SC’s Riverbanks Zoo reopens with new reservation requirement

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A South Carolina zoo is reopening after being closed for more than two months because of the coronavirus.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia welcomed back its first guests Saturday, but with much different rules.

Visitors now must make a reservation for a specific time when they buy their tickets so the zoo can control how many people are inside. All employees must wear face masks and visitors are strongly encouraged to wear them.

Officials said the two-month closure cost the zoo $5 million.

The zoo laid off 300 of its 500 workers and is only hiring about 75 back.

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