RIVERBANKS ZOO LAB OBJECTIVES:
1. The student will become familiar with the various ecosystems and habitats represented.
2. The student will be able to describe the biotic and abiotic factors of the ecosystems represented.
3. The student will be able to select an ecosystem within the zoo and describe its trophic structure.
4. The student will gain an appreciation for the diversity of animal life throughout the world.
5. The student will be able to distinguish between threatened and endangered species categories.
6. The student will know the zoo's mission statement and the goals of the Species Survival Program.
This lab will be self-guided and there will be no charge to the student. We will meet briefly in house then you will be allowed 30 minutes travel time to get there. We will meet at the front gate. Please try to carpool! As you walk through the Zoo, note that you will "enter" various ecosystems. Pay attention to the components of each.
Directions:
From Beltline campus take Rosewood Drive to the fairgrounds. Turn right on Assembly
and follow Assembly until it runs into Elmwood. Turn left on Elmwood and it will become 1-126. Shortly after crossing the river, take the Zoo exit onto Greystone Blvd.
From Airport, take Boston Avenue out to Airport Blvd. Turn left and get on 1-26 towards Spartan burg.
Continue north to exit #108 for Bush River Road/Hwy 1-126. Remain in the far right lane and enter 1126.
From 1-126 take the Greystone Blvd. exit and turn left at the stop sign to get to the zoo.
The Riverbanks Zoo opened its doors on April 24, 1974. Today it is the largest public attraction in South Carolina.
The Zoo houses over 2,000 animals with many natural habitat exhibits and animals in "psychological barriers"
rather than cages with bars. Our zoo is recognized nationally for its conservation and captive breeding efforts.
The mission statement of the Zoo says: It is our mission to foster appreciation and concern for all living things.
We are dedicated to providing: I) the highest standards of care for our animal and plant collections,
2) a diverse educational and high quality recreational experience for all Riverbanks visitors and 3) all the
resources at our disposal for the conservation of the earth's flora and fauna.
The Riverbanks Zoo is one of 185 accredited members of the AZA or American Zoo and Aquarium Association.
These zoos all work cooperatively in the Species Survival Program (SSP). The Species Survival Program began
in 1981 as a population management and conservation program for selected endangered species in zoos and
aquariums. The early goal was to conserve populations by maintaining healthy animals and preserving genetic
diversity and a viable gene pool through selective captive breeding. That goal has expanded to include education,
research and habitat conservation. The ultimate goal is to reintroduce animals back into the wild if habitat is
available. Programs such as this are the last hope for some endangered species.