The entrance of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden on March 13, 2025.

COLUMBIA — Searching for a top zoo experience? Look no further.

Columbia’s very own Riverbanks Zoo and Garden took home a double win in USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

The Columbia attraction competed against zoos across the country for the annual competition which allows readers to vote for their favorite zoo in various categories. Nominations are curated by a panel of experts and USA TODAY 10Best editors before being voted on by the public.

Riverbanks received a double victory by placing in ninth and seventh place respectively in the categories of " Best Zoo " and " Best Zoo Membership ."

The zoo's extensive range of animals and plants as well as the membership perks that include discounts to Wild Lights , deals on backstage tours and 10 percent off at the gift shop all contributed to the wins in the competition.

"This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the unwavering support of our community,” Tommy Stringfellow, president and CEO of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, said in a news release. “It's truly inspiring to see how Riverbanks has become a favorite destination for so many."

Riverbanks sees over one million guests annually and is one of the most visited zoos in the Southeast. With well over 5,000 species of native and exotic plants and more than 3,000 animals, the zoo is committed to providing educational and engaging experiences to visitors, always placing an emphasis on their conservation efforts.

The zoo is in constant communication with other zoos nationwide to ensure genetic diversity and care of its animals, hosting endangered animals like giraffes and koalas that would otherwise face challenges outside of human care.

Aside from displaying all of the wildlife, the 170 acres that lie along the Saluda River will soon have a new aerial attraction to take it all in.

This fall a new cable car, the Saluda Skyride , will have visitors flying across the Saluda River, improving connectivity and adding yet another attraction to the zoo. This is part of the " Bridge to the Wild " expansion that will add 400,000 new visitors and more than 200,000 new tourists to the area.

The USA TODAY poll also named Soda City Market as a finalist in the Farmers Market category.