Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

CLR worked with Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to develop a comprehensive vision for the future of the Zoo. The Zoo’s priorities were carefully cultivated through CLR’s master planning process over an 18 month period. The result is a clear roadmap that accomplishes the Zoo’s goals of uniting the Zoo and Garden experiences that have been historically divided by the beautiful Saluda River and steep terrain that splits the 160 acre campus. This unique natural landscape and expansive views are utilized to create adventurous and fresh experiences by carefully knitting new animal exhibits, elevated walkways, and a restaurant into the forested hillside The plan also provides direction for updating significant portions of the Zoo that have not changed since its opening in 1974. These improvements introduce exciting new experiences that build upon the success of more recent improvements such as the Main entrance, Seal and Sea Lion, and Grizzly/Otter exhibits, all of which CLR participated in the planning and design.