Spend 20 magical minutes with a sloth, capybara, or penguin during the Exclusive Encounter at Bee City Zoo in Cottageville, SC. Capture unforgettable moments and learn fun facts in this private animal adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
20 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness level is required; this is a stationary, low-impact activity.
Wildlife
History
Bee City Zoo contributes to local wildlife education in a region with rich Lowcountry cultural heritage dating back centuries.
Conservation
The zoo emphasizes care for native species and promotes sustainability by supporting animal rehabilitation and habitat preservation efforts.
Bee City Zoo
Spend 20 magical minutes with a sloth, capybara, or penguin during the Exclusive Encounter at Bee City Zoo in Cottageville, SC. Capture unforgettable moments and learn fun facts in this private animal adventure.
Bee City Zoo in Cottageville, South Carolina, is a family-focused animal park offering hands-on encounters, group visits, and seasonal events.
The zoo hosts educational Field Trips for groups of 25 or more, featuring animal exhibits, a Bee Education program, and large animal feedings. Birthday Parties and Private Events accommodate up to 30 guests with 1.5-hour packages in a gazebo or classroom, and guests may bring food or purchase from the on-site café. Animal Encounters provide private interactions with ambassador species including kangaroos, lemurs, and reptiles. Exclusive Encounter options offer 20-minute sessions with a sloth or a capybara, while a separate Penguin Encounter delivers a 20-minute photo opportunity with the park’s ambassador penguin; admission is required separately for general entry. The zoo also stages seasonal programming such as the Festival of Lights and Winter Wonderland Wagon Ride, with festival entry starting at 5pm and activities beginning at 6pm; guests are advised to arrive an hour before their scheduled wagon time. Additional offerings include safari rides, special gift bags, personalized ornaments, Santa visits, and concessions during events. Bee City Zoo emphasizes clear scheduling, group capacity details, and hands-on education to support school groups, families, and animal lovers seeking safe, memorable experiences. Operations are centered on guest experience and animal welfare, with structured encounter durations and supervised interactions. Visitors can choose from a range of booking options to match party size, desired encounter type, and seasonal events for a tailored zoo visit. The zoo provides clear booking details and onsite staff assistance daily.
Location
Cottageville, SC
Family-focused local destination
Group Options
25+ / up to 30
Field trips and party capacities
Encounter Length
20 minutes
Exclusive and Penguin encounters
Experiences
7 experiences
Encounters, parties, and festivals
Reserve Field Trips, Birthday Parties, Animal Encounters, or Festival of Lights tickets for a safe, hands-on wildlife experience in Cottageville.
Book in advance
Limited spots are available for each 20-minute encounter, so reserving your experience ahead ensures your preferred animal choice.
Arrive early
Arriving 10–15 minutes early allows for check-in and preparation time without feeling rushed.
Follow staff instructions
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both guests and animals, listen carefully to all handling guidelines given by the zoo staff.
Wear comfortable shoes
Though the encounter itself is short and stationary, you may want to explore the zoo grounds before or after the visit.
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Ideal for walking around the zoo before or after your encounter.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during warm summer days, especially if exploring the zoo grounds.
summer
Light jacket or layers
Helpful for cooler mornings and evenings in the fall season.
fall
Camera or smartphone
Capture your special moments with your chosen animal ambassador.