Riverbanks Saying Goodbye to Sea Lions

Animals Moving to Brookfield Zoo in Chicago

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will bid farewell to its two California sea lions later this month when they are transferred to the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago.

“The decision to move the sea lions, undoubtedly one of the Zoo’s most popular attractions, was not an easy one to make,” said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “Riverbanks is committed to providing the best possible care to each animal. The current condition of the 35-year-old sea lion exhibit will simply not allow us to provide the level of care that these amazing animals deserve.”

The sea lion exhibit was constructed in 1974, just prior to the Zoo’s opening, and is one of Riverbanks’ few remaining original structures. The Zoo has made several upgrades to the exhibit over time, but the husbandry guidelines under which it was built no longer apply.

“Bringing sea lions back to Riverbanks is one of our highest priorities, and we are doing everything we can to make that a reality,” said Krantz.

Zuma, 18, and Sonoma, 8, have been residents of Riverbanks since April 2001. Guests can visit the Zoo during the next two weeks to view the sea lions and say their goodbyes. The daily sea lion presentation will continue at its regularly scheduled time of 10:30am and 3:00pm through the second week in May.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is located at I-126 and Greystone Boulevard near downtown Columbia. The Botanical Garden entrance is located in West Columbia off Hwy. 378 at Botanical Parkway. Hours are 9am to 5pm and the Zoo is open daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is $9.75 for adults, $7.25 for children ages 3-12 and free for children under three. Group rates and other discounts may apply. For more information, call Riverbanks at 803.779.8717 or visit www.riverbanks.org.