Upcoming Events at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

International Vulture Awareness Day
September 1, 2012
Celebrate the scavengers of the skies at Riverbanks Zoo on Saturday, September 1. From 10am-3pm, guests will have an opportunity to feed their hunger for vulture culture while encountering these amazing winged creatures that are some of the Earth’s most effective recyclers. Activities include a vulture training demonstration, a special Wings of the South bird show, keeper talks and various vulture education stations throughout the Zoo. The event is free with paid admission to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Family on Safari
September 8, 2012
Ever wonder what it’s like when the sun sets at Riverbanks? Now you can experience this rare glimpse of the Zoo – a night with your Family on Safari at Riverbanks! Zoo staff will be your guide on an unforgettable night of activities and behind-the-scenes tours. Participants should bring their own sleeping gear, tents and of course a sense of adventure. Activities begin at 7pm on Saturday, September 8 and conclude at 10am on Sunday, September 9. For more information or to register, visit www.riverbanks.org.

Animal Enrichment Day
September 15, 2012
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden invites you to celebrate Animal Enrichment Day on Saturday, September 15. Watch our wildlife in action as bears, elephants, gorillas and other Zoo residents interact with unique treats designed to stimulate their senses and encourage natural behaviors. Special animal encounters will also take place. In addition, guests can show their love of animals with a temporary tattoo, participate in hands-on arts and crafts and bid on silent auction items including behind-the-scenes tours, animal photographs, hand-crafted items and much more! Activities will take place between 10am and 4:30pm. The event is free with paid admission to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Scout Saturday
September 15, 2012
Join Riverbanks Zoo and Garden for a special Enrichment Day edition of Scout Saturday on Saturday, September 15, beginning at 10am. Find out why Riverbanks is wild about scouts and help your scout earn credit towards badges and patches while taking part in animal enrichment related activities and encounters. For more information or to register, visit www.riverbanks.org.

Square Foot Gardening Workshop
September 15, 2012
Square Foot Gardening is a simple system that adapts to all levels of experience, physical abilities and geographical locations. Learn fun, easy concepts on Saturday, September 15, as part of a hands-on class that will teach participants how to grow exactly what they need in only 20% of the space. It’s also Earth friendly and a great way to get into vegetable gardening! Class time is 10am-11:30am and will take place at Riverbanks Botanical Garden. For more information or to register, visit www.riverbanks.org..

Riverbanks ZOOfari
September 28, 2012
Don’t miss the wildest event in town! Riverbanks ZOOfari, the Zoo’s premier fundraiser, is set for Friday, September 28, at 7pm. Take an evening stroll through the Zoo, catch a glimpse of some wild creatures, savor tasty cuisine and cool cocktails, and bid on one-of-a-kind silent and live auction items. Proceeds support ongoing conservation and education efforts at Riverbanks. Visit www.riverbanks.org. or call (803) 779-8717 for more information. 

Cement Leaf Workshop
October 13, 2012
Join Riverbanks horticulturists on Saturday, October 13, for a fun, hands-on workshop that will show you how to turn ordinary leaves into creative cement cast bird baths, feeders or yard art. These cement designs make beautiful gifts or keepsakes. Participants will make two leaves to take home the same day, so pack a lunch and tour Riverbanks Botanical Garden while your leaf art is setting (2 hour approximate wait time). The workshop will take place from 10am-1pm. For more information or to register, visit www.riverbanks.org.

Boo at the Zoo
October 19-30, 2012
Hey, kids! Put on your cutest costume and head over to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden for the Zoo’s popular Halloween spook-tacular, Boo at the Zoo! Children 12 and under are invited to wear costumes for a spook-fest complete with Frankenstein’s Foam Zone, an eeky freaky DJ dance party and a trick-or-treat trail with candy and much more. This family-friendly festival runs for 12 nights leading up to Halloween from 6 to 9pm. Visit www.riverbanks.org. or call (803) 779-8717 for more information.

Veterans Day
November 12, 2012
Active duty and retired military personnel with a military ID card receive free admission in honor of Veterans Day. Call (803) 779-8717 for more information.

Lights Before Christmas
November 17 – December 30, 2012 (closed November 22, December 24 and 25)
Experience Columbia’s longest running holiday tradition—the 25th annual Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. From 6 to 9pm each evening the Zoo shines with nearly one million twinkling lights and countless animated images representing some of Riverbanks’ most loveable residents. Take your photo with Santa, roast marshmallows and sip hot cocoa at the Jingle Bell Bonfire—and if you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, Riverbanks is the only place in town where it snows every night! Visit www.riverbanks.org.or call (803) 779-8717 for more information.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden offers free, scheduled animal demonstrations and keeper talks throughout the day. For guests who want an all-encompassing experience, Riverbanks offers a new unlimited rides and attractions wristband. Wristband wearers can take advantage of six interactive activities, including feeding the giraffes, feeding the lorikeets, riding the ponies, riding the carousel, hopping on board the Spots and Stripes Railroad (children’s train),  and climbing the 26-foot Wild Adventures rock wall. Cost: $20 per person (plus general admission).

Behind-the-Scenes Adventure Tours
Every Saturday
Walk on the “wild side” as you get an inside look at some out-of-sight places. Meet a penguin face-to-beak, scratch a Galapagos tortoise, measure up to a grizzly bear, help train an elephant, get face-to-whiskers with a tiger or feed a flamingo!  Encounter animals up close, explore behind the scenes and meet experienced keepers. Marvel at the unique challenges of animal care and the amazing efforts that go into creating and sustaining a world-class zoo. A variety of Adventure Tours are available. For schedules and pricing, visit www.riverbanks.org.or call (803) 978-1113.

Educational Programs at Riverbanks

Homeschool Mondays
Homeschooled children ages 5 to 13, accompanied by an adult, are invited to participate in Homeschool Mondays at Riverbanks. Programs last 45 minutes and are offered twice monthly from September through May. Class times are 9:30am for the 5- to 7-year-old program, 10:45am for the 8- to 10-year-old program, and 12:00pm for the 11- to 13-year-old program. For more information visit www.riverbanks.org. or email [email protected].

Overnights and Night Howls
Throughout the Year
Discover the nightlife at Riverbanks! The Zoo’s interactive nighttime programs include live animal encounters, keeper-led behind-the-scenes tours, a hike through the Zoo at the end of the evening and a light snack. For those groups spending the night, light breakfast, a morning program, and free daytime admission to th
e park is also included. Nighttime adventures take place year-round, any day of the week, so call early to get your preferred date. Beginning in October, special event overnights are offered on select dates during Boo at the Zoo and Lights Before Christmas. A minimum of 15 participants are required for Night Howls and 25 for overnights. The Zoo can accommodate two groups per night with a maximum group size of 50.  For availability and details, visit www.riverbanks.org or call (803) 978-1113.

About Riverbanks Zoo
For nearly 40 years, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden has connected individuals, families and groups with the world’s wildlife and wild places. It is the mission of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to foster appreciation and concern for all living things. Riverbanks 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 $11.75 for adults, $9.25 for children ages 3 – 12 and free for children 2 and under. 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 or www.facebook.com/riverbankszoo.