Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Columbia, South Carolina, United States

---

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina, opened in 1974 and has since grown into a major attraction spanning 170 acres along the Saluda River. It features a diverse collection of over 3,000 animals and more than 5,700 species of native and exotic plants in its botanical garden.

The zoo is known for its innovative, naturalistic exhibits like moated habitats for large cats and bears, as well as a large Aquarium-Reptile Complex showcasing varied aquatic and reptile species. The adjoining botanical garden, opened in 1995, includes themed spaces such as a formal walled garden, an antique rose garden, and a children's interactive garden called Waterfall Junction.

Riverbanks also preserves historical ruins related to South Carolina's textile industry and Civil War history. It attracts over one million visitors annually and is one of the leading zoos in the U.S., earning numerous awards for conservation, education, and exhibit design.