COLUMBIA – Gov. Henry McMaster alongside with members of the South Carolina Senate and Property of Associates will commemorate Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s 48-yr record with a senate resolution declaring May perhaps 4 Riverbanks Zoo and Backyard Day in South Carolina. McMaster will indication the “Zoo Day” proclamation at 2 p.m. on the south methods of the Statehouse.
Customers of the Zoo and the group are invited to attend the particular situation. The recognition will be noticed per year on May possibly 4 to rejoice the zoo’s stature as a world leader in animal treatment and welfare, education, recreation, science and wildlife conservation.
“This is a celebratory working day for the Riverbanks’ staff members, our users and company, and the neighborhood,” reported Tommy Stringfellow, president and CEO of Riverbanks Zoo and Back garden. “We are extremely grateful to Governor McMaster and our point out legislators for their guidance of Riverbanks, our endeavors as a chief in animal and plant care and wildlife conservation, and our economic influence on the area and point out economies as a vacation spot attraction.”
People are also reading…
Riverbanks has solidified its track record as South Carolina’s largest gated tourist attraction and the most frequented Zoo in the Southeast, welcoming more than 1 million visitors annually. Far more than 50 % of Riverbanks’ paid out guests are holidaymakers dwelling 50 miles or a lot more outdoors of Columbia. Much more than 20% live outside the house of the state—travelling from all in excess of the continental U.S. and as much away as Alaska, Brazil, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
A tourism driver, Riverbanks pumps practically $150 million into the Midlands’ overall economy and has a $95.1 million financial influence on the state. Annual offsite investing by zoo and back garden website visitors success in virtually $30 million unfold across accommodations, foods and beverage, and retail. Air vacation connected to overnight stays is practically $25 million.
“Riverbanks Zoo and Back garden has been a point of pleasure for the Midlands and South Carolina due to the fact to start with opening,” reported McMaster. “Their determination to preserving wildlife and company as a impressive training software has established them aside as just one of the best zoos in The us. It is a privilege to recognize them and all of South Carolina’s zoos for their impression on our state.”
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is property to 2,000 animals and extra than 4,200 species of indigenous and exotic plants. An additional milestone in Riverbanks’ history came in 1995 with the opening of Rivebanks Botanical Garden. The award-profitable botanical garden is considered a person of the nation’s most stunning and inspiring community gardens. Waterfall Junction, a 3-acre interactive children’s working experience in the botanical backyard garden, opened in April 2016 and is a new relatives favored.
“After practically 50 several years, a great number of readers have developed unforgettable memories at Riverbanks Zoo. It’s a major-notch attraction for the Midlands and for South Carolina as a total. We are grateful for their commitment to producing an fantastic customer expertise, and we are happy to rejoice this well-acquired recognition,” reported Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Section of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
The senate resolution will come as Riverbanks prepares to boast nevertheless an additional substantial accomplishment with the opening of the Darnall W. & Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Centre later this 12 months. The renovation will function dynamic and expansive new animal habitats and spotlight the zoo’s purpose in wildlife conservation and conservation partnerships.