For Immediate Release: June 2, 2017
Riverbanks Recognizes Palmer “Satch” Krantz III for His Leadership and Commitment to Conservation
[Columbia, SC] — Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is pleased to announce the renaming of its conservation fund in honor of the Zoo’s retiring President and CEO Palmer “Satch” Krantz III. The fund has been renamed the Satch Krantz Conservation Fund.
Under Krantz’s leadership, the Riverbanks Conservation Support Fund (CSF) was established in 1996 by the Riverbanks Society. Since its inception the CSF has provided nearly $1 million in grant funding to conservation biologists working at the Zoo and beyond the banks to safeguard the world’s wildlife and wild places. The fund was renamed as a tribute to Krantz for his 44 years of outstanding service and his passion for saving species.
Krantz began his tenure at Riverbanks in 1973 and was promoted to executive director (now president and CEO) in 1976. His knowledge and guidance have been instrumental in the Zoo’s success and Riverbanks’ role as a global leader in wildlife conservation.
Krantz also received the highest civilian honor in the State of South Carolina. The Order of the Palmetto was awarded to Krantz by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and presented by U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson, South Carolina Senator Nikki Setzler, South Carolina Representative James Smith and South Carolina Representative Beth Bernstein in recognition of Krantz's lifetime achievements and contributions to the state. The Order of the Palmetto was first awarded in 1971 by Governor John C. West.