Ground was broken, Tuesday, for the Darnall W. & Susan F. Boyd Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles attended the groundbreaking. Gov. Henry McMaster and Rep. Joe Wilson were also on hand, with other public officials.

The Aquarium and Reptile will display the habitats of some of the world’s most endangered wildlife. It is expected to open by the summer of 2022.

There will also be a coral lab in the center where nearly 40 recovering coral colonies that were saved from the Florida coast will be featured.