Riverbanks Zoo is open again – and, there’s a new exhibit to check out

We’ve got good news for parents whose kids are out of school.

Riverbanks Zoo is open! Better still, admission is free to residents of Richland and Lexington counties through Friday (just show a drivers license or proof of residency at the ticket window).

Some not-to-miss exhibits at the zoo include the new komodo dragon exhibit, which opened last week, and the grizzly bear and otter habitats. The kids can feed the giraffes or colorful lorikeets or mingle with the kangaroos. There are live pony rides and mechanical carousel and mini-train rides as well.

All of the restaurants at Riverbanks Zoo are open, so you’ll be able to grab a snack while you roam the grounds.

The West Columbia/Lexington entrance and the Botanical Garden and Saluda River footbridge are closed, so visitors will need to use the Greystone Boulevard entrance, according to Susan O’Cain, Riverbanks’ media contact. The zoo sustained no damage during flooding over the weekend.

Public libraries

And, more good news for families – Richland Library’s branches have re-opened from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with most expected to be at returning to regular operating hours on Friday.

Richland’s two mobile libraries and other library staff will be travelling to all of the emergency shelters in Richland County to provide books and supplies (and put on puppet shows for the kids), as well as supplying laptops and aid for folks to begin FEMA applications or filing insurance claims. The Main Branch will have a social worker available to help answer questions about coping with the aftermath of the storms.

Lexington County Public Library branches have reopened, too, operating at normal business hours.

This story was originally published October 7, 2015 at 1:04 PM with the headline "Riverbanks Zoo is open again – and, there’s a new exhibit to check out."