After four years of planning and a year and a half of construction, Ballyhoo Petting Zoo is open in Anderson.
Ballyhoo not only features traditional farm animals like cows, horses, donkeys, pigs and goats, but also exotic species.
The petting zoo presently has 57 animals – many of them rescues. And it recently received its exotic animal license from the United States Department of Agriculture, said founder Miranda Lindsay.
An Anderson University graduate who worked at Anderson County Museum handling marketing, graphic design and events, Lindsay said she and her family opened Ballyhoo Petting Zoo to offer year-round activities and things to do for area families.
Among Ballyhoo’s residents are two alpacas and two zonkeys, which means that mom is a donkey and dad is a zebra.
“(Zonkeys) are pretty rare crosses in the United States. I think there are a hundred,” Lindsay said.
You’ll also find three prairie dogs and three Cavies, a rodent species from Argentina that resembles a rabbit. There’s also an iguana and a bearded dragon.
“I grew up with animals,” Lindsay said. “I guess it was kind of like a mini farm, and I used to ride horses competitively.”
Want to visit?
Ballyhoo Petting Zoo, 849 Norris Road, Anderson, SC 29626, (706) 436-7249, ballyhoopettingzoo.com.
Hours: Thursday-Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Monday-Wednesday, closed.
Admission: Adults (+16): $9; Military/Senior/Student: $8; Kids (3-15): $7; Toddlers (-2): Free.
Video courtesy of Anderson County Media Department.
