Chehaw Park

Chehaw Park and its collection

Chehaw Park, opened in 1937, is a zoo in Albany, United States.

Two sides are bounded by a clearwater bayou at the junction of the Kinchafoonee and Muckalee Creeks. Ground cover ranges from cypress swamp to climax hardwood forest and burn-managed pine and wiregrass.

History

It began in 1937 as a state park on 586 acres given to Georgia by private landowners, and has grown since to nearly 800 acres. Its Wild Animal Park was laid out by the naturalist Jim Fowler of the television series Wild Kingdom, a native of the town, and opened in 1997.

Animals and collection

Animals on show include Cheetahs, Black Rhinos, Prairie Dogs, Black Bears and Alligators.

Exhibits

The Wild Animal Park is laid out with swamp boardwalks leading past habitat displays. Threatened species held include red wolf, black rhinoceros, cheetah, colobus, four species of lemur and bongo.

Things to do

Things to do include Splash Park and Camping.

What the venue says

• scenic boardwalks that weave through authentic cypress swamps and native woodlands
• mountain biking trails
• seasonal splash park
• camping areas
• While the park offers snack and vending options (and occasional seasonal food truck setups), options for full sit-down meals inside the gates are limited.
• Chehaw Park offers **free and plentiful parking** on-site.
• Much of the zoo features flat walkways and boardwalks designed to be easily strollable. However, because the park leans heavily into a natural, wooded environment, some outer park trails, dirt paths, and mountain biking tracks are rugged and unpaved.
• Standard paths are generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, though visitors requiring specific accommodations should contact the park office ahead of time.