Virginia Zoo
Virginia Zoo things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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I had a fun time at the Virginia Zoo! I am a member of the NC Zoo and decided to take advantage of their AZA reciprocal program, so I was able to get 50% off the price of admission to the Virginia Zoo. I attended on a warm, rainy weekday morning, so the zoo had rather low attendance at the time of my visit. It was like having most of the exhibits to myself! The zoo is temporarily without lions (currently winter of '22), but a staff member said a lion should be joining them at some point this year. There is quite a bit of space designated for kids to run around and play, so if you need your little ones to burn off some energy there are dedicated areas for that. Quite a few animals were off exhibit in the Africa section during my visit, but the giraffes, zebras, and rhinos (including the new baby!), were out and about and it was wonderful to watch them roam around their fields. One thing I loved here is that the large herbivores all seemed quite adjusted to humans and a few even followed me around, looking at me as if they expected me to offer them some food! I got some great pictures as a result, and felt like I was making a nice connection with the animals. There are so many placards to read, which I appreciate and enjoy. The real point of zoos is to educate you about these magnificent creates, and the zoo did a great job with that. My favorite part of the zoo was the Trail of the Tiger. It isn't every day that you get such amazing views of these exotic animals! It truly took my breath away to watch the tigers, the orangutans, and the "mountain father", the beautiful Asiatic black bear. I quite enjoyed the food at the café, and was delighted that a number of the tables overlook the African field, so that you can watch the zebras and giraffes while you eat. There os beer and wine on offer here for the adults. On a final note, I must mention that the staff was so friendly, informative, helpful, and clearly takes great pride in their work. The ticket agent, the café workers, and the gift shop attendant were all a joy to interact with. I like to take zoos at a slow pace, learning as much as I can, and easily spent 3 hours here, including time to eat and shop. If all of the animals had been on display and the lion present, I probably could have spent another 30 or 45 minutes here. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here and hope to return with friends.
Charles NyeCharles Nye
70
We enjoyed an after-hour’s party in celebration of Jimmy Buffet with tribute band music at the Zoo last night, Friday, May 31st. The first hour was open to meet & greet animal ambassadors, & afterwards the Zoo was open for guests to walk around & view the animals. There was entertainment by a steel-drum band, & then by The Tiki Bar Band. The Tiki Bar Band was especially good. There was alcohol available, burgers, hotdogs, & fries, and three different kinds of food trucks (Barbecue, Aloha Hola Foods, & a snacks truck with Lumpia, funnel cakes, & cotton candy). There were bounce-houses & games for the kids, & corn-hole boards. There were also different tables with goods for purchase, signs, candles, cookies, & a booth with kids souvenirs like glow-necklaces, & light wands, etc. We really enjoyed the evening, but most importantly I wanted to say how proud I am of the Norfolk Zoo. I’ve been coming to Norfolk Zoo since I was a tiny girl in the mid 70’s & I remember the concrete & chain-link cage, no bigger than a hotel room, that was home to a Lion & Lioness, (Leo & Dandylion, if I recall correctly) who would pace back & forth from boredom. Now we have a big habitat with a rock mountain, grassland, & a moat, so you can observe the Lions out in the open as they relax in a habitat with no fence or bars caging the animals inside. The same is true for the Tigers, & the Giraffe have a lovely open space right beside the Zebra & Watussi Cattle. There are huge arbors full of fragrant jasmine surrounding a big water fountain in the front courtyard, & beautiful , colorful flower gardens sprinkled throughout the Zoo. We used to bring our Daughter, Niece, & Nephew when they were little, & I’m so proud & excited to be bringing my own 2yo Grandson there now. We had a great time there last night! It’s a beautiful Zoo, & I’m so proud of how far they’ve come!
xxGypsyxxxxGypsyxx
00
There weren’t many animals outside since it was a hot day, which I understand, so that’s not the reason for my low rating. You can still spot them in the shady areas if you look close enough. My rating is due to the lack of animals at all. Most of the enclosures had nothing in them whatsoever, almost like they were never there in the first place. The ones that did had animals that, quite honestly, appeared depressed, especially the Orangutan in the main enclosure. A lot of the enclosures also seemed far too small for certain animals. There were also animals that usually live in large groups (bison, monkeys, lion and lionesses, etc.) who were all alone in their enclosures. The Orangutans were separated. Two were in a very small viewing area. One of them was sitting near a window inside, staring out at the main enclosure like he wanted to be outside instead. The third Orangutan that was in the main enclosure was just lying on the ground, fiddling with some hay. I’ve never in my life seen Orangutans act like this. They’re usually very lively and happy animals. Other animals looked overheated, but had nowhere to go. I can’t remember what type of bird it was (maybe a toucan) who was on the hilltop area — the poor thing looked miserable and he didn’t seem like he had anywhere to cool off. Quite a few animals looked sick or like they weren’t receiving proper care, especially the Bald Eagle. He was sitting on a perch by himself and his feathers looked absolutely pitiful. The path for the hilltop area was under construction. Once you reached the top, you had to walk all the way back and go around to see the other side. Most of the zoo is filled by play areas or blank space. It feels more like a city park with random animals tossed in at certain points than an actual zoo. It really feels as though this zoo cares more about appearances and being pretty rather than the conservation of the animals that live there. Overall, I wouldn’t return to this zoo for another visit. It’s very lackluster (and, quite frankly, sad) in comparison to other zoos. I also didn’t take very many pictures, which I normally do, since it was so underwhelming.
KCKC
70
What a great Gem of a zoo here is VA. We took the family for my wife's birthday. 1st you need to make sure you book your tickets online to get a entry time, although if not sold out then they're a little lax and you can enter pretty much anytime. We got in around 10 a.m. I was able to do the Trail of the Tiger before we started getting hungry for lunch. We actually packed a picnic and there is a very large Park just out front of the zoo. We drove to the park and had a picnic at one of their picnic tables while the kids were able to go play on the playground. After lunch we we re-entered into the zoo. They have a lot of exhibits and plenty of animals to check out. Recently they just had a baby white rhinoceros born and he was a pretty big attraction. Plenty of lions, tigers and bears and a lot of other cool Critters. Meerkats, prairie dogs a reptile house, petting zoo and some very large tortoises. The only major animal that they didn't have were elephants. Anywhere we saw volunteers or Zoo staff they were always very helpful and educational explaining habitats and habits of the animals. Some of the exhibits you can get pretty up close to especially the meerkats and porcupine. Very Scenic with lots of flowers in good walkways. Because of covid some of the food options were closed down but they did have a restaurant but you could get ice cream and some food at. They do have a little water play area for the youngins. I would highly recommend you can spend quite a few hours here or even come back a few times for a nice family event.
Anthony CouillardAnthony Couillard
10
The Zoo is one the best Zoos in Virginia. It is not as big as the National Zoo, but it has a great selection of creatures; animals, birds, and reptiles. Sad thing is - when we visited this Zoo a couple of years ago, the highlight was the huge elephants, sadly they are not there anymore. They were removed from the zoo. Now their enclosure is now home to white Rhinoceros. The nocturnal area is still under renovation and will open soon. It was good to say a baby Giraffe. Good thing about this place is that it has its own restaurants and ice-cream stand. There are also Soda machines in various places; convenient for visitors. The train ride is perhaps the highlight of the visit. The train will take you almost on a 360 ride and then return to the station near the entrance. Ask the receptionist for information about the train. If you plan to visit this Zoo, make sure you do it early when animals are up and about. The worst time to visit is between 12-3 pm. Especially in the summer, by this time of the day, the animals are looking for a cool spot to hide. Plan a whole day here because it is huge. You might not be able to see everything in one day. To exit and return, go to the front gate and put stamp on your arm. Show the front people on you way back and they'll let you in. If you plan to bring kids, pack their swimsuit. The fountain area is a good place to play for the little ones!
Sio TSio T
00
We love our zoo! We had not been in a few years since our kids are grown now but we went last Saturday and had a great time. We thought it would be packed because the parking lot was packed and people also parked along the road. But once we got into the park, we were surprised by how it didn’t seem to be crowded at all. I think it’s because the zoo is so spacious and the animals are spread out. There were areas under renovation including the restaurant so they had tents when they were selling refreshments throughout the park. I think it could use more public restrooms. I think there are only two locations. Definitely far between bathrooms for kids and elderly people to walk. The train is a lot of fun and only $2.00 per person, and you see some areas that are not accessible by foot. Children really enjoy the petting zoo with the farm animals as well. There were many knowledgeable staff members throughout the park to answer questions and there were some staffed pop -up activity tables for kids with activity’s that created a tactile experience for kids to help them understand and remember facts about the animals and their natural habitats. It really is a great value for the price and a membership is an exceptional value for Hampton Roads families with a reciprocal program with other museums in the area.
Kellie ZKellie Z
20
Nearby Attractions Of Virginia Zoo
Lafayette Park
Mary Barnett Gifts and Decorative Accessories
Quixotic Arts
Colonial Place Greenway
One11 Energy Healing
The Redefinery
Meditation Park
World of Reptiles and Friends
Lafayette Park
4.4
(440)Click for details
Mary Barnett Gifts and Decorative Accessories
4.6
(49)Click for details
Quixotic Arts
4.9
(43)Click for details
Colonial Place Greenway
4.3
(40)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Virginia Zoo
The Fishin' Pig Norfolk
MJ's Tavern
Maker's Craft Brewery
French Bakery & Delicatessen
District Apizza
blanca Food+Wine
Rip Rap Brewing Co.
Vegan Planet Cafe
Lo Mo Pizzeria
Leila International Cuisine
The Fishin' Pig Norfolk
4.5
(938)Click for details
MJ's Tavern
4.5
(643)Click for details
Maker's Craft Brewery
4.5
(235)Click for details
French Bakery & Delicatessen
4.1
(187)Click for details
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Address
3500 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23504
Map
Phone
(757) 441-2374
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Website
virginiazoo.org
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Reviews
Overview
4.5
(3.2K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
family friendly
accessibility
Description
The Virginia Zoological Park is a 53-acre zoo located adjacent to Lafayette Park in Norfolk, Virginia, United States. The zoo opened in 1900, and was accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 1987.
attractions: Lafayette Park, Mary Barnett Gifts and Decorative Accessories, Quixotic Arts, Colonial Place Greenway, One11 Energy Healing, The Redefinery, Meditation Park, World of Reptiles and Friends, restaurants: The Fishin' Pig Norfolk, MJ's Tavern, Maker's Craft Brewery, French Bakery & Delicatessen, District Apizza, blanca Food+Wine, Rip Rap Brewing Co., Vegan Planet Cafe, Lo Mo Pizzeria, Leila International Cuisine
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