Information
Landmark: Virginia ZooCity: Norfolk
Country: USA Virginia
Continent: North America
Virginia Zoo, Norfolk, USA Virginia, North America
Overview
The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, Virginia, stretches across 53 leafy acres and has long been a favorite spot for wildlife lovers, therefore founded in 1900, it ranks among the oldest zoos in the country, its stone archway still worn smooth by more than a century of visitors.You’ll find the zoo at 3500 Granby Street, right next to Lafayette Park, just a short stroll for Norfolk’s residents and an easy stop for visitors, on top of that at the Virginia Zoo, you’ll find more than 700 animals-over 150 species from every corner of the globe, from the roar of a lion to the flutter of a shining tropical bird.That list covers mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even invertebrates like buzzing beetles, as a result the zoo works hard to protect wildlife, teach visitors, and create a great experience-whether you’re watching a lion yawn in the sun or learning about endangered frogs-and it’s accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which holds it to strict standards for care, safety, and education.At the Virginia Zoo, you can wander through themed exhibits that bring different ecosystems to life, from humid rainforests to sunlit savannas, each home to its own remarkable animals, likewise these exhibits highlight global biodiversity as well as local wildlife, and the Trail of the Tiger stands out among them, with Bengal tigers pacing through tall grass beneath dappled shade in a habitat modeled after their native range.Guests can watch these powerful massive cats prowl and stretch in spacious, carefully designed habitats that put their well-being first, after that the Okavango Delta exhibit brings to life the famed African wetland, alive with the shimmer of water and the calls of countless species.The exhibit showcases plants and animals native to the area, drawing visitors into a vivid wetland scene where the air smells faintly of moss and water, and the value of protecting these habitats comes sharply into focus, meanwhile north America Exhibit: Here you’ll find the continent’s own wildlife, from the thunder of American bison hooves to the sharp-eyed watch of prowling wolves.It gives you a clear inspect at North America’s native wildlife, from the rustle of a beaver’s tail in the water to the silent glide of an owl, and shows how each one fits into its ecosystem, likewise alongside the main exhibits, the zoo offers the ZooFarm Garden, where guests can glimpse herbs growing in neat rows and learn about sustainable gardening and local farming, almost To be honest, Hop aboard the Norfolk Southern Express for a lively, scenic ride that lets families roll past the zoo’s shady paths and curious animals, to boot visitors can unwind among lush, well-tended gardens and cozy picnic spots, maybe under the shade of a blooming cherry tree, to some extent All day long, the zoo offers live animal shows and keeper talks, letting visitors hear stories about the animals, how they’re cared for, and conservation work-straight from the people who feed them and grasp the sound of their morning calls, along with the Virginia Zoo welcomes families and visitors of all ages, with plenty of conveniences to make the day easy-open every day from 9:30 a.m. To 4:00 p.m, and the ticket window closes promptly at 3:00, just as the scent of fresh popcorn drifts from the snack stand, likewise it stays shut on major holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and recent Year’s Day, when the streets outside are quiet and still, perhaps Tickets cost $19 for adults 12 and up, $17 for seniors 62+, and $16 for kids ages 2–11, while little ones under 2 get in free, in conjunction with military members, first responders, teachers, and Norfolk residents can snag discounts with valid ID.If you have an ADA-recognized disability, you and a guest can get in free-just ask at the ticket desk, therefore the zoo offers free parking, with more than 700 spaces ready for visitors-enough room to pull in without circling the lot.The zoo’s grounds are fully ADA accessible, with smooth pathways, easy-to-reach restrooms, and certain exhibits designed for wheelchairs, so visitors with mobility challenges can explore without worry, also visitors can enjoy shaded picnic shelters with sturdy tables, clean restrooms, a splash pad where kids dart through cool sprays on scorching days, a gift shop filled with souvenirs, and a café serving fresh drinks and snacks.The zoo sits about two miles from downtown Norfolk, just a quick hop off Interstate 64, as a result you can catch the Hampton Roads Transit Route 1 bus, which drops you off near Lafayette Park-just a short stroll from the zoo, where you might hear peacocks calling in the distance.Bus fare won’t break the bank, and kids can hop on for free if they’re with a paying adult, equally important at the Virginia Zoo, conservation isn’t just talk-they run hands-on programs and species survival projects, from restoring local habitats to protecting endangered animals halfway around the world.It works with breeding programs to protect endangered species and joins forces with wildlife groups to keep biodiversity thriving, from rainforest orchids to the call of a distant hornbill, alternatively the zoo puts a strong focus on education, running school programs, summer camps, and community outreach events that help visitors of all ages connect with wildlife and learn how to care for the environment-like planting native flowers to support local pollinators.Planning a visit, have a question, or want to book an event, alternatively call the zoo at (757) 441‑2374-you might even hear the faint chatter of parrots in the background.You can find details on events, seasonal activities, memberships, and ways to volunteer through their official channels, whether it’s a quick post on their website or a flyer pinned to the bulletin board, and at the Virginia Zoo, you can watch giraffes stretch for leafy branches, join hands-on learning programs, and relax with family-friendly comforts-all while helping protect wildlife and support vital conservation efforts.In Norfolk, it’s a lively hub of culture and recreation, drawing both locals and visitors-families linger over ice cream while musicians play in the square.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-05
