The park houses the Bear Hollow Zoo, a facility dedicated exclusively to housing non-releasable native Georgia animals.
The site encompasses a portion of the North Oconee River watershed, influencing the local topography and drainage.
The park contains a specific area designated for disc golf, integrated into the woodland landscape.
Many of the resident animals at the on-site zoo were rescued due to injury or illegal captivity, making them unable to survive in the wild.
Memorial Park is a 72-acre municipal green space in Athens, Georgia, distinguished by its inclusion of the Bear Hollow Zoo. The park features an integrated network of hiking trails that wind through mature hardwood forests and native landscapes. A significant portion of the grounds includes the Bear Hollow Zoo, which houses non-releasable native Georgia wildlife such as black bears, bobcats, and bald eagles. Recreational amenities include multiple picnic pavilions, a playground, and open areas suitable for passive recreation. The park sits within the local watershed, contributing to urban greenway connectivity. It serves as an educational facility for regional ecology and wildlife conservation.
The viewing platform at the black bear enclosure within Bear Hollow Zoo.
Visit the zoo section early in the day when the native animals are most active before the heat of the afternoon.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes as the woodland trails can be uneven and occasionally muddy after rain.
Utilize the designated picnic areas early, as they are popular for local gatherings and tend to fill up on weekends.
Do not mistake the zoo for a commercial attraction; it is a rehabilitation and education facility, so observe quiet behavior near enclosures.
Stay on marked trails to protect local flora and fauna; do not feed or approach animals at the zoo area; keep dogs leashed at all times.
