WACCATEE ZOO-MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.
      by Jerry Lotterhos

So what in the world is a ZOO doing on a wildlife page!!?. Let me say up front here that I do not take pictures of captive animals! I insist that all my photos on this site are taken in the wild and are absolutely as claimed and presented. In fact, the idea of placing critters in cages and holding them for public viewing is not at all something I support under any circumstances. This Zoo began about 20 years ago as a family project and(they claim) out of the "love of animals" The Zoo is located about 15 minutes from Myrtle Beach, where the Waccamaw River, Intracoastal Waterway, and Socostee Creek meet. There are 500 acres of land, with about 50 acres housing the Zoo animals. For information about the Zoo, check here.


Whatever your feelings are about this or any zoo, there is a part of this property that holds special interest for wildlife(especially bird) lovers. Along Socostee Creek at the edge of the Zoo(and not enclosed in any manner) is a huge Wading Bird nesting area. This rookery has been here for decades. You will find every variety of Wading Birds raising their young in this special place. You can get to the area by entering the front of the Zoo(pay admission fee) and walking to the back where the creek borders the property. There you will see every type of heron and egret, as well as Anhinga building nests and raising their young. During the mating season(march-June), you will be surrounded by nesting birds from 2-3 feet off the ground to the tallest of the trees. It is a truly fascinating sight, and is one not to miss if you are a bird lover/photographer. photo opportunities here are endless including nest building, in and out flight shots, and baby feeding. Night Herons can be observed catching fish from the creek. I can stay there all day finding endless photo possibilities. You should not miss this truly amazing place if you are in the area. Again, let me emphasize that this rookery is a totally natural area that is not enclosed and was here long before the zoo evolved. GO!!!
SEE SLIDESHOW TO THE RIGHT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Part of the Rookery(Glyn's Pic)