[Columbia, SC] - Teachers and student teachers throughout the state are invited to embark on a sleepover safari on Friday, April 20 at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

This year’s annual teacher safari will focus on animal adaptations for survival. Highlights of the overnight safari include an in-depth overview of Riverbanks’ educational programs, scavenger hunt activities geared for use in classrooms and a private behind-the-scenes tour of the Zoo after hours. Capping off the evening, teachers get to have a sleepover in the Birdhouse at Riverbanks overlooking the Penguin Coast exhibit.

“Imagine the school children’s interest and delight when they discover that their teacher spent a night at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden interacting among the animals that they are studying. It’s a unique way to relate science to real-world examples,” said Allison Pollock, education programs manger for Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Teachers may qualify for recertification credit in many of the school districts throughout the state by participating in the teacher safari. In addition, the safari provides teachers the opportunity to network with other educators. The teacher safari begins at 6:30pm and lasts until 9am the next morning. Please plan to eat dinner before you arrive.

Space is limited and the safari fills up fast, therefore, teachers are encouraged to register early. Tickets are $35 per participant, which includes a COOL Glow-in-the-dark T-shirt memento with the slogan, “I Survived the Night at Riverbanks.” To register, call the education department at (803) 779-8717 x1140 or e-mail dschumaker@riverbanks.org.