Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Riverbanks Zoo News

Left the zoo a bit ago. Noticed some emerald starlings in the birdhouse that I believe are relatively new.

No idea what all that previous stuff about bellbirds and cotton-top tamarins was about, but in case there was somehow any doubt, it’s definitely false from start to finish.
 
 
This recent article discusses the zoo's 50th anniversary and briefly mentions upcoming new projects such as a $2.5 million breeding facility for Komodo Dragons (opening in June), a $7 million Conservation Learning Center (2026) and the long-term Bridge to the Wild complex with American Black Bears, Red Wolves and Bald Eagles.

Education center, new exhibits in store as SC zoo celebrates 50-year anniversary
 
Brookrowcottage said:
How do people feel the conservation outpost should be updated?
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It shouldn't be updated. It needs to be removed outright and replaced because I can't think of a way to make that exhibit complex work in a modern setting (I would have suggested turning them into aviaries for small birds, but the zoo already has a really good bird house). It's just way too outdated and aesthetically unpleasing.

It sticks out even more given how good the zoo's newer exhibits are.
 
Astrotom3000 said:
It shouldn't be updated. It needs to be removed outright and replaced because I can't think of a way to make that exhibit complex work in a modern setting (I would have suggested turning them into aviaries for small birds, but the zoo already has a really good bird house). It's just way too outdated and aesthetically unpleasing.

It sticks out even more given how good the zoo's newer exhibits are.
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It's sort of built into the Gorilla Exhibit now, but I feel like they could build a new really good small mammal house with at least 20 species.
 
I wouldn’t mind if they leaned into the idea of a cave exhibit. Merge a few or all of the smaller areas, make it into a large bat / nocturnal house.

Realistically, though? It should just be replaced with a modern small mammal / nocturnal house. Any other idea is going to require at least some remodeling and at that point might as well just update the exhibits / BTS holding spaces.
 
The zoo has officially opened its expanded Komodo Dragon exhibit and here is the press release:

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is pleased to announce the completion of its new Komodo dragon habitat, Komodo Crossing. This project was made possible by a generous bequest from the late Mr. Lloyd L. and Mrs. Doris N. Liles.

Curator of Herpetology, Sean Foley, shares, "The new habitat is larger and more immersive than the original exhibit, offering a more complex and naturalistic environment."

Guests can now enjoy multiple viewing areas showcasing both indoor and outdoor habitats. Behind the scenes, Komodo Crossing features separate bedrooms with transport access for keepers, along with a dedicated outdoor quarantine yard.

This new facility aligns with Riverbanks Zoo and Garden's commitment to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP) programs. The habitat will not only support breeding and conservation efforts for Komodo dragons but will also enhance educational initiatives focused on this endangered species.

There are 3 photos on this Facebook link:

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden | Columbia SC
 
The new Komodo dragon exhibit is really nice, but I’m still left wishing it hadn’t been a priority when it was already “pretty nice” before this remodel and we've got sections of the zoo like the grottos and especially the conservation outpost that much more desperately need to be brought into the 21st century. I realize those would necessarily be much larger projects, and at least the lions will be getting something as part of the Bridge to the Wild, but I digress.

There were three additional lizard terrariums connected to this one that I’m not sure if I’d seen mentioned. One was still completely empty, but the other two held black monitor and blue iguana. I’m not sure how many of either of these they had inside the ARC/BTS, but I didn’t see any of either species in the ARC today so I don’t know if this is a full-on move or just a population split.
 
biggest_dreamer said:
There were three additional lizard terrariums connected to this one that I’m not sure if I’d seen mentioned. One was still completely empty, but the other two held black monitor and blue iguana. I’m not sure how many of either of these they had inside the ARC/BTS, but I didn’t see any of either species in the ARC today so I don’t know if this is a full-on move or just a population split.
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Both the Black Tree Monitor and the Blue Iguana were housed in the ARC back in 2023; the Monitor was in one of the tall terrariums to the left of the doorway that leads to the Desert room (4th exhibit from the door), and the Blue Iguana was housed in the desert room in one of the open-topped exhibits across from the birds (2nd exhibit on the left).
 
Oh yeah, sorry if I wasn’t clear, I know both species were still in the ARC as of my most recent visit prior to today back in March. I saw signs for both of them today. I just wasn’t sure if the zoo had moved all of their individuals to the new exhibits, or if they intended to now keep them in two locations (as they do with quite a few of their birds).
 
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