Riverbanks Zoo Opens New Grand Entrance

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COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– After nine years of planning and construction, the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has a brand new entrance. CEO of Riverbanks, Satch Krantz says, “We’ve had a great zoo with kind of an ugly front door. It now gives Riverbanks Zoo and Garden a beautiful front door.” With new restrooms, a guest relations building and a gift shop, the $10 million project is making a big impression on guests. “This is absolutely awesome,” says Mike Bellon. “Que bonita,” says Mariana Escobar. “It looks pretty awesome,” says Matthew Bellon. According to Ronald Wood says, “This one is really jazzed up a lot more. It looks a lot better than what it did.” Attracting nearly 1 million guests annually, staff at Riverbanks says this new entrance is something the zoo has needed since it opened in 1974. Krantz say, “It’s going to make more sense to our guests.” The new entrance is just one part of the zoo’s $36 million expansion. With an interactive children’s garden and sea lion attraction set to open in the coming year, the Riverbanks crew says they’re committed to providing guests with the ultimate zoo experience. “They’re going to know they’re in the big leagues when they come in,” says Krantz.