Annual Fund

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

Following two years of construction spanning both sides of the Saluda River, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has successfully completed the single largest expansion in its 40-year history. Despite temporary inconveniences, attendance has remained above the million-visitor mark, soaring to an all-time high this past fiscal year and underscoring the tremendous value of the Riverbanks experience. Your support, and that of our community, has been crucial to this effort and has helped transform Riverbanks into a world-class zoo and botanical garden.

Thanks to you, Riverbanks now boasts a larger, more beautiful Zoo entry with improved guest amenities and more parking; brand-new grizzly bear and river otter habitats with shared boundary views; a 3-acre children’s garden where kids can explore, imagine and play; and a striking reproduction of San Francisco’s Pier 39 featuring underwater views of sea lions and a harbor seal. These remarkable additions could not have been built without strong community support. Thank you.

Of course our efforts cannot, and will not, stop here. Riverbanks strives to ensure our children and grandchildren will have the opportunity to connect with wildlife and wild places for years to come. We provide the highest standards of care for the animals under our protection and are dedicated to providing an excellent experience for all our members and guests. And we continue to be involved in local, regional and international efforts to help save animals from extinction.

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

Your year-end gift will help the Zoo and Garden carry on its ultimate goal: to be a place of wonderment for all ages—a place where our kids can get outdoors to connect with nature and a travel destination that continues to attract and engage visitors, strengthen our local economy and enhance our quality of life.

Your contribution of any amount, above and beyond your membership, is much-needed and sincerely appreciated. Please, consider giving what you can. Your gift of any amount is an important investment in the animals, our children and our community.

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 help provide enrichment for the Zoo’s river otters.
$250 may feed one of the grizzly bears for a month.
$500 can assist with much-needed upgrades to our education classrooms.
$1,000 could help obtain emergency generators for the ARC or birdhouse.
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.