Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Celebrates New Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina, proudly opened its state-of-the-art Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center on March 2. The 20,000-square-foot attraction and educational facility takes guests on an immersive journey from land to sea, highlighting the zoo’s ongoing conservation work.
Showcasing Conservation Efforts and Endangered Species
The newly reimagined Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center offers visitors a captivating land-to-sea journey with stunning views of some of the world’s most endangered wildlife. The center houses more than 11,000 animals, representing over 300 different species, including 17 endangered ones. The facility’s residents include reptiles, amphibians, fishes, invertebrates, and birds. Two new conservation labs allow visitors to witness Riverbanks’ vital work with corals and leaf-tailed geckos.
Bringing Conservation to the Forefront
Susan F. Boyd of The Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation emphasized the importance of being a leader in conservation to ensure the preservation of wildlife and their habitats for future generations. The Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center aims to fulfill this responsibility by actively engaging local communities, visitors, and the broader wildlife community in conservation efforts.
Building a Bridge to the Wild
The opening of the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center is the second major project in Phase One of Riverbanks’ innovative vision, called “Bridge to the Wild.” This multi-year, phased plan aims to fundamentally change how guests experience wildlife and connect with nature at Riverbanks. The long-term vision for the zoo and garden will transform both sides of the Saluda River into the state’s leading conservation resource.
