Looking for a unique experience to really make your next event unforgettable? Get up close and personal with some of Riverbanks Zoo & Garden’s friendly animals by booking an animal encounter for your next event! Our animal encounters are always a crowd favorite and sure to please guests of any age. You and your guests will have the opportunity to learn about some of Riverbanks’ residents with plenty of chances for photo ops and even getting to touch certain species! Animal encounters are perfect for any event from kid’s birthday parties to corporate meetings, even a wedding! Riverbanks Zoo & Garden has something for everyone!
We offer four different types of animal encounters:
Small Mammal
Prepare to say “aww” with our small mammals encounter. It is perfect for those guests who prefer cute and furry over the slimy and scaly. Book some of Riverbanks’ more cuddly animals, such as our hedgehogs, ferrets, rats, or guinea pigs. You can never go wrong with these cute creatures.
Reptile
Prefer something a little less fluffy and a little more daring? Try our reptile animal encounter. Show off your bravery by getting personal with our rainbow boa or one of our bull snakes. Snakes too creepy crawly for your liking? From bearded dragons to turtles to skinks, we have something for every cold blooded creature lover.
Farm Animal
Feeling a bit more country in this wild city? Let Riverbanks bring the farm to your zoo event! Our ponies, goats and alpacas are perfect for welcoming your guests upon arrival or for mingling right along with them during an outside cocktail hour! This encounter includes two animals of the same species.
Giraffe Feeding
Be face to face with some of Columbia’s tallest residents as you feed our herd of magnificent giraffes. This truly is an experience unique to Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Those big eyes and long eyelashes make for perfect photo opportunities that others will surely be jealous of.
Our small mammal and reptile encounters last 30 minutes, and our farm animals and the giraffe feedings are 45 minutes. If you have any specific species preferences within these categories, we’d be willing to try our best to accommodate your request. Unfortunately we cannot make any guarantees due to availability. Animal Encounters are subject to weather and time so please check with your Private Events representative. We have our animal’s best interest as our priority.
Our animal encounters make for an experience that your guests will never forget! To find out more about how you can have this unique addition at your next event, please call our Private Events Department at (803) 602-0900 or visit our website.
