Greenville Zoo increases investment in conservation projects, seeks support

GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) – Every time visitors buy a ticket to visit the Greenville Zoo, they're not only going to see exotic animals but helping to support their existence.

Officials with the Greenville Zoo told 7NEWS that 50 cents of every ticket they sell goes to their conservation fund. They said with it, they're able to invest in organizations locally and globally that protect wildlife and the environment.

Dr. Nikolay Kapustin who oversees the Greenville Zoo's conservation fund told 7NEWS they generate around $100,000 a year.

"There is always a spillover benefit," Kapusten said. "When one species is preserved, it helps and positively impacts other species. So, it's a ripple effect, and what we're doing here in the center, with what we can, we hope we can send some really big ripples out there."

Kapusten said this year, team members created a SAFE-sub team to help save animals like flamingos, chinchillas and amur leopards from extinction. He said they're also funding field conservation projects for staff.

"Greenville Zoo is certainly one of the leaders in wildlife conservation and has a far reach and a local reach. And we're essentially trying to make direct contributions with the programs that we have," Kapusten explained. "It gives people more exposure to conservation and the programs we do."

It's among the many reasons Kapusten said they'd like to see more people patronizing the Greenville Zoo. Kapusten added they'll be supporting more local organizations and individuals with their conservation efforts, as well as hosting more educational events there.