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Greenville Zoo Foundation says farmyard is fully funded, outlines $8M orangutan exhibit fundraising push
Summary
The Greenville Zoo Foundation told the council its $3.6 million family farmyard project is fully funded and detailed plans and timelines for an $8 million orangutan exhibit, reporting recent fundraising gains and increased donor retention.
A representative of the Greenville Zoo Foundation told the Greenville City Council at a work session that the foundation has completed funding for a $3.6 million family farmyard and is launching an $8 million fundraising campaign for a proposed orangutan exhibit. "The Greenville Zoo Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1975," the presenter said, describing the group as the zoo’s fundraising arm for city projects.
The foundation cited recent donor growth and organizational changes as evidence of capacity to support the zoo’s capital program. The presenter said the foundation added seven new board members in January, welcomed 287 new donors last year and counted 424 active donors in 2025, and reported a roughly 10% year-over-year increase in donor retention. "We're the fundraising organization for the zoo and for the city," the presenter said.
Project details include a family farmyard described as the largest project in the zoo’s history to date with a construction footprint that already shows early site work. The presenter said the farmyard project is ‘‘fully funded’’ and that the foundation covered a shortfall within months. Officials said the farmyard’s community amenities will include an entertainment area intended to host events and donor cultivation.
For the proposed orangutan exhibit, the foundation outlined an $8,000,000 target and said it hopes to complete fundraising by about 2029. The presenter said design work is planned this year to develop detailed renderings and implementation plans. The foundation also emphasized the importance of maintaining AZA accreditation to continue the zoo’s animal programs.
Councilmembers asked questions about donor geography and neighborhood impacts. One member noted many major donors live in the county rather than the city and urged dialogue with county officials about support for the asset. The presentation closed with the foundation thanking city leadership and staff for ongoing collaboration.
No formal council action was taken during the presentation; the foundation said it will return with more detailed plans and timelines as design work proceeds.
