Greenville Zoo Celebrates Grand Opening of Mary H. Huse Africa Plaza!
Hey, Greenville! Exciting news is coming your way as the Greenville Zoo has officially unveiled the all-new Mary H. Huse Africa Plaza this past November 15th. This special event not only honors an inspiring local figure but also introduces some fantastic new residents of the zoo. So, let’s dive into what this captivating day had in store!
Meet the New Stars of the Plaza!
Animal lovers, rejoice! The star of the show is none other than the adorable cape porcupines who have just made their debut in their brand-new habitat! Named Brillo and Spike, these charming creatures are ready to steal your hearts. They’ll be sharing their cozy new digs with an Aldabra tortoise named Bubba, who has officially relocated from a display right across the walkway. Isn’t that something?
The Mary H. Huse Africa Plaza is also home to the newly renovated living space for the spectacular Masai giraffes—say hello to Miles, Autumn, and Blossom! This plaza boasts a prime combination of animal habitats and an interactive experience for visitors of all ages.
A Tribute to a Conservationist
The newly dedicated plaza honors the legacy of Mary H. Huse, a passionate conservationist and animal lover who touched many lives in the Greenville community. Known for her dedication, she left this world in 2002, but her spirit lives on at our beloved zoo. According to her daughter, Dorothy Dowe, Huse considered the zoo “one of Greenville’s treasures.” Imagine hearing the joyful sounds of the zoo right from your home every day—it’s easy to see why she was so fond of it!
In a heartfelt tribute, Dowe shared, “She would be immensely proud of how far the Greenville Zoo has come and its support for species conservation, as well as programming and research initiatives that contribute to our planet’s sustainability.” How beautiful is that?
Community Support Shines Bright!
The incredible transformation of the plaza wouldn’t have been possible without the generous donations and collaborative spirit of the community! A whopping $250,000 was donated by the Rupert Huse Charitable Fund for the plaza renovations, while the Greenville Zoo Foundation raised $564,702 in private donations. This funding was not just for the new porcupine habitat, but also covered updated walkways, signage, and landscaping that enhances this area!
And let’s not forget the lovely path beside the porcupine habitat, paved with bricks graciously purchased by the zoo’s supporters. Gail DePriest, chair of the zoo foundation board, said, “It’s such a tribute. It says so much about the community spirit here, and the benevolence and the giving that happens for the zoo.” Isn’t it heartwarming when a community comes together to support a great cause?
What’s Next?
With additional funding from the state, the zoo is all set to create enriching experiences for visitors and strengthen its role in conservation efforts. Bill Cooper, the Greenville Zoo Administrator, eloquently stated, “These animals are more than fascinating species. They’re ambassadors for their species and their ecosystems. By learning about them up close, we can gain a deeper understanding and respect for the rich diversity of wildlife on our planet.”
Wrap It Up!
So get ready, Greenville! The Mary H. Huse Africa Plaza is open for exploration, and there’s no better time to visit your favorite local zoo. Bring your family, bring your friends, and come say hello to Brillo, Spike, Bubba, Miles, Autumn, and Blossom! You won’t want to miss out on the exciting experiences waiting for you at the Greenville Zoo!
