Riverbanks Zoo & Garden — Zoo in Columbia

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden and its collection

Riverbanks Zoo, opened in 1974, is a zoo in Columbia, South Carolina, United States.

Over 2,000 animals are held, spanning mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. Part of the site reaches into West Columbia. It is overseen by a commission made up of two members from each of the three governments involved, plus one at large.

History

Businessmen in Columbia raised the proposal early in the 1960s, though nothing moved until 1969, when the state established a governing body for it under the name Rich-Lex Riverbanks Park Special Purpose District. Five years of preparation preceded the opening on 25 April 1974, planning being complicated by four archaeological sites on the property, part of which reaches into West Columbia. New exhibits for African elephants, gorillas and koalas arrived in 2002.

Animals and collection

New exhibits for African elephants, gorillas and koalas came in 2002. The Birdhouse, opened in 2001, won an AZA Significant Achievement Award and shows king, rockhopper and gentoo penguins.

Exhibits

Its exhibits include Sea Lion Landing, Penguin Coast, Gorilla Base Camp, Birdhouse and Waterfall Junction.

Things to do

Things to do include Saluda Skyride, Sea Lion Talk, Penguin Talk, Gorilla Talk and Galapagos Tortoise Backstage.

What the venue says

• there are multiple on-site dining options, including quick-service eateries and snack stands (such as Tuskers) offering meals and refreshments.
• Parking is available for $3 per vehicle when purchased online in advance, or $6 per vehicle if paid at the ticket window.
• ADA-accessibility is limited for many experiences.