The preserve was originally founded as a private collection for film and television animal actors.
It is a USDA-licensed facility, subject to federal oversight regarding animal welfare.
The property spans approximately 100 acres of rural Spartanburg County land.
Many of the resident animals have appeared in major motion pictures and advertising campaigns.
The safari segment allows for controlled, up-close feeding opportunities with specific herbivorous species.
Hollywild Animal Preserve is a non-profit zoo located in Wellford, South Carolina, featuring a mix of traditional walking exhibits and a safari bus tour. The preserve houses hundreds of animals across dozens of species, ranging from domestic livestock to exotic predators. Visitors can traverse the grounds to view primates, birds, and smaller mammals in curated enclosures. The safari tour provides an interactive opportunity to see free-roaming ungulates and larger animals from an open-air vehicle. It functions as a sanctuary for animals that are often retired from the film or television industry. The facility operates with a focus on animal enrichment and educational outreach for the local community.
The safari bus provides the most elevated and clear vantage point for capturing photos of the herd animals in the large pastures.
Bring a hat and sunglasses, as the safari tour area offers very little shade.
Check the official website for daily weather-related closures before driving to the site.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes to navigate the gravel and dirt paths throughout the zoo area.
Do not attempt to touch animals through fences, as many exhibit areas are designed for distance viewing for safety.
The park often maintains seasonal operations with reduced availability during winter months; always verify public access days online.
Do not feed animals outside of designated areas or specific feed-authorized safari sections; keep voices low near animal habitats.
