Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
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The following information is provided for members of the media compiling information for publication. Other uses are not permitted. Please credit Riverbanks Zoo and Garden for all uses.

If you need additional information or wish to request an interview with any Riverbanks Zoo and Garden staff member, please call the PR Department at 803.779.8717 x1141.

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MEDIA PASS POLICY:
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Policy Overview | Film/Video/Still Photography Policy
[ Archived Releases ]
Black-Footed Kitten Makes Its Zoo Debut
For Immediate Release: May 7, 2008
Riverbanks Role Essential in Sustaining the Captive Population
Read Press Release
Music and Flowers After Hours
For Immediate Release: April 29, 2008
Riverbanks Introduces Rhythm and Blooms
Read Press Release
Annual Plant Sale Returns to Riverbanks Botanical Garden
For Immediate Release: April 10, 2008
More than 4,000 Plants Offered
Read Press Release
INFORMATION SHEETS:
PLEASE NOTE: The following PDF Documents require Adobe Reader to view.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden- Overview | Fact Sheet | History | Garden

Animal Fact Sheets- Fact Sheets for many of the animals exhibited at Riverbanks are located in the Explore the Zoo section of the website. Select each individual exhibit for a listing of animal fact sheets from that exhibit.

"A Well-Trained Patient" - 3 page article featuring Baines, the baboon at Riverbanks who lives with diabetes.

Conservation- Overview

Education- Overview

Exhibits- Aquarium Reptile Complex | Birdhouse at Riverbanks | Koala Knockabout | Ndoki Forest | Gorillas in our Midst | Gorilla and Debrazza Exhibit Facts | The Elephants of Riverbanks | Riverbanks Farm | 3-D Action Theater

Riverbanks Society- Overview

Walk Through History- The Saluda Factory Interpretive Center

EXECUTIVE BIOGRAPHIES:
Palmer "Satch" Krantz, Executive Director

Satch Krantz began his career at Riverbanks in 1973 and has served as its executive director since 1976, making him one of the longest serving zoo directors in the nation.

During his career, Krantz has served as president of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Krantz is one of only three American zoo directors that has served as president of both of these organizations. He is currently slated to once again serve as AZA president in 2008, making him the first zoo director to serve two presidential terms since WWII.

Krantz has been heavily involved in the community Riverbanks serves. He is a past president of the board of Palmetto Richland Children's Hospital and the Columbia Rotary Club. He has also served as president of the Clemson University Board of Visitors and the University of South Carolina University Associates and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the River Alliance, the Children’s Hospital and the AZA.

In 1995 he received the Woodrow Wilson Award for Regional Cooperation from the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce and in 2002 he was given the International Ambassador of the Year Award by the Committee of 100. He received the Global Vision Award by the World Affairs Council in 2005.

Throughout his career, Krantz has traveled extensively, including thirteen safaris to six different African countries. In February 2002, he walked 120 miles across Tsavo National Park in Kenya, which was only the second time anyone had ever walked the Park's entire length.

Krantz is a native of Columbia, South Carolina and a graduate of Clemson University. He and his wife Becky are the proud parents of two grown sons.

James E. Smith, Sr., Chairman, Riverbanks Commission

In June 2002, James E. (Jim) Smith joined the National Bank of South Carolina and the Synovus Trust Company as Executive Vice President and Manager of Financial Management Services in South Carolina.

He retired in 2001 from Bank of America where he was the Premier Banking Executive for the Carolinas. He also served as the Columbia Market President and was responsible for leadership in all lines of business in the Central Midlands.

Mr. Smith joined Bank of America’s predecessor bank, C&S National Bank in 1976. He held positions in the Commercial and Consumer Banking Groups and served as Midlands Region Executive.

A native of Atlanta, Mr. Smith graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelors of Science degree and Georgia State University with an MBA degree. He also completed The Executive Program at Colgate Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, University of Virginia and The Leadership Institute at Synovus.

Mr. Smith has been a member of the Board of Trustees for the River Alliance since 1999 and has served as Chairman since 2004.

Mr. Smith also commits his time to serving on the Boards of Palmetto Club, River Alliance, University of South Carolina Law School Advisory Board, Columbia Empowerment Zone, The Nature Conservancy of South Carolina and the Riverbanks Commission. He is Treasurer of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.

Mr. Smith is married to Nina Nelson Smith, Managing Partner, Smith, Ellis, & Stuckey Law Firm. They enjoy their five grandchildren. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as boating and gardening.

Jeremy G. Wilson, President of Riverbanks Society

Jeremy G. Wilson co-founded Wilson Kibler, Inc. in 1987 after a successful 20-year career with The Keenan Company in the commercial real estate business. He specializes in office and warehouse space and is licensed in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.

Mr. Wilson is a member of the Greater Columbia, South Carolina and National Realtor Associations.

Within his community, Mr. Wilson has served on the Boards of the South Carolina State Museum, Capital Rotary Club, Institute of Real Estate Management and Richland County Planning Commission.

A member of the Riverbanks Society’s board since 2003, Mr. Wilson is serving his second consecutive term. In 2006 he served as the Vice-President of the Society. He will serve one more year on the board before rotating off in late 2008.

Mr. Wilson claims to be a native of Allendale, South Carolina, and is a graduate of the University of South Carolina. He and his wife Maura have been married for 34 years and have 5 children. Mr. Wilson is a conservationist that enjoys hunting, fishing and hiking.

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