Georgia Zoos, Aquariums & Wildlife Parks

Discover Georgia's exceptional collection of wildlife attractions, anchored by two world-class AZA-accredited institutions in Atlanta. From the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere to intimate petting farms in the North Georgia mountains, the Peach State offers diverse animal experiences for all ages.

2

AZA-Accredited Facilities

10+

Total Wildlife Attractions

120K+

Animals at Georgia Aquarium

11M

Gallons at Largest US Aquarium

Top-Rated Georgia Attractions

Georgia Aquarium

Location: 225 Baker St, Atlanta, GA 30313

Hours: Mon-Wed 9:30am-5:30pm, Thu-Sun 8:30am-7:30pm (subject to change)

Admission: Varies by date (advance purchase recommended)

AZA Accredited through March 2029

The largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere and 6th largest in the world. Features 11+ million gallons of water with 120,000+ animals from 200+ species. Only aquarium outside Asia to care for whale sharks. Highlights include beluga whales in Cold Water Quest, dolphin presentations, and the massive Sharks: Predators of the Deep exhibit ($100M expansion). Open 365 days/year. Located in downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca-Cola, and other attractions.

Special Programs: Beluga Encounter (15-min behind-scenes experience), Animal Encounter programs, webcams

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Zoo Atlanta

Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 (Grant Park)

Hours: Generally 9am-5pm or 10am-5pm (seasonal variations)

Admission: Adults $23-32, Seniors $22-30, Kids (3+) $17-25, Under 3 Free

AZA Accredited through March 2026

Home to 1,000+ animals representing 200+ species, many endangered or critically endangered. One of only 3 US zoos housing giant pandas. Features North America's largest zoological population of great apes and global center of excellence for reptiles and amphibians. Located in historic Grant Park, minutes from Downtown Atlanta. Average visit: 3 hours. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas only.

Parking: $3/hour or $12/day maximum | Free Admission: Active military with valid ID

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Wild Animal Safari

Location: 1300 Oak Grove Rd, Pine Mountain, GA 31822

Hours: Mon-Sun 10am - 5pm

Size: 500 acres

Opened 1991. Drive-through safari featuring 550+ animals representing 70+ species roaming freely across 500 acres. Located 50 miles south of Atlanta. See and feed alligators, camels, deer, giraffes, bears, lions, tigers, bison, and zebras. 3.5-mile trail accessible via your own vehicle, safari rental vehicles, or guided bus tours. Includes Walkabout Adventure Zoo with 20+ exotic animal exhibits: spider monkeys, lions, tigers, bears, lemurs, singing dogs, giant tortoises. Hands-on, interactive safari experience unique to Georgia.

Contact: (706) 663-8744

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North Georgia Wildlife Park & Safari

Location: Cleveland, GA (near Helen)

Admission: Adults $24.99+, Children (2-11) $22.99+

Home to 400+ animals representing 80+ species. Features one of Georgia's largest petting zoos with hands-on interactive experiences. Animals include alligators, monkeys, kangaroos, wildcats, zebras, otters, sloths, penguins, and capybaras. Offers safari drive-thru, petting farm, and wildlife park experiences. Specializes in personalized, up-close animal encounters. Educational programs for all ages. North Georgia mountain location provides scenic backdrop.

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AZA-Accredited Institutions in Georgia

What is AZA Accreditation? The Association of Zoos & Aquariums accredits only 240 facilities nationwide that meet the highest standards in animal care, welfare, conservation, and education. Accreditation is renewed every five years through rigorous evaluation.
Zoo Atlanta

Accredited through: March 2026

Atlanta's premier zoo featuring giant pandas, extensive great ape collection, and world-renowned reptile and amphibian programs. Historic Grant Park location.

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Georgia Aquarium

Accredited through: March 2029

Fourth consecutive accreditation. Largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. Downtown Atlanta location with 11+ million gallons featuring whale sharks, belugas, dolphins, and 120,000+ animals.

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Regional Zoos & Wildlife Parks

Chehaw Wild Animal Park

Location: Albany, GA

Regional wildlife park featuring native and exotic species in Southwest Georgia. Family-friendly attraction with educational programs and exhibits.

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Georgia Untamed Zoo

Location: Hogansville, GA

Hidden animal oasis in historic small town. Wildlife Walkthrough Trail with interactive experiences and Up-Close Animal Encounters. Party rentals available at Prairie Pavilion.

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Stone Mountain Park

Location: Stone Mountain, GA 30086

3,200-acre natural resource offering wildlife viewing alongside historic attractions, recreation, and Georgia's iconic granite mountain. Preserves and protects natural habitat for people of Georgia and worldwide visitors.

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Petting Zoos & Small Farms (North Georgia)

Hooves and Feathers Petting Farm

Location: Morganton, GA (between Blue Ridge & Blairsville)

38-acre petting farm focusing on farm animals in safe, natural environment. Perfect for all ages. Emphasizes education and sustainable farm practices with hands-on experiences.

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Chestatee Wildlife Preserve

Location: North Georgia

Home to 100+ exotic and native animals rescued due to being orphaned, abused, illegally purchased, or needing forever homes. Up-close, personal encounters with rescued wildlife.

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Conservation & Specialty Centers

Kangaroo Conservation Center

Location: Dawsonville, GA

Currently exhibiting 300+ kangaroos of 9 species. Successfully bred and cared for 12+ different marsupial species over 24 years. Unique wildlife educational adventure offering unforgettable experience with kangaroos and other marsupials.

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Georgia Wildlife Federation

Location: 11600 Hazelbrand Road, Covington, GA 30014

Established 1936 as sportsman's organization. Now Georgia's oldest and largest conservation organization. Members include bird watchers, hunters, anglers, educators, gardeners, hikers - diverse group united by environmental concern and compassion.

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Gorilla Haven

Location: Morgantown, GA

Sanctuary dedicated to gorilla conservation and care. Provides refuge for rescued primates in specialized facility.

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Obediah's Okefenok

Location: Waycross, GA

National Register of Historical Places. Homestead representing frontier agricultural lifestyle of early settler when industry and commerce emerged. Displays zoological and biological knowledge. Features swamp ecology education and native plant/animal exhibits.

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Planning Your Georgia Zoo Visit

Best Times to Visit

  • Spring & Fall: Ideal weather for outdoor attractions (March-May, September-November)
  • Weekdays: Smaller crowds at major attractions like Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta
  • Early Morning: Animals most active, cooler temperatures, shorter lines
  • Off-Season: Winter months (except holidays) offer lower prices and fewer crowds

Money-Saving Tips

  • Atlanta CityPASS: Save up to 49-50% bundling Zoo Atlanta and Georgia Aquarium with other Atlanta attractions
  • Advance Purchase: Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta offer lower prices for early online booking
  • Military Discounts: Free admission at Zoo Atlanta for active military with valid ID
  • College Students: Discounted rates at Zoo Atlanta with student ID
  • Annual Passes: Georgia Aquarium's Aqua Pass 2026 covers rest of 2025 and all of 2026

Getting Around Atlanta

  • Walking Distance: Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, and downtown attractions connected by walkable routes and public transit
  • MARTA: Public transit serves Zoo Atlanta (Grant Park) and downtown area
  • Parking: Georgia Aquarium offers paid parking nearby; Zoo Atlanta charges $3/hour or $12/day max
  • Combo Visits: Plan full day combining Georgia Aquarium with nearby World of Coca-Cola, CNN Center, or Centennial Olympic Park

What to Bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes (expect 2-4 hours on your feet)
  • Reusable water bottles (refill stations available)
  • Sunscreen and hats for outdoor areas
  • Light jacket for air-conditioned aquarium exhibits
  • Camera or phone for photos (flash photography restrictions apply in some areas)
  • Stroller for young children (rentals may be available)

Frequently Asked Questions

Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is not only the largest aquarium in Georgia, but also the largest in the Western Hemisphere and the 6th largest in the world. It features over 11 million gallons of water housing 120,000+ animals from 200+ species. The aquarium was the world's largest from its 2005 opening until 2012. It's the only aquarium outside of Asia to care for whale sharks. Located in downtown Atlanta at 225 Baker St, it's open 365 days a year and is AZA-accredited through March 2029.

Yes, Georgia has 2 AZA-accredited institutions, both located in Atlanta: Zoo Atlanta (accredited through March 2026) and Georgia Aquarium (accredited through March 2029). AZA accreditation is the gold standard in animal care, requiring facilities to meet rigorous standards in animal welfare, conservation, education, and safety. Only 240 facilities nationwide hold this prestigious designation. Georgia Aquarium received its fourth consecutive accreditation, first earning AZA status in 2008.

Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park is one of only 3 zoos in the United States that houses giant pandas. The Giant Panda exhibit is consistently rated as one of the can't-miss Zoo Atlanta experiences and a top reason for positive reviews. Zoo Atlanta is home to more than 1,000 animals representing over 200 species, and features North America's largest zoological population of great apes alongside its famous panda program. Located at 800 Cherokee Ave SE in historic Grant Park, the zoo is just minutes from Downtown Atlanta.

Yes, Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain offers a unique 500-acre drive-through safari experience where visitors can see, touch, and feed 550+ animals representing 70+ species. The park opened in 1991 and is located 50 miles south of Atlanta. You can travel the 3.5-mile trail in your own vehicle, rent safari vehicles, or take a guided bus tour. Animals roam freely and may approach your vehicle, allowing you to feed exotic species including giraffes, camels, deer, bison, and zebras. The admission price also includes the Walkabout Adventure Zoo with 20+ additional exotic animal exhibits featuring spider monkeys, lions, tigers, bears, lemurs, and giant tortoises. Phone: (706) 663-8744.

Georgia Aquarium offers several extraordinary animal encounters. The Beluga Encounter is a 15-minute behind-the-scenes program in the Cold Water Quest Gallery where guests meet and interact with beluga whales, with approximately 8 minutes of hands-on interaction including touching the whales under trainer supervision. The aquarium also features live dolphin presentations, opportunities to view whale sharks (the only aquarium outside Asia to house them), and the massive Sharks: Predators of the Deep exhibit in a 1-million-gallon saltwater gallery. The aquarium houses beluga whales, dolphins, sea otters, penguins, sea lions, and tens of thousands of other marine animals. Reservations for special encounters can be made online or by calling 404-581-4000.

North Georgia offers several excellent petting zoo experiences. North Georgia Wildlife Park & Safari in Cleveland features one of Georgia's largest petting zoos with 400+ animals representing 80+ species, offering hands-on interactive experiences with exotic animals like sloths, otters, penguins, capybaras, monkeys, and kangaroos (admission: adults $24.99+, children $22.99+). Hooves and Feathers Petting Farm in Morganton is a 38-acre farm between Blue Ridge and Blairsville focusing on farm animals in a safe, natural environment with educational programs. Georgia Untamed Zoo in Hogansville offers a Wildlife Walkthrough Trail with up-close animal encounters. Chestatee Wildlife Preserve houses 100+ rescued exotic and native animals. These facilities combine education with hands-on experiences perfect for families with young children.

Plan approximately 3 hours for a complete visit to Zoo Atlanta to see all exhibits including the famous giant pandas and North America's largest great ape collection. The zoo is open generally 9am-5pm or 10am-5pm depending on season (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas only). For Georgia Aquarium, budget 3-4 hours to fully explore all galleries including whale sharks, beluga whales, dolphins, and the Sharks exhibit. The aquarium operates with varying hours: Monday-Wednesday 9:30am-5:30pm, Thursday-Sunday 8:30am-7:30pm (subject to change). To visit both attractions in one day, consider the Atlanta CityPASS which saves up to 49-50% and includes admission to both facilities plus other Atlanta attractions. Both are located in downtown Atlanta area, making it possible to combine visits.

The Kangaroo Conservation Center in Dawsonville is Georgia's premier destination for kangaroo encounters, currently exhibiting over 300 kangaroos of 9 different species. The center has successfully bred and cared for more than a dozen different marsupial species over the past 24 years, offering a unique wildlife educational adventure focused entirely on kangaroos and related marsupials. North Georgia Wildlife Park & Safari in Cleveland also features kangaroos among its 400+ animals and 80+ species, with hands-on interactive petting zoo experiences. These specialized facilities provide rare opportunities to observe and learn about Australian marsupials rarely seen in American zoos.

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Last updated on November 27, 2025