triple P Get Out and Play Day - March 28 - CANCELED

Join the Greenville Zoo, Triple P , and many other organizations as we demonstrate activities that will get children learning about science and nature outside and celebrate the great outdoors!

Member’s Appreciation Night - April 3 - CANCELED

Join the Greenville Zoo for a cool evening exclusively for its members! The free event features live musical entertainment, free popcorn and Pespi products (while supplies last), special zookeeper talks and enrichment activities.

Enrichment Day - April 4 - CANCELED

As part of Enrichment Day, zoo guests receive an inside glimpse of how zoo staff use enrichment to create a challenging environment to address an animal’s social, psychological and physical needs. Enrichment also enhances animal activity, provides mental stimulation and improves the success of captive breeding of endangered species. Zookeepers and education docents will be interacting with zoo guests and explaining the process of enrichment throughout the day. 

Party for the Planet - April 18 - CANCELED

This is a very special day! The Greenville Zoo hosts conservation and civic groups offering ideas on how to make our world a better place to live. Join the fun with hands-on activities at stations throughout the zoo.

Save the Frogs and Citizen Science Day - April 25 - CANCELED

The Greenville Zoo hosts Save the Frogs Day to raise awareness of the rapid disappearance of frog species worldwide. This annual event also celebrates Citizen Science Day, showcasing our local citizen science groups to demonstrate the opportunities and contributions of citizen scientists in our community. Don’t miss the chance to isolate DNA and see what it looks like with volunteers from Clemson University Life Sciences Outreach Center! 

Green Tie Gala - April 25 - POSTPONED

More info coming soon! 

M.O.M. - Missing Orangutan Mothers - May 9 - CANCELED

Mother’s Day weekend is the perfect time to celebrate and pay tribute to orangutan mothers. Join us as we celebrate our Greenville Zoo orangutans. 

Mother’s Day Special Admission - May 10

In honor of Mother’s Day, all moms will receive free admission with a paid children’s admission ticket. 

Endangered Species Day - May 15

Join us today for Endangered Species Day! This is an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species and everyday actions they can take to help protect them. 


Greenville Zoo & Trees Greenville ID Walk - May

The Greenville Zoo is teaming up with Trees Greenville to offer a unique opportunity to learn fun facts and quick tricks to identify local trees. Come join us for an informative tree tour throughout the zoo campus.

Brew in the Zoo - May 29

The Greenville Zoo invites zoo-goers to tap into the wild at the annual Brew in the Zoo. The evening provides adults 21+ an opportunity to sample an assortment of beers while exploring the zoo after-hours. 

Dreamnight - June 5


World Oceans Day - June 8

As a result of a United Nations General Assembly resolution passed in December 2008, World Oceans Day is officially recognized by the United Nations in June each year. Join us as we discuss how what we do here in the Upstate affects our ocean.

Father’s Day Special Admission - June 21

In honor of Father’s Day, all dads will receive free admission with a paid children’s admission ticket.

World Giraffe Day - June 21

We will be celebrating animals with the longest necks: giraffes! Visit the zoo to learn all about giraffes - from what they eat and how they survive in the wild, to the ways we care for them. 

Zoom Through the Zoo 5K - July 18

Join us for Greenville’s only 5K with a loop through the Greenville Zoo! Our race also includes a Kids Fun Run. Zoom Through the Zoo is a fundraiser for the Greenville Zoo, presented by the Greenville Zoo Foundation. Zoom Through the Zoo is a Greenville Track Club Corporate Shield event.

My Greenville Zoo (Giving) Day - August 10


World Lion Day - August 10

Since the dawn of man, the lion has played an integral role in our lives. To lose the lion from our world would be to lose part of our global heritage. Education staff and zookeepers will be on hand for designated talks.

Sippin’ Safari - September 4

The annual sampling event presented by Greenville Zoo Foundation transforms the Greenville Zoo into a pathway of wine and food tasting stations, with live music and raffles not to be missed. Sippin’ Safari raises awareness and funds for various zoo programs. 

International Vulture Awareness Day - September 5

Vultures are an ecologically vital group of birds that face a range of threats in many areas that they occur. Populations of many species are under pressure and some species are facing extinction. Join us as we highlight vulture conservation and awareness.  

International Red Panda Day - September 19

Join us in recognition of International Red Panda Day to learn about red pandas and try out some red panda activities.  Become a Red Panda Ranger, a special title given to a child who has learned about red pandas and is ready to spread the word about the importance of conservation.  

World Migratory Bird Day - October 10


Boo in the Zoo - October 16-18, 23-25

Greenville Zoo’s annual family-friendly Halloween event for all ages features trick-or-treating and fun-filled booths including Dragon Alley and Alice’s Fun House. Everyone is invited to join in the fun and come in costume.

World Anteater Day - November 29

In celebration of World Anteater Day, visit Anton the giant anteater at his exhibit at the Greenville Zoo!  Learn more about these nosey creatures during the day at an education station set up in front of the exhibit.  

Breakfast with Santa - December 5

We are excited to host Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 5th. Enjoy a delicious breakfast served by Texas Roadhouse, up close and personal time with Santa, a visit from an education animal, goodie bags, and a chance to win some fun prizes. Our annual Safari Santa will take place after Breakfast with Santa from 11:00am-1:00pm.  

Safari Santa - December 5

The Greenville Zoo kicks off the holiday season with Safari Santa - a free (with admission) event for all ages. Kids can take their picture with Santa and the first 100 children receive a free cookie while enjoying a day at the zoo.