MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – The owner of the Waccatee Zoo in Horry County said Friday he has already heard false reports that the zoo is flooded. The back side of the zoo is along the Intracoastal Waterway, but Jeff Futrell said the rising water will not be a problem.
He said they are simply on higher ground – that the Intracoastal Waterway is about twelve feet lower than the main part of the zoo, and that is why he is not concerned.
“We are on high ground. The entire zoo property is on high ground except for right here on the waterway,” Futrell said. “I appreciate everyone caring about us. Even if you don’t like us I appreciate you caring about us enough to call, but we’re going to be alright.”
Futrell pointed out that the zoo property has a large slope to get down to the level of the Intracoastal waterway. He said back in 1999 with Hurricane Floyd and then Matthew two years ago, water only rose a few feet up that slope. He said it would have to rise another 10 to 12 feet to be on the main level of the zoo where all the animals are. He said the water just isn’t expected to get the at high.
“From the water now I’ve got about 11 feet before it will get close to level ground. It won’t come up that far,” Futrell said.
News13 has no way to independently verify whether or not the Waccatee Zoo property will flood.
