For Immediate Release: April 4, 2025
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Celebrates Milestones with Exciting Events in Q2 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C., April 4, 2025 — Riverbanks Zoo and Garden continues its momentum from a landmark 50th anniversary year with a series of exciting events and milestones this spring. From celebrating the 30th anniversary of Riverbanks Botanical Garden to hosting signature community gatherings, Riverbanks is poised to inspire visitors with new ways to connect with nature.
“Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has always been a place where families and nature enthusiasts come together to celebrate wildlife and conservation,” said Tommy Stringfellow, president and CEO of Riverbanks Zoo. “This quarter is filled with opportunities for families to engage with nature while celebrating our history and future."
A Milestone Celebration: Riverbanks Botanical Garden Turns 30
On Saturday June 7, Riverbanks Botanical Garden will mark its 30th anniversary with a special Earth Day-inspired celebration. Guests can enjoy live music, food trucks, interactive horticultural demonstrations, and a Goosechase™ scavenger hunt with giveaways. The event will deepen visitors’ connection to nature while honoring the Garden's three decades of beauty and conservation efforts.
Save the Date: Upcoming Events
- Members’ Night Out: April 11 & June 13 (6–9pm). Exclusive evenings for members featuring after-hours access to the Zoo.
- Spring Plant Sale: April 19 (8–11am). The first public sale at the Growing Center offers expert advice on plant care.
- Wine Tasting: Friday, April 25. A sold-out evening under the stars in one of America’s most stunning gardens.
- Riverbanks Run: Saturday May 17. A wild 5K benefiting wildlife conservation.
A New Joey is Taking a Peek at Riverbanks
On Wednesday, April 2, mammal keepers and guests at Riverbanks Zoo were treated to an exciting first glimpse of the newest addition to the Kangaroo Walkabout—a baby Tammar wallaby. The joey was spotted peeking out of its mother’s pouch for the first time, a milestone typically reached at around four months of age. These tiny marsupials are born the size of a jellybean and spend about eight to nine months developing inside their mother’s pouch.
Curator of Mammals Alyson Proveaux shared insights on the joey’s next steps: “It will continue to grow, develop fur, and become more curious. Over the next month or so, we expect it to start taking short trips outside the pouch but staying close to mom. By around nine months of age, it will spend most of its time outside the pouch but won’t be fully weaned until about eleven months.”
The joey’s parents, Simone and Bandit, arrived at Riverbanks in 2023 with hopes of expanding their family. Now, visitors can look forward to watching this young marsupial grow and explore its habitat. Here’s a quick look at the Zoo’s newest marsupial.
Inspiring Future Conservationists
Riverbanks’ ZooCrew program invites middle schoolers to explore conservation biology through hands-on research projects on campus. Registration for this unique learning opportunity opens July 15th.
For more details on these events and programs, visit riverbanks.org
- ### -
About Riverbanks Zoo and Garden: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of America’s best public gardens. The Zoo opened on April 25, 1974, and for over five decades, has connected individuals, families and school children with the natural world. Riverbanks is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in animal care and welfare, education, recreation, science and wildlife conservation. It is the mission of the Zoo and Garden to create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places. For more information, visit riverbanks.org.