Our Adorable Baby Pygmy Hippo!
Born just weeks ago, Luktua loves splashing in the water and munching bamboo shoots. Watch her playful antics below, and learn how you can support pygmy hippo conservation.
Here’s a closer look at our little star. She’s already mastering her swim-strokes! Born May 3 at just 18 kg, Luktua learned to swim within 48 hours and now “paddles” confidently in her special lagoon. Each morning she nibbles bamboo shoots and watermelon rinds, then naps on a warm sandbank. After lunch, she tackles her floating puzzle feeder—already mastering all three compartments—to earn pea-pellet treats. As dusk falls, she enjoys one final swim under soft amber lights before curling up for a good night’s rest.
Plan a VisitFrom majestic big cats to playful primates, discover the incredible diversity of wildlife that calls Riverbend Zoo home. Each animal has a story, and we're here to share their world with you.
Experience the power and majesty of our pride of African lions. Watch them play, hunt, and interact in our spacious savanna habitat designed to mimic their natural environment.
Meet our gentle giants! Our Asian elephants love to splash in their pool and show off their intelligence during daily enrichment activities.
From swinging gibbons to curious lemurs, our primate exhibits showcase the incredible diversity and intelligence of our closest animal relatives.
Dive into the world of our adorable penguin colony! Watch them waddle, swim, and play in our temperature-controlled Antarctic environment.
Our magnificent tigers prowl through lush forests and cool off in natural swimming holes. Don't miss feeding time for an unforgettable experience!
Look up to see our towering giraffes! Get a bird's-eye view from our elevated viewing platform and hand-feed these gentle giants.
Discover the magic of Riverbend Zoo through our lens! From playful moments to majestic poses, these photos capture the incredible personalities of our animal family.
At Riverbend Zoo, we're more than just a place to see amazing animals. We're dedicated to wildlife conservation, education, and research that makes a real difference for endangered species around the world.
Supporting 25+ conservation projects across 6 continents
Conducting vital research to protect endangered species
Inspiring 100,000+ visitors annually to care about wildlife
Join us for a special day celebrating wildlife conservation with keeper talks, educational activities, and behind-the-scenes tours.
Experience the zoo after dark! Discover how our nocturnal animals come alive when the sun goes down.
Celebrate with animal encounters, patriotic treats for our animals, and family-friendly activities all day long.
Go behind the scenes and work alongside our animal care team. Limited spots available - book now!
Daily: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Last Entry: 5:00 PM
Adults: $24.95
Children (3-12): $19.95
Seniors (65+): $22.95
445 Wildlife Pkway
Riverbend, SC 29210
Parking: Free