Zoo celebrates executive director's 30 years
Contributed by
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

For 30 years, Satch Krantz has been the executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and has been instrumental in making it one of the best zoos in the country.

Executive Director Satch Krantz has marked 30 years of dedicated service, making him one of the longest serving zoo directors in the country. During his tenure, his keen understanding and appreciation for all living things is what has propelled Riverbanks from a start-up zoo in the 1970s to one of the most prestigious zoos in the country.

What began as a vision for Riverbanks Zoo 30 years ago has become a reality as Krantz has devoted his life to creating an attraction for South Carolina that educates the public and creates a natural and stimulating environment for its living collection. In an effort to make Riverbanks an outstanding testament to American zoos, Krantz strived to recreate natural environments found in Africa. He accomplished this by traveling to Africa and taking 13 safaris to six different countries. In 2002, he walked 120 miles across the Tsavo National Park in Kenya, which was only the second time anyone had ever walked the park's entire length.

Photos courtesy of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Krantz began at Riverbanks in 1973 and was promoted to executive director in 1976. One of his most notable accomplishments involved the acquisition of koalas from Australia. Krantz established a relationship with the Queensland government and has maintained these relationships elevating him to an international ambassador for Riverbanks, South Carolina, and the United States.

Krantz also led the coalition to bring the Botanical Garden to Riverbanks in 1995 and the Botanical Garden/Lexington County entrance in 2001. In 2005, he was honored with the Global Vision Award by the World Affairs Council.

Krantz has served as president of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). He is the third American in the industry to have ever served as president for both of these organizations. In addition, he will soon become the only individual to have served two non-consecutive terms as AZA president when he assumes that position once again in September 2007.

When Krantz was asked what his greatest accomplishment over the past 30 years was, Krantz responded, "The opportunity to educate over 20 million individuals by exposing them to some of the earth's most unique living creations. I have been given the chance to interact and make an impact on so many individuals of all ages and from all walks of life. I hope in the end that I have enhanced the quality of life for humans and animals alike."

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