Guyton,Ga-Summer may be winding down, but Hope Ranch Zoo is planning to send the season out on a wild note with its End of Summer Zoo Bash on Saturday, August 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The special event will combine animal encounters with games, water activities, GellyBall, food, sweet treats and plenty of opportunities for families to spend quality time together.
Effingham Premier will also be on hand for the event, continuing its commitment to supporting, promoting and highlighting local businesses, attractions and family-friendly events throughout Effingham County. As a longtime Effingham Premier partner, Hope Ranch Zoo has provided the community with a unique local destination where families can experience animals, education and entertainment close to home.
🦥 A Full Day of Animal Encounters
One of the biggest highlights of the End of Summer Zoo Bash will be a full schedule of special animal activities. Families can plan their day around several opportunities to meet some of Hope Ranch Zoo’s unique residents.
- 🦜 10:30 a.m. — Meet JoJo: Meet JoJo and learn some fun facts about him.
- 🐪 11:30 a.m. — Feed Camel the Camel: Meet Camel, grab some snacks and help feed some of the zoo’s animals.
- 🦥 12:30 p.m. — Meet Bella the Sloth: Visit Bella in her enclosure and learn more about this fascinating animal.
- 🐍 1:30 p.m. — Meet the Reptiles: Get an up-close introduction to some of the reptiles at Hope Ranch Zoo.
- 🐦 2:30 p.m. — Meet Kevin the Cassowary: Learn more about Kevin and the unique cassowary species.
These scheduled encounters add an educational component to the day while giving children and adults an opportunity to learn more about animals they may not normally get to see up close.
💦 Water Slide, GellyBall and Games
The End of Summer Zoo Bash is about more than seeing the animals. Hope Ranch is packing the day with activities designed to keep the whole family entertained.
A water slide will be available at no additional cost, giving children a fun way to cool off during the August heat. Families planning to enjoy the water slide should remember to bring a towel.
🔫 GellyBall is also back! The popular activity gives participants the opportunity to gear up, form teams and compete against their opponents in an exciting, family-friendly game.
Visitors can also enjoy games, treats, animals and additional activities throughout the day, making the event an all-day experience for families.
🍕 Local Vendors Bring the Flavor
No summer celebration would be complete without great food and treats, and several vendors are scheduled to be part of the End of Summer Zoo Bash.
- 🍖 Big Mack’s BBQ — Bringing smoked BBQ and hearty favorites perfect for a day at the zoo.
- 🍋 The Squeeze Squad — Serving fresh, refreshing drinks to help guests cool down while enjoying the festivities.
- 🍕 Pizza Chef — Offering hot, fresh and delicious pizza for hungry families.
- 🧁 Magnolia Coop Bakehouse — Bringing sweet treats and baked goodies to finish off the day.
With BBQ, pizza, refreshing drinks and desserts available, families will have plenty of choices without having to leave the fun.
🌴 Ending Summer the Wild Way
The End of Summer Zoo Bash gives Effingham County families another opportunity to get out, support local businesses and enjoy one more memorable summer adventure together.
For Effingham Premier, events like this are also an important part of what makes the local community special. Effingham Premier is proud to help promote events that bring residents together while supporting local attractions, small businesses and vendors throughout Effingham County.
The partnership between Effingham Premier and Hope Ranch Zoo is another example of local organizations working together to connect businesses with the community and make residents aware of the many activities and experiences available right here at home.
📍 Event Details
- 📅 Saturday, August 22, 2026
- ⏰ 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- 🎟️ $20 per person
- 📍 Hope Ranch Zoo — 1383 George Hurst Road, Guyton, GA 31312
- 💦 Water slide at no additional cost — bring a towel
- 🔫 GellyBall is back
- 🐪 Scheduled animal activities throughout the day
- 🍖 Food, drinks and sweet treats from participating vendors
- 📸 Effingham Premier will be on hand helping highlight and promote the event
From meeting Bella the Sloth and Kevin the Cassowary to cooling off on the water slide, playing GellyBall and enjoying food from local vendors, there will be plenty happening throughout the day.
Effingham Premier is excited to once again support Hope Ranch Zoo and help showcase another family-friendly event that brings fun, local businesses and the Effingham County community together.
So bring the family, bring a towel and get ready to end summer wild at Hope Ranch Zoo!
