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The Hattiesburg Zoo has announced its plans to expand. Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo, a water park built for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy will begin construction this August. “Expanding the Hattiesburg Zoo to include the Serengeti Springs water park is a natural fit,” said Rick Taylor, Executive Director of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission, which will build and manage the

park. "This expansion will carry through the same look and feel of Africa that exists in our Zoo, and will combine the slides and sprays with rest and relaxation."

Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo will include the Fusion Fortress Water Play Structure, an entry building with a gift shop and restrooms with changing rooms, showers, and lockers, a

serene Lazy River, a swim-up pool and bar, group pavilions, cabanas, food trucks and concession stations, loungers, Adirondack chairs, tables and other amenities.

The Fusion Fortress includes nine slides of varying heights.  Some straight slides and several with twists and turns, and the soon-to-be-famous “Serengeti Swirl”.  There will be multiple water-play areas and two bucket dump stations, all in a design that highlights the animals and environment of Africa.  

Underneath the Fusion Fortress is the Life Floor, which provides a cushioned floor that is anti- microbial and has a zero-water level (meaning there is no standing water). On the Life Floor around the perimeter of the Fusion Fortress are an additional 19 spray toys, allowing for access and enjoyment outside of the slide areas.

While the Fusion Fortress is the splash, slide and spray section of Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo, the rest and relaxation area is the Lazy River, which offers floating serenity with an accompanying swim-up pool and bar. The Lazy River will be the place to be to beat the Mississippi heat.

Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo is scheduled to open during the Summer of 2023. “As a mother of three active children, and as the Chair of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission

Board, I am excited that we are bringing another first-class attraction to Hattiesburg,” said Jennifer Payne.  “Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo will bring a unique offering – only available in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.”

For more information on Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo visit www.hattiesburgzoo.com.

Where will Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo be located?

The Hattiesburg Zoo’s Africa section will expand to feature the new Serengeti Springs. This extension will be located on 3.5 acres of Kamper Park, which borders Hardy Street to the North,

Park Avenue to the West and Gordon's Creek to the East.  

Where will parking be located for Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo?

Parking for Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo will be located on the South side of the Water Park, and will be accessible from Park Ave. off of Hardy Street. Parking will be free of

Phase 1 of Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo will include what?

- Fusion Fortress Water Play Structure

- Entry Building with Gift Shop, Changing Rooms and Showers, Lockers and more.

- Swim Up Pool and Bar

- Loungers, Adirondack Chairs, Tables and other amenities

What does the Fusion Fortress at Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo include?

Nine slides of varying heights.  Some straight slides and several with twists and turns, and the soon-to-be-famous “Serengeti Swirl”.  There will be multiple water-play areas and two bucket

dump stations, all in a design that highlights the animals and environment of Africa.   Underneath the Fusion Fortress is the Life Floor, which provides a cushioned floor that is anti-

microbial and has a zero-water level (meaning there is no standing water). On the Life Floor around the perimeter of the Fusion Fortress are an additional 19 spray toys, allowing for access

and enjoyment outside of the slide areas.

When will the construction of Phase 1 begin on Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo?

When will Phase 1 of Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo be open?

Will there be any animal interaction at Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo? There will be special animal presentations in the park in addition to the tropical animals that will live at Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo.

Phase 2 of Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo will include what?  

Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo will include a Slide Tower of 4 slides, which will begin construction between 2-4 years after the opening of Phase 1.

Is Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo handicap accessible?

Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo will have most areas accessible for all guests while other areas will require guests to climb stairs. Access to the Lazy River is a zero-entry beach,

which is accessible to guests of all mobility levels.

What is the measurement of the tallest structure at Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo?

The large bucket is the tallest structure at Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo, and stands at 62’ high. The large bucket periodically dumps 800 gallons of water onto Fusion Fortress guests while the smaller bucket dumps 475 gallons of water.

How much water is used at Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo?

The water used for Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo is captured, treated and recycled. Only a small amount of water is lost each day due to evaporation.

What are the age restrictions for entrance to Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo? What

age does a child have to be to be without a parent in Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg

Zoo? Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo is designed for people of all ages to enjoy. Children ages 12 and under must have an adult present while at Serengeti Springs.

What are the months of operation for Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo?

Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo will operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day. If the weather warrants, Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo will open on weekends prior to

Memorial Day and after Labor Day.

What are admission costs for Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo? Ticket pricing for Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo is currently being determined with affordability being

a priority. There will be a multitude of ticket options to choose from including one-day tickets, annual passes, two-day passes for entry into the Hattiesburg Zoo and Serengeti Springs at the

Hattiesburg Zoo and joint annual passes for both the Zoo and Water Park.  

Will food be available inside Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo? Are guests allowed to

bring in their own food and drinks? Food trucks and other refreshment kiosks will be in the park for food and beverage purchases. Adult beverages will be available for those age 21+. No outside food or beverages are allowed.

Will there be lifeguards at Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo?

Yes. Serengeti Springs will be using internationally recognized StarGuard Elite to certify lifeguards and ensure the Water Park meets or exceeds water park safety requirements.

How many jobs will be created by the creation of Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo? 

Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo will create an estimated 6- 8 permanent positions with up to 75 seasonal positions.    

What is the cost of the Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo project? Where is the money

coming from to build Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo?

Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo is being created at a cost of $10.5 M, and is being funded by the Hattiesburg Convention Commission from earned revenues and the special 2% restaurant tax.  At its completion, Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo is designed to be self-sufficient and profitable.

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