Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina, is a real gem. This world-famous zoo and botanical garden covers more than 170 acres and is home to more than 2,000 animals and more than 4,200 species of plants. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has been a favorite place for both tourists and locals since it opened in 1974.
The zoo is home to more than 350 species from all over the world, and it has a lot of different exhibits that give visitors a full experience. The African Plains exhibit is one of the best parts of the zoo. It is home to animals like giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and wildebeest. The exhibit is made to look like the African savannah, so people can get a close look at these beautiful animals in a natural setting. Animals often gather around the watering hole, which is part of the exhibit.
The Aquarium Reptile Complex is another popular exhibit. It has a wide range of aquatic and reptile animals. In the aquarium, people can see animals like otters, sea turtles, and sharks. In the reptile exhibit, they can see snakes, lizards, and other cold-blooded animals. The zoo also has a birdhouse where many rare birds from all over the world live.
For kids, the zoo has a special area called the Farm where they can see a variety of farm animals up close. They can feed and pet goats, sheep, and chickens, and learn about how they act and where they live. There are also many interactive things to do at the zoo, such as a ropes course, a zipline, and a 4-D theater.
In addition to giving visitors a great time, the zoo works to protect animals and teach people about them. The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a leader in animal care and breeding programs, and its work to save endangered species has been recognized. The zoo also has educational events and programs for people of all ages, such as summer camps for kids and classes for adults.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is also a beautiful place to see the botanical garden. There are different kinds of plants and animals in each part of the 70-acre garden. For example, the walled garden is full of beautiful flowers like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. On the other hand, the Asian garden has many plants from Japan, China, and Korea. Visitors can enjoy walking along the paths, taking in the beautiful scenery, and looking at the different kinds of plants and flowers on display. Birds, butterflies, and small mammals, among other animals, live in the garden.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden have a lot of things for visitors to do and see besides the animals and plants on display. Throughout the year, the zoo has special events like Boo at the Zoo, where kids can trick-or-treat among the animals, and Lights Before Christmas, a display of holiday lights. Events like the Wine Tasting on the Riverbanks and the Botanical Bash, which have food, drinks, and live music, are also held in the garden.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden are also committed to being environmentally friendly and doing less damage to the environment. The zoo has taken several steps to be more environmentally friendly, such as using solar power, composting, and using less water. They also provide recycling bins and promote eco-friendly habits to get people to think about how they affect the environment.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a must-see for anyone traveling to Columbia, South Carolina, or the surrounding area. This amazing place has something for everyone, whether you like animals, and plants, or are just looking for something fun and educational to do.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a great place to visit. It is also an important place in the world of animal and plant conservation because of how much it cares about conservation, education, and sustainability.
The zoo has a team of hardworking professionals who work around the clock to give the animals the best care possible. The zookeepers, vets, and other staff members love what they do and are always looking for ways to improve the lives of the animals. When people go to the zoo, they can even see the staff at work. The zoo has tours that take people behind the scenes to see how the animals are cared for.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden are also dedicated to getting involved in the community and helping other groups that share its values. The zoo works with local schools and community groups to give both kids and adults educational programs and experiences. They also work with groups like the International Rhino Foundation and the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to help protect wildlife around the world.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a center of entertainment for the city of Columbia. It also works to protect animals and teach people about them. Throughout the year, the zoo hosts a wide range of events, such as concerts, festivals, and movie nights. These events are fun and different for visitors, and they also help the zoo do its job of educating and protecting animals.
The Brew at the Zoo festival is one of the most popular things to do at the zoo. It takes place every August. There will be animals at this event, beer, food from local vendors, and live music. The festival is a great way to see the zoo in a new way and support local businesses at the same time.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has also become a popular place for weddings, corporate events, and other private events. It’s a great place to hold a special event if you’re looking for a place that will be remembered for a long time.
In the past few years, the zoo has had some renovations and expansions to make it a better place for visitors. The Sea Lion Landing exhibit is the most recent addition to the zoo. It is a state-of-the-art home for California sea lions. The exhibit has a 400,000-gallon pool, places to look down into the water, and a stage where sea lion shows happen every day.
Overall, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a place that everyone who goes to Columbia, South Carolina, should go to. The zoo and garden offer visitors of all ages a unique and immersive experience. They also help with important conservation and education projects. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a truly world-class place to visit because of its beautiful scenery, a wide range of animals and plants, and commitment to sustainability.