“This milestone is further evidence that Riverbanks serves as a leading destination attraction in South Carolina,” said Tommy Stringfellow, director of marketing at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “People continue to visit not only because of our exceptional animal and plant collections, but also because the Zoo and Garden is a fun, affordable place to spend time with family and friends.”

The budgeted attendance for 2009 was 891,832.

“To exceed our budgeted attendance by 13 percent is an achievement that everyone at Riverbanks can be proud of,” said Stringfellow.

Riverbanks’ most notable highlights of 2009 include the birth of two giraffe calves, the arrival of three new penguins, the bittersweet farewell to the sea lions and the groundbreaking for the kangaroo exhibit – which is slated to open later this spring.