Riverbanks Zoo previews Bridge to the Wild expansion, targets construction start in 2027

Riverbanks Zoo presented a design and schedule update for its Bridge to the Wild expansion at Lexington County's session.

"I'm Lachlan Wooten," the presenter said, and he walked council through a short video and project scope, describing an elevated boardwalk from the Saluda River bridge into new garden and hillside exhibits. The program envisions a restaurant and event space at the entry, an elevated boardwalk with primate viewing, an indoor red panda facility for climate-sensitive animals, and multiple tiger habitats — including a smaller den for a mother and cubs and a larger open-top habitat with water features.

Wooten said the project footprint is roughly 4.5 acres and emphasized environmental protections: invasive-species removal, slope stabilization and coordination with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources on confiscated or rescued wildlife care. "We expect construction to begin in '27," he said, and added that staff expect vertical construction activity in 2028 with potential guest-facing phases by late 2028 or early 2029 depending on animal transfers and regulatory processes.

Council members asked about visitor capacity, the fate of the older zip-line attraction, construction challenges on the steep hillside and the vendor team. Wooten said the contractor has local experience with the site and that the project team is pursuing low-impact construction techniques to protect wetlands and minimize blasting.

No formal action was required; the briefing was informational and staff said they would continue design, permitting and coordination with county and West Columbia partners.