ZooGeorgia, US

Chehaw Park

Explore over 800 acres of natural beauty and discover a diverse array of wildlife at Chehaw Park, a premier destination for family fun and nature enthusiasts in Southwest Georgia.

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About

Explore over 800 acres of natural beauty and discover a diverse array of wildlife at Chehaw Park, a premier destination for family fun and nature enthusiasts in Southwest Georgia. This exceptional venue seamlessly combines a unique zoo experience with extensive outdoor recreational opportunities. At the heart of the park is The Zoo at Chehaw, home to over 209 specimens representing more than 72 different species, housed in natural, outdoor exhibits that immerse visitors in the animals' habitats. Meander along scenic boardwalks through lush cypress swamps, encountering majestic animals like Cheetahs, Black Rhinos, and American Alligators in environments designed to mimic their native homes.Beyond the fascinating zoo exhibits, Chehaw Park offers an abundance of activities for all ages. Take a thrilling African Veldt Ride for a safari-like experience, where several species roam together in a large exhibit, or journey on the Wiregrass Express train through the park's pine and wiregrass restoration area. Children will delight in the massive Play Park, one of the largest in South Georgia, and cool off at the Splash Park during warmer months. Engage with friendly animals at Ben's Barnyard petting zoo, or venture to the Alligator's Outpost, where a boardwalk leads you into a natural swamp teeming with American Alligators.Chehaw Park is dedicated to conservation, preservation, and education, providing an engaging experience where visitors can learn about wildlife and nature firsthand. Participate in weekend animal feedings and keeper talks to gain deeper insights into the animals and their care. With miles of walking and biking trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, an RC track, and a stocked catfish pond, the park is an unparalleled destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and a memorable connection with the natural world. Explore the grounds like a pro—download the Snappit app to instantly identify animals and plants.

Chehaw Park boasts a rich history, originally opening as Chehaw State Park in 1937, on 586 acres donated to the state of Georgia. The park's name honors the Chiha (or Chehaw), a tribe of Creek Native Americans who inhabited the area. In 1974, the City of Albany leased 100 acres to develop a wild animal park, conceptualized by Albany native and "Wild Kingdom" naturalist Jim Fowler. Animals were transferred from the Tift Park Zoo, and the Chehaw Wild Animal Park officially opened its doors to the public in October 1977.The Chehaw Park Authority was established in 1979 to oversee the park's management and development. The zoo was an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) from 1997 to 2018, recognized for its high standards in animal care, conservation, and education. Over the years, the park expanded to nearly 800 acres, encompassing diverse habitats including cypress swamps, hardwood forests, and pine/wiregrass areas, and adding attractions like an education center, a large playground, and a BMX track. The Wild Animal Park was officially rebranded as The Zoo at Chehaw in 2016.

What to do here

Explore the zoo's diverse animal collection, attend scheduled animal feedings and keeper talks, let kids play at the massive Play Park and Splash Park (seasonal), enjoy a round of disc golf, hike or bike on the scenic trails, and fish in the stocked catfish pond.

Seasonal info

The Splash Park operates seasonally from 9:30 AM until dark. Fishing in the catfish pond is available from April through October. The African Veldt Ride runs from March through November, and the Wiregrass Express train operates from March through December. Chehaw also hosts annual events like the Native American Festival, Frontier Festival, and Festival of Lights during specific seasons.

Accessibility

Chehaw Park offers paved roads and well-maintained, level inner roads, making it accessible for walking, biking, or driving. The zoo features boardwalks through the cypress swamps, allowing visitors to easily view many natural habitat exhibits.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Plan for a full day to fully enjoy both the zoo and the extensive park amenities, including the Play Park and various trails.
Best time to visit: Spring and Fall offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the park's outdoor attractions and trails. Weekends are ideal for experiencing animal feedings and keeper talks. Mornings are generally best for observing more active animals.
Location: Georgia, US
Species in this guide: 11

Best for

Families With Young Children: With A Large Play Park, Splash Park, And A Petting Zoo At Ben's Barnyard, Chehaw Is Perfect For Kids.Wildlife Enthusiasts: The Natural Outdoor Exhibits And Diverse Collection Of Over 72 Species Cater To Those Passionate About Animals And Conservation.Outdoor Adventurers: Miles Of Trails For Hiking And Biking, An 18 Hole Disc Golf Course, And Opportunities For Fishing Provide Ample Outdoor Recreation.Nature Photographers: The Natural Habitat Settings And Variety Of Animals Offer Excellent Subjects For Photography.

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

African Veldt Ride for a unique safari experience

natural habitat exhibits featuring Cheetahs and Black Rhinos

captivating Alligator's Outpost

interactive Ben's Barnyard petting zoo

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Cheetahs

American Alligator

Black Bear

Ostrich

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across the extensive park and zoo grounds, so comfortable footwear is a must.

Pack Snacks and Drinks

While concessions are available, options may be limited, especially on weekdays. Bringing your own ensures you have what you need throughout the day.

Check the Event Calendar

Before your visit, consult Chehaw's calendar for specific animal feeding times, keeper talks, and seasonal events like festivals or holiday light displays.

Bring Bikes

The park's level and well-maintained inner roads and trails are perfect for exploring on two wheels, offering a different perspective of the natural surroundings.

Consider a Combined Visit

The Flint RiverQuarium is located nearby and makes for an excellent addition to your day trip, especially for families looking for more educational fun.

Insect Repellent

Given the park's natural setting, including swamp areas, insect repellent is advisable, particularly during warmer months.

Frequently asked questions

: Chehaw Park's main attractions include The Zoo at Chehaw, which features natural outdoor exhibits for a wide array of animals such as Cheetahs, Black Rhinos, and American Alligators. Beyond the zoo, the park offers an African Veldt Ride, the Wiregrass Express train, Ben's Barnyard petting zoo, a large Play Park, a seasonal Splash Park, an 18-hole disc golf course, and extensive hiking and biking trails.
: Yes, Chehaw Park is designed with accessibility in mind. It features paved roads and well-maintained, level inner roads. The zoo's natural habitat exhibits are often accessed via boardwalks through cypress swamps, providing easy viewing for visitors.
: Visitors can enjoy opportunities for close-up animal encounters at Chehaw through daily animal feedings and keeper talks, particularly on weekends. Ben's Barnyard also offers a petting zoo experience, allowing interaction with farm animals.