Virginia Zoo — Attraction in Norfolk

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...

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...

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...