Trip Planner: USA / Georgia / Athens / Bear Hollow Zoo

Bear Hollow Zoo, Athens

4.5

#2 of 7 in Parks in Athens

Zoo · Hidden Gem · Zoo / Aquarium

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Bear Hollow is a facility of the ACC Department of Leisure Services. Since it's creation in the late 1940's, the zoo has undergone many changes having started as a private collection of wild animals, which had been donated to the Athens zoo. Currently, the zoo contains only non-releasable native wildlife housed in natural habitat exhibits. The zoo is always growing and changing thanks to community support through volunteers and donations,yet it always remains committed to conservation through the education of its visitors. By educating the public, by allowing even one person to forge a lasting connection with an animal, Bear Hollow helps motivate people to protect wildlife and the habitats that they depend upon.

Bear Hollow relies heavily upon donations and the commitment of many volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering or helping the zoo in any way, please contact us!

Plan your visit to Bear Hollow Zoo and a wealth of other attractions, well-known and undiscovered, using our Athens journey planner.
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Bear Hollow Zoo reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

259 reviews

Google

4.6

By Savageseay

Awesome little hidden gem in Athens. Not a massive zoo but it does have birds of prey, bears and a reptile house

Awesome little hidden gem in Athens. Not a massive zoo but it does have birds of prey, bears and a reptile house more »
By Daydream21027799514

I really dislike writing negative reviews, so I will start with a positive: little kids that were there seemed to be having a good time. BUT: if you have ever been to a decent zoo you will find this..... more

I really dislike writing negative reviews, so I will start with a positive: little kids that were there seemed to be having a good time. BUT: if you have ever been to a decent zoo you will find this..... more »
By 945rhondah

This little zoo is super sweet for little ones. It's fabulous that everything is free. The heavily treed environment is lovely. This "zoo" is so little you don't need much time to stop in to say hi..... more

This little zoo is super sweet for little ones. It's fabulous that everything is free. The heavily treed environment is lovely. This "zoo" is so little you don't need much time to stop in to say hi..... more »

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Google

By Broocks Regan

It's a little bit more rundown than it was when we visited in 2019. They are in the middle of some renovations that look very nice. The new fences look much better than the old ones. I don't know why some of the gates were locked. It was a little troubling. The biggest detractor right now is the condition of the animal sanctuaries. Kind of reminds me how yellow River game ranch was in their decline. Have to keep in mind that this is a free to the public zoo. If you go to their website there are options to help to support them if we don't want to see something like this disappear.

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By Judy Woodcock

This zoo is great. It is small as some reviewers say but they should keep in mind it is a free zoo for rehabbed animals. We saw owls, bears, turkeys, river otters, a bald eagle, a gator and more. My 7 year old didn’t want to leave. We all had a great time and will be back.

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By ジェナGenna

Always a delight to visit. Clean areas and healthy looking animals. The park has also taken extra precautions to keep people and animals safe during the pandemic. In general the park is always well cared for. The animals are beautiful and amazing to see. It's a great place to visit.

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By Karen Phillips

We love coming here and seeing the bears, alligator, otters, and other animals. The zoo has just reopened after being shut down from covid 19 for a few months. They have re-routed part of the path so it is one way to cut down on guests getting close to each other. It is a nice little free zoo!

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By Nancy Callahan

Have loved this place for years. Shady, quiet, and free zoo. Next to a lovely lake and community athletic facility. Pool open seasonally.Dont miss the lively antics of the river otters-sure to make you smile!

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