[Columbia, SC] - Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will be the place of dreams tonight as it hosts the fourth annual Dreamnight at the Zoo. After the gates close to the public, the Zoo will be transformed into an Under the Sea wonderland for a private event for chronically ill and disabled children who are patients of Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital (PHCH). “Dreamnight at the Zoo has become a tradition that the entire staff looks forward to each year,” said Lindsay Burke, communications specialist for Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “Riverbanks is thrilled to have the opportunity to share the joy of a trip to the Zoo with children who may not have the option of visiting during normal operating hours. It is truly a rewarding experience to play a part in this special evening.” As the families enter the Zoo and make their way through thousands of bubbles, they will be greeted by costumed jellyfish, mermaids, King Neptune and the Dream Team. The Palmetto Plaza will be bustling with activity; delirium dancers dressed as mermaids will dance to the rhythms of a steel drum band and Zoo staff and volunteers will be touring the plaza with live animals. The front entrance isn’t the only place that will be hopping with activity. Kids will have the opportunity to meet a very special pirate and dig in the sand at Bonturi’s Treasure Island; the treasures they find are theirs to keep. In addition, they can splash around at the Sea Foam Coast, dress in scuba gear and snap some fun family photos, enjoy face painting and end the night with King Neptune’s Dance Party. Of course, a trip to the Zoo isn’t complete without checking out some of our amazing animals. All of the animals will be on exhibit and some will receive special enrichment treats. Scheduled animal presentations will take place throughout the evening, including a sea turtle encounter, gorilla food toss, leopard shark feeding, penguin feeding, sea lion presentation and an aquarium dive where guests can ask the diver questions about all the fish in the tank. A complimentary picnic buffet will be offered for all families, and on their way out kids will receive a special gift. Children who have been treated at PHCH are invited by physicians and staff to Dreamnight. Each child is allowed up to five tickets to invite his or her family or caregiver. In many cases, these children are accompanied by the nurses and doctors who work with them on a day-to-day basis. Dreamnight takes place annually worldwide on the first Friday evening in June. Thirty-four zoos in the United States along with 141 zoos from other countries will participate in the event this evening. For a complete list of all participating zoos, please visit http://www.dreamnightatthezoo.nl/. Dreamnight is held from 6pm to 8:30pm. During Dreamnight at the Zoo, the park remains closed to the public and Dreamnight families are admitted free of charge.
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