What’s New at the Zoo?
Riverbanks has had a busy Spring, so we wanted to take a minute to update you on some of the latest happenings here. In case you haven’t heard, it’s an exciting time at Riverbanks as we have several zoo babies! Baby zoo animals make this summer the perfect time to visit the zoo!
Plus, Riverbanks was voted 2018’s best attraction in South Carolina as part of USA TODAY’s 10Best awards. And now we’re up for a few other awards which you’ll find more about below.
Free Times Best of Columbia Voting
We need your help right now! Riverbanks was nominated in three categories for this year’s Free Times Best of Columbia awards and we would love your vote. The ballot is open until June 30. Simply visit the link here (http://freetimes.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-Columbia-Voting-2018/) to cast your vote!
- Best Catering (Food & Beverage category)
- Best Event Venue (Services category)
- Best Place to Take Out-of-Towners (Politics & City Life category)
There are LOTS of things to vote for. If you can please take a minute and at least vote for us in these categories we would appreciate it!
Zoo Babies!
Riverbanks has grown. Spring was filled with news of several baby zoo animals on the way. We’ve been busy welcoming these new additions and hope that you’ll make plans to visit Riverbanks to see our newest baby animals at the zoo.
- A koala joey made its way out of its mother’s pouch in March and can be viewed in the Koala Knockabout.
- Early in April, Ginger the giraffe gave birth to a female calf. She was given the name Amelia in our online naming contest. Be sure to stop by Giraffe Overlook on your next visit to the Zoo where you’re likely to spot Amelia exploring Riverbanks’ African savanna habitat.
- Also in April, we welcomed three lion cubs. They are absolutely adorable and you can watch them via a ZooCam from 11am-3pm each day on the Riverbanks website until they are old enough to explore the outdoor habitat.
- Most recently, on Monday, June 4 was the birth of a western lowland gorilla to mom Kazi and dad Cenzoo. They also have a ZooCam and you can watch them here between 4:30pm-7:30pm as they settle into their evening routine. With only an estimated 100,000 western lowland gorillas remaining in the wild, the birth is a significant addition to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Gorilla Species Survival Plan® (SSP). For nearly 40 years, SSPs have ensured the continued existence of endangered animals through breeding and transfer plans among AZA-accredited facilities.
Be sure to make plans to visit Riverbanks Zoo & Garden soon. If you’re interested in bringing a group for an event during the day or in the evening, simply fill our out inquiry form and we’ll be in touch shortly with some additional information.
