Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a 170-acre zoo and botanical garden located in Columbia, South Carolina, United States, along the Saluda River and Broad River. The zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from around 350 species, including African lion, Asian elephant, and Amur leopard. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). The zoo is also involved with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and participates in various Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, including those for the red panda and Sumatran tiger.

● History

The history of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden dates back to the 1960s, when the City of Columbia and Richland County formed a partnership to develop a zoo and botanical garden. The zoo was designed by John Charles Olmsted, a renowned landscape architect, and opened to the public in 1974. Over the years, the zoo has undergone several expansions and renovations, including the addition of the Saluda Factory exhibit in 1988 and the Botanical Garden in 1995. The zoo has also been involved in various conservation efforts, including the Endangered Species Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and has worked with organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Crane Foundation.

● Exhibits and Attractions

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden features a variety of exhibits and attractions, including the African Plains exhibit, which is home to animals such as giraffe, rhinoceros, and hippopotamus. The zoo also has a Sea Lion Cove exhibit, where visitors can watch California sea lions swim and play. Other exhibits include the Reptile House, which features a collection of snakes, lizards, and turtles, and the Birds of Prey exhibit, which showcases bald eagle, golden eagle, and peregrine falcon. The zoo also offers a zip line and a rock climbing wall for visitors to enjoy, as well as a train ride and a carousel.

● Conservation Efforts

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is involved in various conservation efforts, both locally and globally. The zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) program, which is designed to manage and conserve animal populations in zoos. The zoo is also involved in the Conservation Breeding Program for the red wolf and the black-footed ferret, and has worked with organizations such as the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Park Service (NPS). The zoo also supports conservation efforts in the wild, including the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Program and the Amur Leopard and Tiger Alliance (ALTA), and has partnered with organizations such as the World Conservation Society (WCS) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

● Gardens and Landscaping

The botanical garden at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden features a variety of plant species, including rose gardens, herb gardens, and butterfly gardens. The garden also includes a woodland garden and a water garden, which features a collection of water lily and lotus. The zoo's landscaping is designed to provide a naturalistic habitat for the animals, and includes features such as waterfalls, streams, and rock formations. The zoo has also incorporated sustainable gardening practices, such as rain gardens and composting, and has worked with organizations such as the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the National Gardening Association.

● Animal Collections

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to a diverse collection of animals from around the world, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The zoo's animal collections include species such as African elephant, Asian small-clawed otter, and Bactrian camel, as well as primates such as gorilla, orangutan, and lemur. The zoo also has a collection of fish and invertebrates, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles, and has worked with organizations such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the National Aquarium.

● Visitor Information

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is open year-round, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The zoo offers a variety of amenities, including restaurants, gift shops, and picnic areas. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the zoo, which includes a behind-the-scenes look at the animal exhibits and a meet-and-greet with the zoo's animal care staff. The zoo also offers a variety of educational programs, including summer camps and scout programs, and has partnered with organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the USA. Category:Zoos in the United States