The Haven Zoo, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded by anthropologist JohnieSue Thurman. The zoo is located in Lavonia, Georgia, on 23 acres near Lake Hartwell. The zoo is dedicated to providing a permanent, loving home to a variety of exotic and domestic displaced animals. The animals receive life-long care with a diverse diet, an educational habitat and enrichment activities.
The Haven Zoo offers a hands-on environment to inspire and educate the public about exotic animals and the conservation issues they face worldwide. The zoo immediately focuses on rescuing animals categorized as threatened, endangered or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. We also rescue animals rescued from unfit homes and animals previously used in laboratory research.
Our zoo is one of the only zoos in Georgia that cares for Rhesus macaque monkeys and an African serval. We also care for lemurs, horses, goats, llamas, a donkey, and pigs. By providing a unique, interactive experience for visitors, The Haven Zoo helps to promote public awareness of conservation issues and animal welfare.
Tours are by appointment only Saturdays and Sundays, or weekdays after 5pm. Please bring water, comfortable walking shoes, and expect to stay 1-2 hours for individuals or small groups. Cost is $10 per person which goes directly to fund the zoo.
Volunteer opportunities are available. Please contact the Haven Zoo for more information, just call 770-778-4641.
