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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 9am - 5pm

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

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United States
Columbia, SC
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Riverbanks is home to over 3,000 animals and one of the nation’s most beautiful botanical gardens.

04/23/2025

Look who's all grown up! Now 7 months old and officially out on habitat, Beatriz is stunning guests with her vibrant colors!

Keepers say Beatriz is super curious and loves checking out all the new visitors passing by! 👀 It’s a two-way exchange—while we can’t get enough of her, she’s just as fascinated by us!

During your next visit make sure to stop by and say hello to Beatriz; our first toco toucan hatchling in 12 years! 🐣

04/22/2025

🌍Happy Earth Day!

Today we celebrate our amazing planet and the wildlife we share it with. Every action, big or small, helps protect species and habitats for the future.

Psst... mark your calendars! Join us June 7th for a special Earth Day celebration at Riverbanks Botanical Garden as we celebrate 30 years of blooms. Stay tuned for more details!

Learn about conservation efforts and how you can help wildlife thrive when you visit Riverbanks at https://www.riverbanks.org/conservation/make-an-impact.

04/21/2025

Happy ! 🎉

Let's give a shout-out to the amazing people volunteering their time and talents at Riverbanks!

From sharing their passion for conservation with guests, caring for our beautiful landscapes, to supporting vital behind-the-scenes work, our volunteers help create unforgettable experiences and keep Riverbanks thriving. 💚

We're incredibly grateful for their dedication!

Inspired by their impact? See how you can join this amazing team: https://www.riverbanks.org/join-our-team/volunteer-opportunities

04/18/2025

Today is which means it's time to get moving!🤸‍♂️

Butch is getting in the spirit with some exercise of his own, combining his love for swimming and barrel press💪🐻

Enrichment items like these help Butch and other animals at the Zoo stay active, use their muscles, and promote natural behaviors—helping them raise their heart rates and keeping them healthy in their habitats. 💚

Will you be getting your steps in at the Zoo this weekend? 🏃

04/16/2025

Show your mom she’s head and shoulders above the rest by symbolically adopting from our beloved herd of giraffes.

When you become a Wild Parent, your gift includes:
🦒 An adorable plush giraffe
💌 A personalized message straight from the heart
💚 The joy of supporting the animals and conservation work at Riverbanks

🎁 Be sure to order by May 5 to guarantee delivery in time for Mother’s Day!

Order now: https://society.riverbanks.org/donate/wild-parent-sponsorship

04/15/2025

After some much-needed TLC, the Riverbanks Birdhouse has officially reopened—nestled, fluffed, and ready for your next visit! Our winged residents are chirping with excitement to see you again!🐣

Penguin Coast will remain closed for continued facility updates—but don’t worry, our tuxedoed friends will be back waddling your way soon!🐧

04/14/2025

🐍 As the year of the snake slithers on, we are highlighting one of the most mysterious snakes on Earth: the Mangshan viper!

Native to the misty mountains of Hunan and Guangdong in Southern China (yes, the mountain range even looks like a snake), this cryptic beauty is a master of disguise with its camo coloring and stealthy nature.

Think you’ve got the sharp eyes to spot it? 👀 Come put your skills to the test at our Aquarium-Reptile Conservation Center.

04/11/2025

Spring Break Zoo FUN! 🤩 Quick tips for a smooth day:

~ Early or late arrival = less parking stress! 🚗 For best availability, please plan to visit before 10am or after 2pm.

~ Explore More cards for rides? Yes, please! 🎠 Cards can be purchased at the ticketing window when you arrive and redeemed for rides and attractions.

~ Waterfall Junction calls! 💦 Reminder: Kids under 16 need an adult, and if under 4 years old, swim diapers needed unless potty-trained. Water shoes + sunscreen recommended! 😎

~ Hydration heroes, water refill stations await your water bottles! 💧

Please remember that high-capacity days can be stressful for all, so let's keep it PAW-sitive & patient! 😉 See you soon!

04/10/2025

We once again have the opportunity to flaunt our feathers in Newsweek's Readers' Choice 2025!🦩 Your vote means the world to us and the incredible animals we care for. Let’s flock together and earn the title of Best Zoo!🏆

Vote daily until May 8th at: https://www.newsweek.com/readerschoice/best-zoo-2025

04/09/2025

🌸🌿 The countdown is on! We’re just 10 days away from our Spring Plant Sale! 🌼 What better way to kick off than by filling your garden with beautiful blooms from our Botanical Growing Center? 🌷✨

📅 Date: April 19th
📍 Location: 1201 Seminole Dr, West Columbia, SC
⌚ Time: 8-11am
🎟️ Admission: Free for Riverbanks Members | $5 for Non-members

Learn more:https://www.riverbanks.org/events/downloads/plant-sale_sp2025-2.pdf

04/08/2025

Visit us today to celebrate National Zoo Lovers Day!🦒 This special day is all about appreciating the amazing role zoos play in wildlife conservation, education, and providing unique experiences for animal lovers of all ages.

From getting up close with exotic animals to learning about our conservation efforts, there's something for everyone! 🦏 Bring your family and friends to enjoy a fun, educational day while supporting the care and conservation of some of the world's most amazing species. 🌎💚

04/05/2025

🌍 Win the Safari of a Lifetime!🌍

Enter for a chance to win a 13-day, 12-night trip for 2 to Botswana sponsored by Riverbanks Society! Enhance your summer 2025 with an unforgettable adventure through the Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Moremi Game Reserve, and the majestic Victoria Falls, all hosted by Riverbanks Zoo & Garden’s President & CEO, Tommy Stringfellow! 🦁

🎟️ Raffle Entry: $100
📅 Now through April 30, 2025, or until sold out
🏆 Drawing Date: May 1, 2025
🐘 Safari: July 17-29, 2025
🚨 Only 750 entries available — get yours before they’re gone!

The best part? Proceeds benefit the care and conservation of the animals and plants at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden! 🌱🐾

Learn more and enter today at: https://www.riverbanks.org/win-a-trip/

04/04/2025

Look who’s starting to peek out! 👀

This little wallaby joey is getting ready for the big world and beginning to scout outside its mom’s pouch. 🦘

At birth, they're the size of a cherry and spend about 8 cozy months in the pouch before venturing out to nibble on solid food.

We can't wait to see this hopping around for guests to visit in Kangaroo Walkabout!

04/03/2025

Earlier this week, we celebrated the 10th birthdays of sisters Lindelani and Thabisa, who have called Riverbanks home since 2017! 🎉 Upon their arrival, the pride welcomed two litters of cubs—Thabisa had 3, and Lindelani had 2. Now, those cubs are all grown up and spread across the country based on breeding recommendations, with some even starting prides of their own!

To mark the occasion, keepers hosted a birthday bash filled with special treats, decorations, and enrichment, created through collaborative efforts with our ZooTeens!

04/02/2025

Registration is NOW OPEN for Riverbanks Run! The 5K that runs YOU through the ZOO!

Wind your way through the park’s scenic back roads, cross the beautiful Saluda River, and pass some of the Zoo's most popular exhibits along the way! 🦏🦒

Important: Advance registration only – no day-of registration. Don’t wait, sign up today at: https://www.riverbanks.org/events/riverbanks-run

04/01/2025

The splash zones at Waterfall Junction are officially OPEN! 💦

Cool off and make a splash while creating unforgettable memories at Waterfall Junction! Enjoy 25-foot cascading waterfall, splash zones, giant treehouses, and even a life-size T-Rex replica! 🦖

Big kids and little sprouts alike can explore nature all year long, with plenty of adventure just around the corner. 💦

03/31/2025

We're shining a spotlight on the incredible women of our Life Support System team! But what exactly is Life Support Systems (LSS)? 🧐 Our LSS team is responsible for ensuring the water in our animal habitats stays safe and healthy. From maintaining water pumps to monitoring filtration and water quality, these amazing women ensure that everything runs smoothly. They perform regular sampling, testing, and treating of our systems when levels fall out of balance, providing our animals with the best environment possible. 🌊💧

Here's to celebrating these incredible women who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support the health and well-being of our animals! 💪🐾

03/27/2025

Today, we say goodbye to our Amur tiger, Koshka, who has been part of our Riverbanks family since 2015. Koshka lived an extraordinary life, nearly 20 years, surpassing the typical lifespan for tigers in human care and inspiring countless visitors with her majestic presence.

Koshka's legacy lives on through her four cubs and our ongoing commitment to Amur tiger conservation. With fewer than 500 of these magnificent creatures left in the wild, every tiger matters.

Learn more about Koshka's remarkable life and our conservation efforts: https://www.riverbanks.org/media-center/releases-2025/0327

Address

500 Wildlife Pkwy
Columbia, SC
29210

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm
Sunday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.riverbanks.org/, https://www.linkedin.com/company/riverbanks-zoo-sc

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