Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Celebrates 50 Years

News Summary

Columbia is alive with festivities as the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden marks its 50th anniversary this spring. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including the Botanical Garden’s 30th anniversary celebration featuring live music, food trucks, interactive demonstrations, and a Goosechase scavenger hunt. Additionally, a new Tammar wallaby joey has joined the zoo community, showcasing the zoo’s commitment to wildlife education and conservation. Mark your calendars for exciting experiences in nature for families and friends to celebrate this major milestone.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s 50th Anniversary Celebration in Columbia

Columbia is buzzing with excitement as the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden continues to celebrate its landmark 50th anniversary with a lineup of thrilling events. This spring, the zoo is gearing up for an array of activities that promise to engage visitors of all ages, right in the heart of the city.

Spring into Nature with Special Events

One of the most anticipated celebrations is the Botanical Garden’s 30th anniversary, which marks a special milestone on June 7. To commemorate this achievement, the garden will be hosting an electric Earth Day-inspired event that is sure to shine a spotlight on conservation and our connection to nature.

Visitors can look forward to an afternoon filled with live music that will set the perfect backdrop for relaxation and enjoyment. Food lovers rejoice, as an array of food trucks will be on hand offering delicious bites to keep everyone fueled throughout the festivities. For those looking for a little fun, the event features interactive horticultural demonstrations that will invite guests to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty while learning about the beauty of plants and gardens.

The excitement doesn’t end there! For the adventurous souls, there will be a Goosechase scavenger hunt packed with giveaways, adding a layer of thrill as attendees embark on a quest through the stunning landscapes of the garden. This event aims to deepen visitors’ connection to nature while honoring the vital conservation efforts of the garden.

A New Arrival at the Zoo

Tammar wallaby, affectionately known as a “joey,” was spotted peeking out of its mother’s pouch. This adorable moment marks the beginning of a special journey for the joey, who typically develops in its mother’s pouch for eight to nine months. Visitors can expect to see the joey take its first short trips outside of the pouch in the coming month, all while staying close to its nurturing mother until fully weaned at eleven months.

The joey’s proud parents, Simone and Bandit, arrived at the zoo in 2023 with the hopes of expanding their family, and they are certainly delivering with this sweet little one.

A Place for Learning and Exploration

ZooCrew program invites middle schoolers to dive into the world of conservation biology through hands-on research projects. Registration for this enriching opportunity opens on July 15, making it accessible for young explorers eager to learn about our planet’s biodiversity.

This spring, visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in unique ways to connect with nature at Riverbanks Zoo. Whether attending events, spotting cute animals, or getting involved in educational programs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

So mark your calendars, round up your family and friends, and come join the celebration as Riverbanks Zoo and Garden commemorates 50 thriving years in the community. Here’s to making more memories and connections with nature right here in Columbia!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Columbia Regional Business Report
• Wikipedia: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
• GSA Business Report
• Google Search: Columbia Zoo
• Greenville Business Magazine
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Conservation
• Fierce Healthcare
• Google News: Columbia events