Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210, USA

Address:	500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210, USA
Phone:	+1 803-779-8717
Site:	riverbanks.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 6

Haley Hickman

Ive gotta admit I love zoos. But only when they treat animals with the respect and space they deserve. Which is why I enjoy the zoo at Asheboro much more than I did this one. There were about 5 ostriches and 3 zebras all in the same cramped pen. It couldnt have been more than 700 feet of space. And when we visited the gorilla base camp they hadnt let any of them out to roam. They were all still in their room in the building. There were 3 gorillas and they seemed very antisocial, unhappy, and almost as if they were being driven crazy. One kept rocking back and forth, while the others climbed as high as they could and faced the walls. It upset me to my core to see these beautiful creatures being treated like this. They need space and places to roam. Not a 100 sq. foot room with some ropes. On another note, the penguins and their small "habitat" is something I hope to never see again. Im not sure if they let the penguins into a separate larger room at night or not but its a tiny ass little cage with a two inch pane of glass a two foot wide piece of ice and a two foot wide three foot deep area of water. With AT LEAST if not more than 10 penguins. This is NO WAY to treat animals. They were all staring at the wall as if to be asking why they cant reach all the space past this boundary (because the wallpaper showed plenty of sea to dive in and ice to climb and slide on but alas they can never get there.). This was a very upsetting zoo. Im sure they try their hardest to give their animals the best care and nutrition they can but they need to enlarge their habitats. The animals are going crazy being so confined for so long. I wont be visiting again if I can help it. I have pictures of the animals behaviors I have mentioned if anyone would like to confirm what I have witnessed and why I have written such a bad review.

cantstoptheflow

This one of the best zoos in the area. My family made a trip back to the zoo after we were rained on the last time. This adventure was amazing!!! We picked a pretty busy and hot day to go, too!!!! But that didnt stop the fun we had!!! Let me just say that this zoo is huge, even including a botanical garden!!! This is a great way to spend a day. We saw tons of animals from lions to tigers to bears...oh my!!! Seriously, there are tons of different types of animals here. They even have a petting zoo with farm animals in it. I was scared to pet the llama because I was scared it would spit in my face. There was even two building for bird life and reptiles. I hated the reptile exhibit because I hate snakes!!! But thats just me, it doesnt take away the fact that it is a great exhibit. There were tons of other activities to do for kids such as rock climbing, zip-lining, and riding a little train. There were also small classes going on discussing a resident bird. There is a river that runs along the thoroughfare going to the botanical garden. You could see people on the river inner-tubing as you walk above. The garden also had a tram to take you to the garden, which arrives and departs every 15 minutes. The garden was beautiful and had an amphitheater in it. I saw on the wall of the information building that many people get married there. Thats a great idea to me. This day trip was amazing!!! This is a great zoo!!! There is so much to do and see. The layout is great and the whole place is well thought out!!!

Chrisstal Hudson

I would give it a 5 stars. But some of the staff were really rude. I spent nearly $30 in Tuskers ( not sure if I spelt right) for my food to look like they just threw it together. Everyone had a tight face. Asked for management because I wasnt happy that I was served a Gyro that was torn up. It was remade after speaking to the manager who seemed to not want to be at work. Only for the young boy on the bad to look at me really meanly n rolled his eyes because I complain. They should teach presentation of food. I didnt expect it to be cheap but t least make it look to the point Id even be interested in eating it. No straws or lids or to go trays. With all the money some is paying for food and just to get in the park you would think I could at least get a straw. Seriously. In the end threw all the food away didnt eat it could say if it was tasty or not because it was presented the way it was I lost interest in even wanting it. But In The End We Had A Wonderful And Relaxing Time. I Will Visit Again But I Think Next Time Ill Bring My Own Food And Drinks. Its Just To Pricey For No Reason.

Lisa CarpenterHaase

I wish theyd lower the explore package prices!!! Theyre outrageous. I love the zoo the additions have been amazing. Parking has been added and it was well done. The seal and sea lion exhibit is spectacular. The gorilla breaks my heart and I feel they should do better by him and set him up better. He looks so sad and lonely. The monkey exhibit is up close and personal! Feeding the giraffes is so much fun! Train rides, carousel, farm animals, reptiles, fresh water aquarium, salt water aquarium (beautiful) reptiles, bugs, even a Komodo dragon. You can walk through to atrium and the birds will land on your arms or hand if you have a cup of nectar available! I can not speak more highly of the gardens along the paths that have just blossomed over the years. The environment is visually stimulating and you cant help but leave with a smile. There are many more animals and activities I havent mentioned but I can tell you the staff is very kind and accommodating. Just please make that gorilla happier.....

Anothercountyheard Baldwin

The Zoo was clean and well-maintained, in a nice part of town. Situated in an old growth forest along the bank of the river, the grounds were easy to access and attractive. Parking was easy, no extra charge. The reptile exhibit was outstanding with lots of snakes and other types of reptiles in easy-to-see displays, and ditto for the aquarium exhibits, with fresh and saltwater tanks full of large and unusual fish. The displays for the larger animals, and their exhibition, is a little bit of a problem for me. I do not enjoy seeing grizzly bears and tigers suffering in captivity. The primates were listless, and The Birdhouse stank of urine. Still far superior to the Atlanta Zoo, and overall, well worth the drive from Georgia. A recent addition to the zoo is a water park, near the beautiful Botanical Gardens. Sprinklers and fountains invite pedestrians to cool off after walking through the attractions, pretty sweet on the hot August day when we visited.

Heidi Davis

Very disappointed. The exhibits for large predators are inexcusable, as is the elephant enclosure. Large cat and bear enclosures are the same as they were 30+ years ago. Not as many animals as I had remembered from trips years ago. Though a few newer exhibits were updated and well maintained, they need to better provide for the larger cats, etc instead of installing zip lines. As for concessions, you should buy something elsewhere to eat. Very disorganized and overpriced. Parking was as to be expected. Admission prices were reasonable. I wouldnt mind paying more if they would improve the exhibits and variety. The pony rides were absolutely disgusting. Those poor little ponies should not be forced to endure that kind of abuse for the sake of making a buck. Several tortoises have duct tape on their shells. Even though it is probably medically necessary, to the untrained eye it seems very trashy. Probably wont be back.