Just minutes from South Campus lies a treasure chest, nestled in a relaxing and serene environment, which contains animals native to North Georgia.

Located at Memorial Park, Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail permanently houses 26 species of animals.

More than 120 species of wild animals have lived there since its renovation and re-opening in 1987, according to a Bear Hollow pamphlet.

Karl Enter, Memorial Park program specialist, said two black bears that are kept at the park, Barney and Jossie, are favorites among visitors.

Bobcats, river otters and white-tailed deer are just a few of the other animals kept at the park.

“Most of the mammals we have were born in captivity,” he said. “They have never bitten anyone.”

The zoo also contains several species of owls and a few other large birds.

Animal caretaker Wendy Beck said students contribute to the park in many ways, such as doing volunteer work.

“Our student volunteers are usually involved in animal care, tour guides or the many of our special events,” she said. “We are also always looking for artists to sketch drawings for our publications.”

Bear Hollow also offers environmental education programs by reservation for the general public and school groups.

All the funding for the up-keep of the zoo and its animals comes from Athens-Clarke County, Enter said.

The zoo recently has created a new Web site (www.athensclarkecounty.com/bearhollow) that contains directions, program information, photos, interactive games and explanations of why each of the individual animals are there.

Bear Hollow is open daily from 9 a.m. until dusk with no admission fee.