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This South Carolina Zoo Is Ranked Among The Largest In America

Who doesn’t love a zoo? Recently I was coming back from the beach and decided I would stop in Columbia and check out  Riverbanks Zoo. I was surprised to hear…

This South Carolina Zoo Is Ranked Among The Largest In America

African Lion

Tee Gentry/BMG

Who doesn't love a zoo? Recently I was coming back from the beach and decided I would stop in Columbia and check out  Riverbanks Zoo. I was surprised to hear that out of the 15th largest zoos in America, This South Carolina Zoo Is Ranked Among The Largest In America. Riverbanks is ranked 11th!

One Of The Largest In America

First, this place is enormous; you can spend hours seeing all the amazing animals and enjoy lunch and ice cream while you spend your day at this top-rated zoo. I was there on a Wednesday, and it wasn't crazy busy, but a good crowd. I was impressed with how easy it was to get around and how clean everything was.

To see an African lion up close is incredible, as well as the giraffes and the Aquarium and Reptile Center is something everyone should see. You'll find something amazing at every turn throughout Riverbanks Zoo. Parking is very close to the gates, and it's an easy in and out of the area. You can easily spend hours here and not see it all.

If You Go

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is open daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas days.

According to their website, General admission rates:

Adults (ages 13–61) — $24.99+tax

Children (ages 2–12) — $21.99+tax

Children (younger than 2) — FREE

Military (please present military ID at gate) — $22.99+tax

Senior Citizens (ages 62 and up; please present photo ID at gate) — $22.99+tax

Parking — $5 per vehicle (fee collected at ticket window)

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to over 3000 animals from all over the world, and they also have beautiful botanical gardens.

Tee has worked with KICKS 99 for over 24 years as Operations Manager and Program Director and is on-air each afternoon 3p-7p. When he’s not working, you’ll find him traveling the back roads, taking pictures, and searching for the next dive diner. Favorite place to visit? That’s easy. Folly Beach, SC. He’s usually there at least a few times a year. He lives in North Augusta and on Saturdays in the fall, you’ll find him cooking out and watching his Clemson Tigers. Tee likes to write about travel, Augusta local dive bars and diners and destinations in the Carolinas, as well as new business.