Susan the Octopus Update
🐙 A Special Update on Susan, Our Giant Pacific Octopus
We want to share an important update about Susan, our giant Pacific octopus, who is entering a fascinating phase of life known as senescence. This natural process marks the end of the octopus life cycle and is characterized by distinctive changes in behavior and physical appearance.
During this time, octopuses exhibit a range of behaviors as they transition through this stage. While it can be bittersweet, we see it as an opportunity to celebrate Susan’s incredible life and the wonders of nature that octopuses represent.
We invite our guests to join us in honoring Susan by sharing your favorite memories and photos of her. Let’s shower her with love and appreciation during this special time in her life! Your support means the world to us and to Susan.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue to care for her with the utmost dedication.
Butch's New Tire
When Butch's favorite "seat" (aka his tire) needed a little TLC, our keepers stepped in to replace the fire hose and give it a fresh upgrade! And of course, Butch made sure to test it out right away to make sure it’s comfy enough for some serious lounging!
But this isn't just about relaxation! This new enrichment keeps Butch active, encouraging him to show off those natural behaviors—like using his muscles to crack open logs and hunt for hidden treats, just like he would in the wild.
Transforming our space from day to night in this mesmerizing time-lapse video, we’re just days away from our kickoff to Wild Lights with ALL NEW lantern displays!
Join us select nights November 15 – January 12 from 5:00PM – 9:00PM and wander through a dazzling world of over 60 larger-than-life wildlife lanterns, each one crafted to bring nature's wonders to life.
Wild Lights is sure to bring seasonal cheer to the entire family featuring nightly snowfall ❄️, interactive activities, picture-perfect photo ops, and visits with Santa (through December 23)!
🎟️Get your tickets today at: https://www.riverbanks.org/events/wild-lights
#WildLights2024 #RiverbanksZooSC
Happy Halloween
Happy Halloween from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden!🎃
Our gorillas recently received some pumpkin themed treats from keepers, inspiring some curiosity from the troop.
A big shoutout to all the ghosts, ghouls, and creatures of the night who made this year’s Boo at the Zoo a spooktacular success! Wishing you all a hauntingly fun and safe Halloween!👻🕷
After 12 long years, we have the pleasure of welcoming a precious toco toucan chick to the world! This egg-stra special hatchling is a significant milestone for us and plays a part in ensuring a bright future for this amazing species! Join us in celebrating this exciting moment for our Zoo!
For the time being the toucan chick will remain behind the scenes with the parents as it learns to fly and eat on its own, however keepers are hopeful that the young toucan will be out on exhibit in early spring.
Check out some of the enhancements made to our Lorikeet Experience!🦜
Meet Huntington! Originally hatched in Huntington Beach State Park, this juvenile green sea turtle is now making waves in the Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center! Huntington is here thanks to a special head-start program in collaboration with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and South Carolina State Parks, aiming to raise hatchlings to maturity before releasing them back into the ocean. This important effort boosts chances of survival and supports healthy turtle populations. Come and see Huntington and learn more about this amazing conservation work!
As National Zookeeper Appreciation Week winds down, let’s shine one more spotlight on our amazing Riverbanks Keepers! Take some time to get to know the dedicated team caring for our Riverbanks residents every day!
🌊It’s #WorldOceansDay!
Did you know Riverbanks Zoo has a variety of healthy stony corals from the Florida Reef Tract in our Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center?
These corals were collected to ensure their longevity after experiencing a mass disease outbreak in the Florida region. Stony corals are crucial to the health of our oceans, providing essential habitats for countless marine species and protecting coastal areas. Preserving them helps maintain ocean biodiversity and resilience.
#ComingSoon: Riverbanks is expanding to make space for more corals with new tanks in the coral conservation lab, thanks to contributions made to the Satch Krantz Conservation Fund. Want to learn more about how you can make a positive impact on coral conservation? Donate to the Satch Krantz Conservation Fund today!
We’re dedicated to ensuring our animals enjoy the highest quality of life, especially in their golden years. 🦒❤️ Charlie, our beloved 20-year-old giraffe, is one of the oldest giraffes in human care, and is now showing signs of advanced age. Charlie is receiving care for signs of discomfort and possible arthritis in his shoulders. Thanks to advanced methods and the compassionate care from our Riverbanks’ Animal Care staff, Charlie is thriving beyond the median life expectancy for male giraffes. He is joined at Riverbanks by another senior giraffe, Sharon, who is 24 years old, and both have individualized care plans tailored to their needs. A huge thank you to the Columbia Fire Department (SC) for utilizing their thermal imaging camera to help our team identify areas of concern and administer laser therapy to alleviate discomfort caused by inflammation.
Watch this video featuring Dr. Weber, Director of Animal Health, to see how we’re making a difference! 🎥🐾
Step into a world of natural wonder at our breathtaking Botanical Garden!🌷🪻🌹🌼
From vibrant blooms to serene pathways, every corner is alive with the magic of nature.✨ But did you know that behind this beauty lies a mission to make a difference? Your support during #MidlandsGives2024 helps us preserve this oasis of tranquility and launch impactful initiatives like Planting with a Purpose to support pollinators and their ecosystems.🐝 Buzz on over to Midlandsgives.org/riverbankszooandgarden to donate during this #MidlandsGives power hour!
