Riverbanks to Help Kick Off a New National Effort in Saving Species
May 15, 2015
Events Planned for Endangered Species Day
COLUMBIA, SC – Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will mark the 10th anniversary of Endangered Species Day on Friday, May 15 by participating in the launch of a new national endeavor to help keep the world’s most vulnerable animals from disappearing.
Riverbanks is one of more than 200 members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) that have partnered in the organization’s SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) initiative. Guests visiting Riverbanks on Endangered Species Day will have an opportunity to take part in interactive activities related to SAFE and discover simple steps anyone can do to help protect threatened populations.
“One of the easiest conservation actions a person can take is visiting an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium,” said Elizabeth Clemens, director of education at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “Doing so directly supports the ongoing efforts of hundreds of researchers, field conservationists and scientists worldwide who are working together to save species.”
In its inaugural year, SAFE will focus on ten animals considered to be at the greatest risk for extinction: African penguins, Asian elephants, black rhinoceros, cheetahs, gorillas, sea turtles, vaquitas, sharks and rays, western pond turtles and whooping cranes. Of these declining species, Riverbanks currently cares for 5 western lowland gorillas, 1 green sea turtle, 19 sharks and 2 rays. Over the next ten years, AZA will extend SAFE’s reach by highlighting ten additional at-risk species each year.
Endangered Species Day activities at Riverbanks will take place from 10:00am to 2:00pm on Friday, May 15. For more information on AZA SAFE and how you can get involved, visit www.riverbanks.org. Facebook and Twitter followers are also encouraged to use #savingspecies in posts related to SAFE and wildlife conservation.
About Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
For more than 40 years, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has connected individuals, families and groups with the world’s wildlife and wild places. Riverbanks is a special purpose district governed by the Riverbanks Park Commission, which consists of seven members, two appointed by Richland County Council, two by Lexington County Council, two by the City of Columbia, and one jointly by the three entities. It is the mission of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to foster appreciation and concern for all living things. Riverbanks Zoo is located at 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210. The Botanical Garden entrance is located at 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29169. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Admission is $13.95 for adults, $11.50 for children ages 2 – 12 and free for children younger than 2. Group rates and other discounts may apply. Year-round membership packages are also available. For more information, call Riverbanks at 803.779.8717, visit www.riverbanks.org orwww.facebook.com/riverbankszoo
About AZA SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction)
AZA Safe: Saving Animals from Extinction combines the power of zoo and aquarium visitors with the resources and collective expertise of zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and partners to save animals from extinction. Together we are working on saving the most vulnerable wildlife species from extinction and protecting them for future generations. To learn more visit, www.AZAsavingspecies.org.
