New Sea Lion Exhibit Opens at Riverbanks Zoo

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – Riverbank Zoo‘s newest group of marine mammals have made their public debut.

The California sea lions and harbor seals made their return to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden with the grand opening of Sea Lion Landing ahead on the original June 9 date.

The public debut of Sea Lion Landing marks the final phase of Destination Riverbanks—the Zoo‘s $36-million expansion and development project, officials say.

Sea Lion Landing offers guests spectacular views and varying vantage points for watching these fin-footed favorites in action.

Enjoy nose-to-nose encounters through a giant 35-foot-long panoramic window or relax and observe from amphitheater seating, check out incredible indoor sights both underwater and overhead, or get a broader look at the animals’ 250,000-gallon saltwater habitat from The Wharf view on the upper deck.

The new habitat is home to four male sea lions and a male harbor seal; 14-year-old Baja, 4-year-old Ranger and 4-year-old Maverick from San Diego Zoo, 3-year-old P.J. from New York’s Seneca Park Zooand 10-year-old Gambit from Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo.

Riverbanks previously housed South American sea lions from 1974 – 1981 and California sea lions from 1974 – 2009.