Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia turns 50 — here’s what’s planned

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Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will commemorate 50 inspiring years of wildlife conservation on April 25.

Since its inception, Riverbanks has been at the forefront of preserving endangered species and educating guests about the importance of caring for wildlife and wild places, a news release stated.

The year-long celebration will include elevated signature events, the grand opening of a new Komodo dragon breeding facility later this spring, and continued progress toward our exciting Bridge to the Wild expansion plans, signaling a promising future for Riverbanks.

“As we reflect on this remarkable journey over the past 50 years, this major milestone serves as a testament to Riverbanks’ unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation and education,” said Tommy Stringfellow, president and CEO at Riverbanks, in the release. “With a rich history to share and exciting developments on the horizon, the golden anniversary festivities promise to captivate guests and inspire a new generation of conservationists.”

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Guests attending on Riverbanks’ anniversary day will be treated to a memorable experience, starting with the “A Wild Look Back” self-guided history tour, according to the release, which will illustrate the evolution of the Riverbanks landscape over the past five decades.

Festivities will kick off at noon in the main plaza with a DJ-hosted dance party, featuring top-of-the-hour music, the release stated. The Dreher High School Steel Band will also deliver a performance. Throughout the day, guests of all ages are invited to join in the fun, dancing amid a sea of bubbles alongside Riverbanks’ mascots and their mascot buddies from across the Midlands, including Mason the Firefly, Blowie the Blowfish, and SCETV’s own Smart Cat.

“Riverbanks has a remarkable legacy of fostering connections that make a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places,” said Stringfellow in the release. “As we commemorate our 50th anniversary, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff, volunteers, and entire Midlands community as we recognize the past, celebrate the present and focus on the future of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Our vision for the future includes expanding our conservation efforts, enhancing educational programs for visitors of all ages, and creating innovative experiences that inspire environmental stewardship.”

Building on the excitement, the sought-after Riverbanks 50th Anniversary Golden Tickets are circulating throughout the community. These golden tickets, symbolizing 50 years of wildlife conservation and community support, can be discovered now through June 30. Click here for a list of participating community partners, where the tickets can be found.

As Riverbanks’ 50th summer approaches, community members can anticipate another promotion centered around the number 50, the release stated. In June, Toucan Tuesdays will return to Riverbanks, inviting guests to donate two canned goods in exchange for a buy-one-get-one park admission. This program, which has been a staple since its inception in 2010, has collected food for the Harvest Hope Food Bank. Riverbanks anticipates reaching a milestone of 50,000 pounds of donated food collected over the last 14 years.