Getting Social for Animal Welfare: Exploring Private Events in our Animal Exhibits
Around the office, social interaction means a lot more than posting updates to Facebook or saying the casual hello. Hands-on, in-person socialization is crucial to the well-being of not only you, your coworkers, family & friends, but all animals here at Riverbanks Zoo.
Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens offers not one, but three unique interactive animal venues that will not only amaze and entertain your clients & guests, but by getting “close enough to care” inspire them to help us conserve wildlife and wild places.
A.R.C. Aquarium Reptile Center – An Unparalleled Event Setting in Columbia, South Carolina
Available one hour after the Zoo closes, it’s the perfect opportunity to help reinforce bonds between animals and guests.With vibrant desert life, a lush rainforest, and a 55,000 gallon coral reef backdrop boasting popular residents such as sharks, moon jellyfish and moray eels, the ARC (Aquarium Reptile Complex) makes an unparalleled event setting. Architecturally, the building is divided into smaller, individual galleries that provide guests with a variety of interesting exhibits and experiences in a more intimate setting geared toward groups of 70 – 200. And, perhaps most important, these experiences provide crucial education & enrichment for not only your guests but the animals as well.
The Birdhouse – A remarkable evening event venue that has you doing good without even trying
Surrounded by lavish foliage, a grand wooden pergola and greeted by elegant Caribbean flamingos The Birdhouse at Riverbanks is a remarkable space to host an after-hours event. With several geographically themed exhibit areas highlighted by sky-lit atrium, there is more than enough space to accommodate seating, bars, displays or stations. Socializing and networking have never been more fun while in the company of penguins, hornbills and other exotic birds including the Bali mynah, one of the world’s rarest birds. A side benefit to these interactions is that the animals maintain comfort and confidence in interacting with visitors and your guests find the comfort and confidence in interacting with one another.
Sea Lion Landing – a bit of San Francisco in Columbia, South Carolina for intimate or large events
At Sea Lion Landing, begin the night at Pier 39, a remarkable recreation of San Francisco’s famous wharf complete with California sea lions and two harbor sealsand end it with an underwater experience like no other. At Riverbanks Zoo, we pride ourselves on providing enriching experiences for our animal residents & adoring guests. Everyone needs enrichment in the form of novel sights, sounds, scents, and experiences to keep their bodies and minds healthy. Enjoy nose-to-nose encounters through a giant 35-foot-long panoramic window with incredible indoor sights both underwater and overhead. An event in Sea Lion Landing can accommodate anywhere from 25 – 75 guests indoor and can be expanded to include Entry Plaza and accommodate up to 400 guests. Did you know your interaction with Riverbanks animal residents is every bit as important to their well-being as it is ours?
Through your event, not only does a significant portion of your event’s proceeds support conservation, endangered animals, & their habitats, the animals learn to be comfortable around people and in some cases, they even teach our guests a thing or two.
To get started on your own event for animal conservation, start by checking out some of our event packages created to help you be more social and less stressed. When you’re ready, contact us to find out more information or to tour one of our many unique venues. You can reach us by calling (803) 602-0900 or sending us an e-mail at planyourevent@riverbanks.org.
