Director’s View

In the meantime, we hope you will join us as we celebrate 35 years of Lights at Riverbanks. This year’s festivities will shine a light on nature like never before with a brilliant new Wild Safari Walk featuring larger-than-life illuminated animal lanterns. Stroll through the Enchanted Forest, wander down Peppermint Lane and hop aboard the Gingerbread Express. Old family favorites will also return including Santa’s Village and Jingle Bell Bonfire. We look forward to seeing you there.

Thomas K. Stringfellow President & CEO Reflecting on this past year, I am extremely grateful for the hard work and dedication of the entire Riverbanks team. The team has shown remarkable resilience and resourcefulness during the demolition and construction associated with the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center. Unfortunately, supply chain issues continue to push the opening date further out than planned, but I am proud of the progress we have made and cannot wait to share it with you.

The reimagined Conservation Center will invite guests to traverse temperate and tropical forests, trek through the desert, and wind their way from land to sea in an engaging and immersive journey. In addition, two new state-of-the-art conservation labs will showcase critical conservation work that previously could be seen only by staff including the Zoo’s critical role in protecting coral reefs. I hope you are as excited as we are for this incredible facility to come to fruition! We appreciate your support and patience. Please stay tuned to the Riverbanks website and social channels for the opening date announcement.