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Upcoming Events & Programs

Friday, November 22

22
Fri
Tyke Hikes: Our Wild Neighbors
@ 9:45am (ages 2–5)
Do you know your wild neighbors? On this hike we will look for the animals or signs of the animals who live around us.
COST: Free with admission.
Registration Closed  Tyke Hikes

Saturday, November 23

23
Sat
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 23 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, Animated Story Tree sponsored by Dominion Energy, Merry Mascot Meet n’ Greet brought to you by Coca-Cola, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more. Plus, visit Santa beginning at 6:00pm each evening of Lights through Christmas Eve.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

 
 

@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 23 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, Animated Story Tree sponsored by Dominion Energy, Merry Mascot Meet n’ Greet brought to you by Coca-Cola, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more. Plus, visit Santa beginning at 6:00pm each evening of Lights through Christmas Eve.

Sunday, November 24

24
Sun
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 23 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, Animated Story Tree sponsored by Dominion Energy, Merry Mascot Meet n’ Greet brought to you by Coca-Cola, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more. Plus, visit Santa beginning at 6:00pm each evening of Lights through Christmas Eve.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Monday, November 25

25
Mon
Zoo Homeschool: Coastal Carolina
@ 10:00–11:15am (ages 5–12)
Dive deeper to understand marine environments and explore how the decisions we make every day affect watery habitats.
COST: $8 per participating student. Plus admission for general public.

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Social Updates

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden shared a photo.

58 minutes ago

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

🐘 Check out Milwaukee County Zoo's latest update on Belle!Belle Update: Belle had a bath and has been eating and drinking. She’ll transition to our hay today.

She’s responding to instructions from the zookeepers and our team is starting to train Belle, learning from the Riverbanks team. Ruth, Brittany and Belle have been communicating by “rumbling” to each other.

Belle has access to an outdoor space and has peeked her head out. ... See moreSee less

🐘 Check out Milwaukee County Zoos latest update on Belle!
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Oh!!! Thank you so much for this update! Belle and I are friends! <3

Take good care of sweet Belle ❤️

Way to go Belle!!! Keep up the good work! So glad she is doing so well!

Wonderful news! So happy for her.

So happy it’s going well for Belle. Just love her and for her to be happy and treated well is all one can ask for.

Go Belle, such a brilliant girl! We miss you!

We miss you Belle

Go Belle, go!!!!🐘

I do hope that they get along well.

Awww

Sam Scott

Sue Tenerovicz Backus

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

4 hours ago

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

30 wild years of ARC-mazing adventures!
Riverbanks' Aquarium-Reptile Complex (ARC) began making waves in November of 1989 when the 21,000 sq. ft. building first opened to guests. The ARC's debut made waves with visitors! Attendance slithered past the one-million mark for the first time in Riverbanks history with a record 1,019,834 guests.

Share your favorite memories below from the ARC's last 30 years. Just don't forget to include your best photos with the iconic bronze Galapagos Tortoise sculpture. ... See moreSee less

30 wild years of ARC-mazing adventures! Riverbanks Aquarium-Reptile Complex (ARC) began making waves in November of 1989 when the 21,000 sq. ft. building first opened to guests. The ARCs debut made waves with visitors! Attendance slithered past the one-million mark for the first time in Riverbanks history with a record 1,019,834 guests. Share your favorite memories below from the ARCs last 30 years. Just dont forget to include your best photos with the iconic bronze Galapagos Tortoise sculpture.Image attachment
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My mom has a photo of me in 1990 at a kindergarten field trip on the turtle. After that trip every time I went back my mom made me take a picture on the turtle. Now I continue the tradition with my son. Every time we come visit we take a picture on the turtle

We just kept adding kids to our tortoise picture. And I ran out of room to get on his back by 2014.

My Dad was the mechanical engineering firm for this project. I remember going as his “assistant” to look at it being built. He had me carry the blueprints and said he would sneak me in that way 🤣 (and of course I believed it) I loved the concept of the great tree laying across the ceiling from the tropical area to the other area with a glass bottom so people could see the snake going back and forth through his different environments.... I’d giggle at the idea of people getting a little fright looking up at it overhead... I don’t think that the glass bottom worked out...

What a phenomenal experience we had on this tour!!

My son’s first trip to the zoo 8 years ago. He still loves going.

Our absolute favorite! Now that I have my own little one I need to get some updated pictures with my nieces!

My favorite is the local animals exhibit.

Omg I’ve been taking photos on that turtle since I was LITTLE LITTLE back in the early 90s wow!!!

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

1 day ago

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

We are happy to share that Belle 🐘 is now enjoying her new home at the Milwaukee County Zoo. She and the Riverbanks' team arrived in Milwaukee early this morning following a smooth and successful transport.

Female elephants, Ruth and Brittany trumpeted upon her arrival. Belle is getting familiar with her new home and quickly began eating, drinking and interacting with her new enrichment items. After her quarantine period, Belle will be slowly introduced to her new companions 🐘🐘🐘

We look forward to sharing more updates with you as Belle settles in at her new home. ... See moreSee less

We are happy to share that Belle 🐘 is now enjoying her new home at the Milwaukee County Zoo. She and the Riverbanks team arrived in Milwaukee early this morning following a smooth and successful transport. Female elephants, Ruth and Brittany trumpeted upon her arrival. Belle is getting familiar with her new home and quickly began eating, drinking and interacting with her new enrichment items. After her quarantine period, Belle will be slowly introduced to her new companions 🐘🐘🐘 We look forward to sharing more updates with you as Belle settles in at her new home.
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So appreciate the fantastic update! Belle’s heart must have grown two sizes when she heard Ruth and Brittany welcoming her! Yay Belle! Please keep the updates coming! When do the rhinos arrive?

So happy Belle arrived safely and seems to be adjusting well! I am so sad that I won't be seeing her when I visit but I know it is the best thing for her! I will always hold precious memories of Belle in my heart!!!

We'll miss seeing her, but I'm so happy she's with a herd again!

I will certainly miss her, but I'm so happy she has a new home with new friends. ♡

I'm so glad that I was able to see her last week!!! Good luck on your new adventures beautiful!

Wonderful news going to miss her though

Please continue to share updates ❤️ glad she arrived and is happy. She will be missed

We'll miss you, Belle!

My wife and I went to go see her before she left. She will be missed but happy she's with other Elephants 🐘

Enjoy your new home Miss Bella

Thank you so much for update

Riverbanks Zoo was a favorite of mine when I lived in Columbia for 10yrs in the 70's and 80's. I loved the place and Columbia itself. I worked at a KMart near Ft. Jackson.

She will love the Milwaukee Co Zoo in no time!!! Although she might need a scarf and parka! LoL. Elephants need a herd... and you have chosen an amazing facility for her!!!!

Can you identify the Elephants in these pictures? I took these in June when our company visited the Zoo.

So happy Belle made it to Milwaukee safely and is adjusting well. I'm glad her keepers are staying for a while so she will have some familiar faces while she adjusts. The facilities sound wonderful and I'm so happy she will have new herdmates! Thank you for caring so much about Belle! She will be missed but she is in a better place. ❤

We had an amazing time sharing our wedding day with Belle! All of our guests really enjoyed seeing her! We will miss seeing her at Riverbanks but we are glad she is happy with her new family!!

Belle is enjoying life, now with friends!!! She was alone but never lonely, and now it got even better! Belle, Ruth and Brittany are rocking Milwaukee!!! Thanks Riverbanks Zoo to always do what is best for the animals, and thanks Milwaukee County Zoo to take this beautiful South Carolinian in!!!

Will miss seeing her but so very happy she has a new home with other elephants and that she was welcomed upon her arrival!! Please keep us updated on Belle!!!

I am so happy for her. She will be so much better now that she will have a new herd to be a part of. Love you Belle. I have several pictures of you and will never forget you beautiful lady.

So glad she had such a smooth trip. We will miss her but she will be happy in her new home. Thank you Milwaukee County Zoo for your warm welcome.

This is from our last visit on 11/11. We’ll miss her, but so glad she’ll be with more elephant friends!

I am so happy that she is safe at her new home! But we will truly miss her! 😭

Glad to hear Belle had a safe trip to her new home. Be happy, sweet Belle. You are missed.

I'm going to miss our big beautiful girl, but so happy she's arrived safely in her new home and has already been welcomed. I look forward to keeping up with her journey. <3

Yay! Glad to see she's moved into her new home and has friends!

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

2 days ago

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

🐢 We have had great success breeding the critically endangered Santa Cruz Island Galapagos tortoise. In fact, we're now home to 39 of these giant tortoises, which has contributed greatly to the sustainability of this species. #weareriverbanks

But did you know, the proud parents of these little tortoises are believed to be well over one hundred years old 😱 ... See moreSee less

🐢 We have had great success breeding the critically endangered Santa Cruz Island Galapagos tortoise. In fact, were now home to 39 of these giant tortoises, which has contributed greatly to the sustainability of this species. #WeAreRiverbanks But did you know, the proud parents of these little tortoises are believed to be well over one hundred years old 😱
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We have a spectacular zoo!!

One of my favorite exhibits.

Congratulations! What a terrific success thus far!

My girls love watching them eat!

are the younger ones (1 year olds and under) ever on display? i'm pretty sure i've just been seeing the 3-5(?) year olds for at least the past six months.

Yay for the giant tortoises! Thanks Riverbanks Zoo for such outstanding work!!

Jenny Compton

Linda look mom......I want some

That's amazing! Keep up the amazing work!

Its because yall have an amazing vet❤

Amazing and exciting ❤️❤️❤️

Are the parents’ names Abraham and Sarah? 🤣

Lori Atkinson Aamold

Grace Corbin

Not surprising considering they mate 24/7. 😂😂

Katie Huntley

Alberta and Abrazo are doing good work repopulating their species ❤️

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

3 days ago

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

🎅 Nightly visits with Santa, starting at 6:00pm at Lights Before Christmas through December 23! ✨

Just don't forget to cast your vote on USA TODAY 10Best once per day through Monday, December 2 by clicking on the following link: www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-zoo-lights/lights-before-christmas-at-riverbanks-zoo-garden-col...

Experience Columbia's longest running holiday tradition select nights beginning November 23. Tickets are on sale NOW. 🎄 All Riverbanks members receive at least one free visit with valid membership card. Visit our website to view available dates and for more information. ✨

📸: Michael Jones ... See moreSee less

🎅 Nightly visits with Santa, starting at 6:00pm at Lights Before Christmas through December 23! ✨ Just dont forget to cast your vote on USA TODAY 10Best once per day through Monday, December 2 by clicking on the following link: https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-zoo-lights/lights-before-christmas-at-riverbanks-zoo-garden-columbia-s-c/ Experience Columbias longest running holiday tradition select nights beginning November 23. Tickets are on sale NOW. 🎄 All Riverbanks members receive at least one free visit with valid membership card. Visit our website to view available dates and for more information. ✨ 📸: Michael Jones
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The best time of the year...Santa!

VOTED!

Matt Alsup we HAVE to go this year! It’s included in our membership!

Must seek clarification regarding membership admission. What does it mean when you say all members will at least receive one free admission? Does that mean everyone on the card can enter into the zoo for the lights one time or does it mean they only get one ticket per membership? Also why does it specifically say “at least one”?

Is santa there all day long or only certain hrs?

We can do this

Tony D Hawk Nice family outing

Voted

Kathy Jumper

Katie Weeks Livingston

Julia Cloer

Mallory Kimbrell Green

Maryssa Kipp Harris

Jennifer Richburg

Will Guzman

Dylan A. Harrison

Rebecca Hutto Burriss Angie Padgett Hutto when are we going

Dustyn McElroy

Allana Ingram

Christi Presley Opperman

Luke Parris this weekend

Erik Melendez we should go.

Courtney Culick when do y’all want to go?

Nikki Williams

Amanda-Brad Roof when we going

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

4 days ago

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

❄️ Single Day Camp at Riverbanks 🐻
Explore the wonders of zoo life in our new single day camps! Each day, campers will learn about species while exploring a different aspect of work at Riverbanks including exhibit design, animal health, animal enrichment, or species conservation. Campers will enjoy hands-on activities, behind-the-scenes tours, zoo walks, meeting animal ambassadors, and more.

Each single day camp date will provide a unique experience, so campers can sign up for several days or just one. Opportunities are designed for youth in Kindergarten to Fourth Grade.

For details: www.riverbanks.org/education/zoo-camp/

📸: Michael Jones ... See moreSee less

❄️ Single Day Camp at Riverbanks 🐻 Explore the wonders of zoo life in our new single day camps! Each day, campers will learn about species while exploring a different aspect of work at Riverbanks including exhibit design, animal health, animal enrichment, or species conservation. Campers will enjoy hands-on activities, behind-the-scenes tours, zoo walks, meeting animal ambassadors, and more. Each single day camp date will provide a unique experience, so campers can sign up for several days or just one. Opportunities are designed for youth in Kindergarten to Fourth Grade. For details: https://www.riverbanks.org/education/zoo-camp/ 📸: Michael Jones
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Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

5 days ago

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Who else is sliding into the weekend like we are?

📸: Larry Cameron ... See moreSee less

Who else is sliding into the weekend like we are? 📸: Larry Cameron
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Love them!!

We saw these in Alaska a couple months ago😍

My favorite exhibit!

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

6 days ago

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Chinese hwamei from a quick glance might resemble many of our brown backyard songbirds. But if you give them a listen, you'll hear a completely different song. Hwameis are known for their varied, very high-pitched songs. And are even considered to be accomplished mimickers.
Unfortunately these beautiful songs mean hwamei are highly sought after for the the illegal wildlife trade. To help #savespecies Riverbanks supports The Silent Forest Campaign in their efforts to protect Asian songbirds like hwamei. #FeatheredFriday

Support important conservation projects like The Silent Forest Campaign with a donation to the Satch Krantz Conservation Fund. Visit society.riverbanks.org/donate/conservation-fund to donate today!

📸: Larry Cameron ... See moreSee less

Chinese hwamei from a quick glance might resemble many of our brown backyard songbirds. But if you give them a listen, youll hear a completely different song. Hwameis are known for their varied, very high-pitched songs. And are even considered to be accomplished mimickers. Unfortunately these beautiful songs mean hwamei are highly sought after for the the illegal wildlife trade. To help #savespecies Riverbanks supports The Silent Forest Campaign in their efforts to protect Asian songbirds like hwamei. #FeatheredFriday Support important conservation projects like The Silent Forest Campaign with a donation to the Satch Krantz Conservation Fund. Visit https://society.riverbanks.org/donate/conservation-fund to donate today! 📸: Larry Cameron
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Love that white stripe around its eye!! 😍😍

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

6 days ago

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Ho, ho, ho, have you voted for Lights Before Christmas today?
We've been nominated in USA TODAY 10Best for best Zoo Lights!

🎄We need your help to reach the top spot! Cast your vote once per day through Monday, December 2 by clicking on the following link: www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-zoo-lights/lights-before-christmas-at-riverbanks-zoo-garden-col... ... See moreSee less

Ho, ho, ho, have you voted for Lights Before Christmas today? Weve been nominated in USA TODAY 10Best for best Zoo Lights! 🎄We need your help to reach the top spot! Cast your vote once per day through Monday, December 2 by clicking on the following link: https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-zoo-lights/lights-before-christmas-at-riverbanks-zoo-garden-columbia-s-c/
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I voted and shared!! So excited!!! Favorite time of year!!

Voted....it’s a tricky voting system....be careful!

Done!

Voted!

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

7 days ago

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Have you seen these two goofing around lately? 🦍🦍

📸: Larry Cameron ... See moreSee less

Have you seen these two goofing around lately? 🦍🦍 📸: Larry CameronImage attachment
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Yes! We saw our sweet boys this past Saturday.

Miss them so much!

So precious!

Aww cuties!!

Yes! Just a few days ago.

They are so precious. Very entertaining 💜

They have so much fun together! ❤

We were they Sunday...they are hilarious 😎....got some cute videos of them.

Reminds me of me and my brother when we were little!

I could watch them for hours. They are so adorable!

No bc every time we visit they’re never out and about and too crowded. They’re so cute though 🥰

Our grandapes are the best! soooo adorable!

Just there a few weeks ago and stood there which seemed like forever laughing and wishing I could hug and play with them.

It is great they have each other for company and play time.

They are bless to have each other.

My kids ADORE them!!!

They V are getting so big!

Are they siblings? Related? Will they like each other forever or eventually become rivals?!?

They're growing so fast 🥰😭❤️

Renee Gracie

Haley Stevens

Connor Dafler

Seth Bryant

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden shared a photo.

1 week ago

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

We are playing a critical role in turning the tide on corals in crisis.
YOU can be a #forcefornature too 🌊💙Our endangered coral reef populations would be better protected under the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act. Visit AZA’s legislative action center to urge your legislators to support H.R. 4160/S. 2429 bit.ly/2NIQ4ef ... See moreSee less

We are playing a critical role in turning the tide on corals in crisis. YOU can be a #ForceForNature too 🌊💙
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Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

1 week ago

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

🤣 Animals Reviewed!
Laugh with us over these silly "product reviews" as we poke fun at our animal friends! This new book features animals from The Association of Zoos and Aquariums across the country, with some hilarious Amazon.com-style reviews of each species.

Animals Reviewed is a perfect holiday present for animal lovers of all ages. Now available at the Riverbanks Gift Shop
Take a peek for yourself at some of our favorite #RateASpecies pages! ... See moreSee less

🤣 Animals Reviewed! Laugh with us over these silly product reviews as we poke fun at our animal friends! This new book features animals from The Association of Zoos and Aquariums across the country, with some hilarious Amazon.com-style reviews of each species. Animals Reviewed is a perfect holiday present for animal lovers of all ages. Now available at the Riverbanks Gift Shop Take a peek for yourself at some of our favorite #RateASpecies pages!Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment
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Amazing! I need this in my life 😂

Would be nice Christmas Gifts for the grandkids

Chris Peacock

Nick Strawser I love it

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