Annual Fund

A special fund to assist with the areas of greatest need within the Zoo and Garden.

Your enthusiasm and support of Riverbanks is truly a force for nature. You inspire us to be the best we can be, as protectors of wildlife and leaders in conservation. Thanks to you, our dedicated teams work non-stop to provide outstanding animal and plant care, deliver extraordinary experiences that connect visitors to the natural world, and share our passion to help save animals and their habitats from extinction.

With your help, Riverbanks is strengthening its position as a global leader in the care and conservation of endangered animals and plants. This year your Zoo celebrated the 2,000th hatching of the tiny leaf-tail gecko—a truly significant milestone for this vulnerable population of reptiles facing an uncertain future in the wild. Our animal care team also welcomed lots of zoo babies, including a koala joey, a reticulated giraffe calf, five African lion cubs, ten Galapagos tortoise hatchlings and two baby western lowland gorillas, all major contributions to their species’ populations.

In addition, this year Riverbanks created the South Carolina Plant Conservation Alliance. This innovative collaboration with universities, botanical gardens, government agencies and others strives to ensure there are no local plant extinctions in our state. This groundbreaking effort is only possible with your support. Thank you!

Conservation successes such as those happening at Riverbanks ensure that our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to connect with rare and magnificent wildlife and wild places for years to come. As our important work to provide high-quality care and save animals and plants from extinction continues, I ask that you please continue your support of Riverbanks, above and beyond your membership dues, with a gift to the Annual Fund.

As this crucial work continues, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Riverbanks.

Your contribution will ensure Riverbanks remains a place of wonderment for all ages—a place where kids get outdoors and connect with nature, a trusted conservation resource for grownups, and a travel destination that continues to attract and engage visitors, strengthen our local economy and enhance the quality of life in our community and state.

Your gift of any amount is much-needed and sincerely appreciated. Double your contribution with a matching gift from your employer! Check with your human resource administrator for eligibility and details.

Thank you for your support of Riverbanks.

Please, consider giving what you can and help us build a better future.

All donations of $100 and above will be recognized in an upcoming issue of Riverbanks magazine.
Gifts of $1,000 or more may be pledged over three years and your name will be included on an honor roll at the Destination Riverbanks exhibit of your choice.
Contributions of $2,500 and above will be recognized on an attractive donor wall at the Destination Riverbanks exhibit of your choice; the size of the plaque will correspond to your giving level.

Your 100% tax-deductible gift will help us maintain your world-class zoo.

• $100 could feed a gorilla for two weeks
• $275 can feed a lion for a month
• $500 may help purchase upgrades for the Zoo’s aging classrooms
• $1,000 may help expand the farm as we strive to engage all ages in a more interactive experience

Of course, a gift of any amount is urgently needed and sincerely appreciated.

About Riverbanks Society

Established in 1976 by a group of concerned citizens, Riverbanks Society started out with a base of 200 members and has grown far beyond expectations with more than 40,000 member households representing over 190,000 individuals, making it one of the largest nonprofit zoo societies per capita in the United States. Members and donors provide important resources for the research, education and conservation efforts of the Zoo and Garden, strengthening Riverbanks’ position as a world-class zoo and leader in wildlife conservation.

Wild adventures begin with Riverbanks membership! Learn more.