Changes Coming June 4

Revolution Ridge, the largest expansion in our 63-year history, opens on June 4. GSC members are invited to preview the new space on June 3 (members, be sure to bring your membership card and photo ID for this exclusive access).

Revolution Ridge features nine new animal exhibits, a state-of-the-art animal hospital where you can watch animal care in action, a conservation center that allows you to look into research labs and learn about projects that previously took place behind the scenes. In addition, there are more than 11 acres of public gathering and green space, an elevated boardwalk, new restroom facilities (including a family bathroom) and so much more!

Effective opening day, June 4, we’ll be implementing a moderate and competitive increase in ticket and membership pricing that will support new jobs, animals, infrastructure and community events. 

General admission ticket prices will increase by $3.50 for adults and seniors, and $2.50 for children. The new general admission prices are as follows:

Adult (age 14 – 64): $19.50

Senior (age 65+): $18.50

Child (age 3 – 13): $17.50

Child (age 2 & younger): Free

Groups of 10 or more: $16.50 per person

The GSC will continue to honor a $1.00 discount for the following individuals who present a valid ID: City of Greensboro residents, members of the military, college students, City of Greensboro employees.

Annual membership prices will also be changing to the following:

# of members	Non-resident	Greensboro City resident
1	$64.75	$58.28
2	$129.50	$116.55
3	$194.25	$174.83
4	$259.00	$233.10
5	$323.75	$291.38
6	$366.92	$330.23
7	$410.09	$369.08
8	$453.26	$407.93
9	$474.84	$427.36
10	$496.42	$446.78

Annual Membership Prices Effective June 4, 2021

Also effective June 4, 2021, we’re implementing a SNAP/EBT discount. Individuals and families enrolled in a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in any state will receive up to five $5.00 general admission tickets per visit by presenting a SNAP/EBT card and valid photo ID. Full program details are available on our website.

We hope you can join us on June 4 from 9am – 5pm to meet the amazing animals – including cassowaries Moana and Dodo, the okapi Bakari, pygmy hippos Ralph and Holly, a flock of flamboyant flamingos, our fishing cat family, a sand cat named Layla, a serval named Kira and our much loved red pandas Tai and Usha – that call Revolution Ridge home.

Greensboro Science Center Announces a Two-Week Delay in Opening Revolution Ridge

The Greensboro Science Center (GSC) has announced that the grand opening of Revolution Ridge, the expansion of its current zoological park, is moving from May 21 to June 4, 2021. A GSC member-only preview is scheduled for June 3.

Construction delays, slowed material acquisitions and labor force challenges associated with COVID-19 have added to the complexity of what GSC Executive Director, Glenn Dobrogosz, calls an already complex project. 

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Revolution Ridge opens June 4, 2021

Dobrogosz says, “The GSC Board of Directors and staff are in full agreement that a two-week delay in opening will ensure the greatest wow-factor and bang-for-your-buck for our guests – as well as the best experience for animal acclimation, which is critical to the welfare of these individuals. Time for animals to explore their new habitats prior to the arrival of guests allows keepers time to assess nutritional, enrichment, safety and management practices within the new spaces.”

Upon the completion of construction and the departure of contractors from the site, the GSC’s Animal Care team will begin the process of animal relocation and acclimation. Additionally, Dobrogosz says zoo expansion completion requires high-quality educational graphics, donor graphics, established lawn and gardens and basic guest amenities like benches, picnic tables, way-finding and shade structures. 

“Given the severe impacts of COVID-19 on our local, state, national and global tourism industry, in the greater scheme of things, we are fortunate that this is only a two-week delay,” Dobrogosz says. “Our dedicated team has adjusted, pivoted and adapted to change so many times this past year, these extra two weeks will allow for a little breathing room and ensure that we can provide what the GSC has become known for – high-quality, innovative and diverse learning experiences for all guests.”

“I want to thank the entire community for your patience. Opening Revolution Ridge prior to the Memorial Day weekend has always been the plan. However, opening it on June 4, the day after Guilford County schools let out, will hopefully offer families an exciting opportunity to begin their summer with an educational bang.” 

The date and time for Wings and Wild Things, the GSC’s “First-Look” at Revolution Ridge event for donors, sponsors and community leaders will still take place on Friday, May 14 from 5:30 to 9:00 pm. Tickets are expected to sell out for this limited-capacity gathering. 

Revolution Ridge Opens May 21; GSC Member Preview Scheduled for May 20

The Greensboro Science Center (GSC) is pleased to announce that Revolution Ridge, a $15.5M zoo expansion project, is scheduled to open to GSC members on May 20 at 9:00 a.m. and to all GSC guests on May 21 at 9:00 a.m. The opening of Revolution Ridge will be the culmination of the GSC’s Science City, USA master plan, unveiled in 2006. 

Included in Revolution Ridge are habitats for animals such as the cassowary, kookaburra, okapi, pygmy hippo, Caribbean flamingo, fishing cat, sand cat, serval, black-footed cat and red pandas. In addition, the expansion features state-of-the-art Shearer Animal Hospital that allows guests to watch animal care in action, along with the Dr. Sigmund and Ellen Tannenbaum Conservation Center, where guests can learn more about the GSC’s research and conservation work – both of which are functions that, until now, have taken place behind the scenes. Two hundred and fifty yards of elevated boardwalk offers guests an up-close and unencumbered view of Revolution Ridge’s largest species, as well as overlooks for the Country Park lakefront, which will soon be enhanced as a part of phase one of the Battleground Parks District project. 

Revolution Ridge opens May 21, 2021

Along with the opening of Revolution Ridge, the GSC is launching a mobile app featuring Keeper On Call. Through the free app, which is available for both Apple and Android devices, guests can use an augmented reality viewer to delve deeper into exhibits simply by pointing their smart devices at the Keeper On Call signs located at select exhibits.

The project was funded utilizing $4.7M remaining from the 2009 GSC city bond, private donations from the GSC’s Think BIG! campaign and through generous loan terms and support from Triad Business Bank. Due to the imminent financial impacts and losses created by the COVID-19 pandemic, in March of 2020, the GSC had to decide whether to keep building Revolution Ridge or halt construction. The GSC team unanimously agreed to move forward, thus avoiding even deeper construction debt associated with exponential cost increases of key materials, wood and steel. 

Glenn Dobrogosz, CEO of the GSC, says, “Back in March of 2020 when we were all forced to shut our doors, everything was a guessing game as to what strategy would best position the GSC and the city of Greensboro for the future. Our team unified around one core concept – build for the future. We now know it was the absolute right move. The GSC is now perfectly positioned to help bring outside visitors back to the streets, shops, restaurants, hotels and cultural attractions of Greensboro and Guilford County. Following COVID-19, economic revitalization has never been more important for our city and citizens.”