[Columbia, SC] - Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has begun construction on a new, interactive exhibit that will open in the spring of 2010. The exhibit, located at the original sea lion site, will feature three red kangaroos, a new species for Riverbanks, and eight red-necked wallabies.

“One of the reasons Riverbanks has been so successful is because we strive to keep the guest experience fresh and exciting,” said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “By adding the kangaroo exhibit to the Zoo, we are giving our guests the chance to come face-to-face with an animal found halfway around the world; that certainly will be an experience they won't forget.”

The innovative habitat will provide guests with the opportunity to walk—or hop—along a path that goes directly through the exhibit. If a kangaroo happens to be standing on or near the path, visitors will have the ability to touch and interact with them.

While Riverbanks is utilizing the space of the first sea lion exhibit, the Zoo is still committed to building a new sea lion exhibit, but that venture will be costly and time consuming. When sea lions return to Riverbanks, their habitat will likely be located near the front entrance of the park.

Red kangaroos are the world’s largest marsupial and are native to Australia. They use their powerful hind legs to hop around and can reach speeds up to 35 mph.

Red-necked wallabies grow to be about 36 inches tall and are often confused as young kangaroos. A single red-necked wallaby currently resides in the Koala Knockabout exhibit.