On March 10, 2025, the Greenville City Council approved in principle the Greenville Zoo’s five-year strategic plan to update and expand its facilities. The additions and renovations are set to total $50 million over the course of the next five years, with a plan to implement each addition in stages.

According to the Greenville Zoo’s Strategic & Facility Concept Plan, the updates will begin with the creation of a new orangutan indoor/outdoor habitat. This will be followed with the previous orangutan habitat being updated to specifically house Siamang apes.

Next, the giraffe barn will be expanded, and park facilities will be renovated, with new restrooms and a baby nursing station among the many forthcoming additions.

In support of the Association of Aquariums and Zoos (AZA) Tiger Species Survival Plan, the Greenville Zoo will be building a new Tiger habitat. It will be situated directly across from the zoo’s new entry pavilion, and will be an expansive outdoor habitat with a water feature.

(Photo provided by Relevant Strategies and Solutions Strategic & Facility Concept Plan, Mangolin Creative LLC)

The updated arrival pavilion will be a two-story entry complex for ticketing, member services, retail, and guest amenities, all of which will be situated on the first level. On the second level will be a restaurant, which will be accessible to both zoo and Cleveland Park visitors.

A conservation carousel, featuring dozens of endangered species, will raise funds to support the zoo’s conservation mission, and will offer the Greenville community a unique option as a rental space for a party or special event.

Lorikeet Landing, a family-centric kids activity zone, will be situated between the entry pavilion and the conservation carousel. Families will be able to feed nectar to the lorikeets, with the proceeds from nectar sales going directly to funding the zoo’s operations.

Next, there will be a new lion habitat with a family pride of lions and cubs, all viewable through up-close glass windows. The further additions of a black bear and red wolf exhibit are the last animal habitats stipulated in the strategic plan.

The Greenville Zoo will also be using this budget to invest in a new commissary and staff office, along with critically needed infrastructure improvements such as sidewalks, roofs, and HVAC systems.