Make Tracks to the Pacific Northwest during Riverbanks ZOOfari

[Columbia, SC] — Embark on an epicurean expedition to the Pacific Northwest during Riverbanks ZOOfari—the Zoo’s premier fundraiser—on Friday, September 23 at 7:00pm.

The all-inclusive evening, hosted by Riverbanks Society, gives guests an opportunity to explore the Zoo after-hours while sampling a variety of palate-pleasing cuisine inspired by the Pacific Northwestern region of the United States. Creative cocktails will complement the featured fare.

Guests, this year, will have an opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes tour of Sea Lion Landing. The exhibit, a remarkable recreation of San Francisco’s Pier 39, is home to five California sea lions and a harbor seal. Scheduled animal feedings, presentations and encounters also will take place at various other exhibits throughout the evening.

A number of extraordinary silent and live auction items will once again be up for bid. A few live auction highlights include:

• Alligator Affair: Experience a reptile rendezvous during this wildly unique evening for you and five guests. Explore behind-the-scenes of Riverbanks’ Aquarium-Reptile Complex, observe an alligator training and feeding session, and then open wide for a relaxing dinner at the Zoo’s award-winning Tuskers restaurant overlooking Riverbanks’ American alligator habitat with views of neighboring giraffes, zebras and ostriches.
• Barbecue on the Bay: Escape the Famously Hot heat and travel to San Francisco’s Pier 39 via Sea Lion Landing where you’ll host the best barbecue bash of the year. You and 19 guests will experience an unforgettable evening with Riverbanks’ popular pinnipeds while indulging in a mouthwatering menu and getting the dish on our fin-footed friends.
• A Trio by Any Other Name: This summer Riverbanks’ family grew by three with the arrival of adorable red-ruffed lemur triplets, but these playful primates still need names. The highest bidder will receive the exclusive opportunity to name the lively trio. The winner and four guests also will meet the triplets up-close during a behind-the-scenes VIP tour of Riverbanks Conservation Outpost.

Monies raised during this year’s live and silent auctions will help Riverbanks reach the challenge portion of Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Connected Communities grant. The grant was generously awarded to the Zoo to help fund public gathering and education sites at Waterfall Junction in an effort to further Riverbanks’ mission of fostering a concern and appreciation for all living things.

A limited number of tickets will be sold. The cost is $60 for Riverbanks members and $70 for the general public. Tickets must be purchased online or at any park ticket window prior to the day of the event.

Riverbanks ZOOfari is sponsored by Colonial Life. The event will take place rain or shine. Dress is safari casual.

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