For Immediate Release: November 6, 2025
Big Farewells and New Arrivals at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Columbia, SC, November 6, 2025 — Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is recognizing both a notable farewell and an exciting new beginning at the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center. On October 20, 2025, Riverbanks staff joined partners from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and South Carolina State Parks to release a juvenile green sea turtle named Huntington into an inlet leading to the ocean, a short distance from where the turtle first hatched.
Huntington’s successful release marks another milestone in the ongoing sea turtle conservation program, a partnership among Riverbanks Zoo, SCDNR, South Carolina State Parks, and South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts (SCUTE). The collaborative effort helps protect vulnerable hatchlings by raising them to a sustainable size before their return to the wild, improving survival rates and supporting healthy turtle populations while acting as an Educational Ambassador for green sea turtles.
“This program gives us the chance to educate the public about sea turtles and the impact that humans can have on their life,” said Kendra Bottini, aquarium curator at Riverbanks. “Hatchlings are at a great risk of predation from other animals, making survivability very low. By assisting SCDNR and rearing these hatchlings, Riverbanks can increase the longevity of their life and ensure they reach adulthood.”
Biologist Meredith Bean with SCDNR’s Marine Turtle Conservation Program added, “It’s a good opportunity for this animal to have started its life on a South Carolina beach, grown up educating people at Riverbanks Zoo, and then to be released back into the waterways where it hopefully can thrive. We have a healthy population of juvenile green sea turtles that utilize our marshes and shallow waters for much of the year.”
Continuing this partnership, Riverbanks expects to receive a new green sea turtle hatchling in the coming month. The hatchling will originate from the same nesting area that produced three of Riverbanks’ previous residents—Scute, Journey, and Destiny. The new turtle will grow behind the scenes through the winter and is expected to make its public debut in spring 2026.
Transitioning the Pride: Farewell to Lion Sisters
Riverbanks is also bidding a fond farewell to Thabisa and Lindelani, lion sisters who have called the Zoo home since 2017. They departed on November 4, 2025, starting a new chapter at another AZA-accredited organization. Over the past eight years, these remarkable sisters have played an essential role in the African Lion Species Survival Plan, each raising cubs whose influence extends to accredited zoos nationwide. Their departure supports an important conservation pairing and helps ensure the future success of the species.
Looking ahead, Riverbanks is excited to announce that, in partnership with the Lion Species Survival Plan, two young male lions will join the zoo in early December from another AZA-accredited facility. Their arrival marks the start of building a thriving new pride in Riverbanks’ forthcoming, state-of-the-art lion habitat, part of the Bridge to the Wild campus expansion. Plans for introducing females in the future will further support the Species Survival Plan’s breeding efforts, strengthen conservation outcomes, and provide guests with meaningful new experiences. This strategic approach reflects Riverbanks’ commitment to lion conservation and to connecting the community with wildlife in dynamic new ways.
New Arrival: Susan 2 Joins the Aquarium
As Huntington returned home to the sea, a new arrival made its debut within Riverbanks’ aquatic habitats. Susan 2, a young Giant Pacific Octopus, has taken up residence in her habitat across from the moon jelly wall inside the Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center. Though smaller than her predecessor, she’s quickly become a charming challenge for visitors, often blending seamlessly into her environment.
Named in honor of Susan Boyd of the Boyd Foundation, Susan 2 symbolizes the continued generosity and vision that made the world-class Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center possible. Riverbanks remains deeply grateful to the Boyd Foundation for its enduring support and commitment to connecting people with the wonders of aquatic life.
Continuing the Conservation Story:
From raising endangered hatchlings to inspiring curiosity about the oceans, these milestones highlight Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s dedication to wildlife care, conservation, and education. Guests are invited to visit the Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center to learn more about these initiatives and see Susan 2 as she settles into her new home.
| Sea Turtle_Huntington at Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center 2023, 2024 & 2025 |
| Sea Turtle_Huntington 2025 Release | | Lions_Thabisa and Lindelani 2025 |
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About Riverbanks Zoo and Garden: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of America’s best public gardens. The Zoo opened on April 25, 1974, and for over five decades, has connected individuals, families and school children with the natural world. Riverbanks is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in animal care and welfare, education, recreation, science and wildlife conservation. It is the mission of the Zoo and Garden to create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places. For more information, visit riverbanks.org.