Do you offer a military, senior, or group discount, or a special discount day?
Riverbanks offers discounts to military families with military ID ($ plus tax) and seniors over age 62 ($ plus tax).
Riverbanks also hosts Free Fridays in January and February for residents of Lexington and Richland counties with proof of residency (i.e., driver’s license or property tax statement).
Two can get in for the price of one during our summer Toucan Tuesdays promotion, but you must bring in two cans (or non-perishable items) to qualify. This offer is good on Tuesdays only through the summer. Promotion applies to general admission rates only (Explorer wristbands and memberships not included). Purchase one admission and get the second of equal or lesser value free. Visitor must turn in two canned or other non-perishable food items to receive the discount.
Would Riverbanks be willing to donate complimentary passes for my organization’s fundraiser or event?
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is pleased to have the ability to provide a limited number of complimentary passes to various organizations within the community. Due to the increasing number of requests, Riverbanks has developed a policy to help determine whether or not an organization is eligible to receive complimentary passes. Please visit Riverbanks’ Complimentary Passes page to determine if your organization is eligible.
Are all of the animals out all times of year? When are they most active?
All animals are on exhibit daily except in cases of extreme heat, extreme cold, exhibit repairs or medical reasons — all of which are fairly rare occurrences. In general, animals are most active when they first go on exhibit at opening and as they prepare to return to their evening quarters just before closing.
I am doing a project on an animal. Where can I get information?
Visit the Animals section of the Riverbanks Web site to find facts on many of the animals on exhibit at the Zoo.
I would like to volunteer at Riverbanks. How do I get started?
Please visit our Volunteer Opportunities page to learn about volunteer opportunities.
I would like to apply for a job at Riverbanks. What should I do?
Please visit our section for information about job opportunities at Riverbanks. The Job Opportunities page is updated weekly with current job openings. All job applicants receive notice of receipt of their application; however, only the top candidates for each position are contacted via telephone.
I never knew you could be a member of Riverbanks! What’s the advantage?
All members of Riverbanks are entitled to unlimited daytime visits to the Zoo and Garden for one full year, free guest passes, one free visit to the Lights Before Christmas, a subscription to Riverbanks magazine, discounts at our gift shops, education programs and adventures, and much more! For more information or to join, visit our Membership page, contact the Membership Office at 803.779.8717 (and press 1), or you can join at the ticket booth on your next visit.
If you are not sure whether membership will be right for you and your family until after you visit the Zoo, bring your paid admission receipt to the ticket booth on the same day of your visit, and we’ll apply it toward membership at that time.
Are wheelchairs available at the Zoo?
Yes, non-motorized wheelchairs are available. Wheelchair rental is $10.00 plus tax. No advance reservations are accepted.
Are strollers available at the Zoo?
Yes, single and double strollers are available. Rental fees range from $10.00 to $13.00 plus tax. No advance reservations are accepted.
I have an engraved brick at Riverbanks. How can I find it?
To locate an engraved brick in the Zoo or Garden, please email us or call the Membership Office at 803.779.8717 (and press “1”) between 8:30am and 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. To help expedite the search, please identify the name of the person who originally purchased the brick.
We will be coming to Riverbanks from out of town. Can you suggest hotels, restaurants and other things to do in the Columbia area?
For a list of preferred hotels and other hotels offering Zoo packages, view our Hotel Accommodations information. Please refer to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau for accommodations, dining and other information about the city of Columbia.
Can I hold my wedding ceremony, reception, birthday party, or another social or corporate event at Riverbanks during the day?
Wedding ceremonies, receptions, birthday parties, and other social or corporate events must be scheduled in advance as private events. One of our friendly event sales representatives will work with you to book and plan a memorable event. For more information, visit our Plan Your Event section.
