[Columbia, SC] - Starting this weekend you can enjoy the animals at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden an extra hour every Saturday and Sunday through mid-September. The change coincides with the revised daylight savings schedule, allowing Riverbanks to remain open until 6pm on the weekends a little earlier this year.

“Riverbanks jumped on the opportunity to kick off our spring season a little early,” said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “With an estimated 250,000 visitors expected throughout the next two months, Riverbanks is pleased to give the guests extra time to explore the Zoo and Garden.”

Zoo-goers this spring can take a ride to the Botanical Garden on Riverbanks’ new trams. Thanks to the support of Richland County, Lexington County and the City of Columbia, Riverbanks received three new trams to transport visitors from the Zoo across the Saluda River to the Botanical Garden and back. The 39-passenger tram will transport over 300,000 guests per year.

Also, new to the Zoo this spring is the opportunity to purchase general admission tickets online. With warmer temperatures on the horizon, purchasing and printing your tickets at home will expedite entry into the Zoo and Garden by allowing your family to bypass the ticket line. Visit https://tickets.riverbanks.org/mainstore.asp or click on the E-tickets link on the homepage and you can purchase your tickets online. Riverbanks Society memberships are also available for purchase online. Members who join or renew online can print a temporary electronic membership pass at home and present it at the Zoo or Garden for immediate entrance.