Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, S.C., has opened its new state-of-the-art Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center at a ribbon-cutting ceremony 2 March. The 20,000-square-foot attraction and educational facility transports guests on an immersive journey from land to sea, shining a light on conservation work at Riverbanks.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of The Boyd Foundation, we are thrilled to open the re-imagined Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center,” said Tommy Stringfellow, president and chief executive officer of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “This one-of-kind educational facility provides our guests with a truly immersive experience while also showcasing our critical role in wildlife conservation. We are excited to bring conservation directly to our visitors and allow them to see the work that previously took place behind the scenes at Riverbanks.”
The re-imagined Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center takes guests on an engaging land-to-sea journey with captivating views of some of the world’s most precious and endangered wildlife. More than 11,000 animals representing over 300 different species—17 of which are endangered—reside in the conservation center, including reptiles, amphibians, fishes, invertebrates, and birds. Additionally, two new conservation labs allow visitors to witness Riverbanks’ important conservation work with corals and leaf-tailed geckos.
“It’s important to be in the forefront and a leader in conservation to ensure that our world’s wildlife and their important habitats are preserved for generations,” said Susan F. Boyd of The Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation. “And that’s exactly what the new Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center at Riverbanks is doing for our local communities, its visitors, and the greater wildlife community. It is the responsibility of everyone to make small changes in their lives that will ultimately make a huge impact.”
This project was made possible by The Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation. Additional project partners include GLMV Architecture, Boyer Construction, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Senior Leaders and Staff, Riverbanks Park Commission, and the Riverbanks Society.
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 to build a Bridge to the Wild. This multi-year, phased plan will fundamentally change how guests experience wildlife and connect with nature at Riverbanks.
“The conservation center is part of a strategic long-term vision for Riverbanks Zoo and Garden,” said Lochlan Wooten, chief operating officer of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “Once complete, Bridge to the Wild will transform both sides of the Saluda River into the state’s leading conservation resource and will continue to elevate our stature as the leader in family fun.”
Photos Credit: © Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Edited by Sarah Gilsoul, a writer and communications program assistant at AZA.
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