A special fund to assist with the areas of greatest need within the Zoo and Garden.
Words cannot fully express our deep appreciation for our community’s unwavering support of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Like so many of us, Riverbanks faced overwhelming challenges in the past year, and it was the generous support of our community that helped us over the hurdles.
Thanks to community support of outstanding animal care, we celebrated numerous successes. In addition to bringing back southern white rhinos after more than 30 years, Riverbanks welcomed the births of a prehensile-tailed porcupine, 8 timber rattlesnakes (for the first time since 1989), 21 rhinoceros vipers, and the hatchings of 2 rockhopper penguins and 2 Bali mynas.
In fact, over the years Riverbanks has celebrated the hatching of more than 65 Bali mynas. With a worldwide population of less than 1,200 and fewer than 100 of those living in the wild, this is a big win as part of the Zoo’s conservation effort to save this critically endangered species.
We also mourned the loss of Lottie the koala. During nearly two decades in Riverbanks’ care, Lottie proved to be an exceptional mother to 11 joeys and left a huge impact on the koala population in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Lottie’s impressive family tree includes 15 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and even 3 great-great-grandchildren.