Virginia Zoo

Mid October 2024 a lot of exhibits were empty there wasn't a lot of animals to view or see. Definitely don't think I got my moneys worth. Wasn't my favorite zoo by far.The reptile section was huge and probably the best part of the park. The mini train is not free by the way.

The Zoo has greatly improved over the years. I have lived here my whole life and when I last went it was 35 years ago. I have been this year 2024 and was pleasantly surprised. I love the entrance. That is so beautiful and photo ops for sure. Big and colorful statues. It just sets the mood for a wonderful visit. To me this is a smaller zoo than some I have been to. The exhibits have greatly improved. There use to be just cages. Now they have plants and trees and water features for the animals, making a better quality of life for the animals at the zoo. Looks like the animals are thriving. I even saw a little baby monkey hanging on his mother as she was swinging through the trees.Staff are friendly and helpful. They are excited about the animals they are talking about. They also have programs for young people. Education the up and coming generation on how important these animals in the wild are. Another improvement is that they have gardens. Not only to look at and are pretty but food for the animals at the zoo. There is nothing better than fresh food. They also have a train that takes you around the Zoo and gives you a little information as you ride. This was nice because we needed a break and this was a nice relaxing train ride.Gift shop has grown also. Very nice inside and lots to choose from. My favorite is the bracelets that when you buy them part of the proceeds go to the conservation of that species . When you get the bracelet you also go online and your dolphin or turtle or Lion ect..has been chipped and you can track it and learn more about that species. That is so cool.My only minus is that their map is not great. On the Crossing Signs they only have pictures. Well if you are an adult looking for wording you are out of luck. They should put the name of the exhibit under or above the animal pictured on the sign. Just a helpful suggestion.

A little old and worn down and some of the animals look sad and lonely. Affordable with lots of critters to looks at

Who doesn't have fun at the zoo? In town for a few days, we checked out the zoo early on a Monday. Another family and us were the only ones here for a while at opening and it was pretty sparse the whole time we wandered around to all the animal exhibits.Different biomes included animals from Africa, Australia & Asia. Additional exhibits included the World of Reptiles and Farm Zoo. We went by the Animal Wellness Campus to see the care that the animals receive and to see if any new baby animals had been born. There is also the Zoo Live Stage that was scheduled for some live demonstrations. We stopped at the showtimes posted but they never happened. Walking around, we saw tigers, red pandas, rhinoceroses, emus, zebras and orangutans, but my favorites were the family of giraffes and Ansel the lion.And we had an exclusive ride on the train all by ourselves! It was a fun time! I spoke to the engineer and he told me the train's electric motors runs on batteries, so no coal fired steam locomotive here, though the kids certainly can't tell the difference.We stopped for lunch in the African Village Cafe, which had your standard burgers, fries & chicken sandwiches and the food was underwhelming. It was made to order and we had to wait a bit, but it was just lukewarm when we got it. I should have stuck with my first idea to have lunch outside the zoo.

A wonderful, small-to-medium sized zoo with a few problems. Worth it for the price of admission or annual pass if you enjoy going to the zoo frequently.Nonetheless, over the last two years many exhibits have been withered reduced in availability or the animals are hardly there if ever and it feels like it hasn't improved. The entire section that used to be Australia feels all but abandoned except for the two seemingly-forgotten birds there. The aviary has been closed so long I don't remember the last time I got to see the birds there. The sloths have been off display for about a year as well I believe. It's a little frustrating as it feels the zoo is in a period of transition l, but whether it's preparing to be amazing or beginning to fall behind isn't clear to the typical zoo goer here.High points are the giraffes and rhinos which they built truly magnificent viewing spots that make you feel so close to the animals. The animals also look happy with as room they have in those exhibits.Food prices are high especially for the quality served.

Absolutely a great zoo. There's lots of space in the park and in the enclosures. Many of the species include families. The little train is a treat for children. There are many bathrooms and water filling stations. Admission includes several discounts. HC assessable. Large parking lot. Our extended family of eight had a great time.

A fun day trip to the zoo. Great price as you can spend all day here exploring and they have a place for food. I love looking at the different animals and they have a variety of animals here. They even have a petting zoo area. Worth a visit if you are in the area.

Amazing zoo with some attractions not found at my zoo. Red pandas for example. Not crowded at all and very inexpensive for the size of the zoo. The otter exhibit was sadly closed.

It was ok, kinda spread out weird and some of the enclosures need work and trimming. Red panda and cheetah were my favorite

Things I wish I knew before visiting with littles. 1) Bring a bathing suit and change of clothes because as soon as you come on there is a splash pad. This place was so wonderful and we are heavily considering getting a membership. It was very affordable and amazing. We did not have to pay for parking. I love how spacious it is. It doesn't feel crowded at all even with the million school field trips in the summer. Interactiveness:The staff were so excited to answer questions about the animals and to give out fun facts. There are playgrounds for the little ones to play on. Food:They had some food courts but I did not visit them as we brought our own lunches.Restrooms:It was always a restroom near by and they were well maintained and clean. I highly recommend coming here. Even with the heat, it was bearable as it was a nice breeze and a lot of shading.