Virginia Zoo | Norfolk

Overview

The Virginia Zoo, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is a well-established zoological park spanning approximately 53 acres. It was founded in 1900, making it one of the older zoos in the United States. The zoo is situated at 3500 Granby Street, adjacent to Lafayette Park, providing easy access to residents and visitors in the Norfolk area.

The Virginia Zoo is home to over 700 animals representing more than 150 different species from around the world. These include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. The zoo is committed to conservation, education, and providing a high-quality visitor experience, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which ensures it meets rigorous standards for animal care, safety, and education.

Exhibits and Animal Collections

The Virginia Zoo offers a range of themed exhibits designed to showcase diverse ecosystems and animal habitats. These exhibits focus on both global biodiversity and local native species:

Trail of the Tiger: This is one of the signature exhibits of the zoo, featuring Bengal tigers in a naturalistic environment that replicates their native habitats. Visitors can observe the behavior and beauty of these majestic big cats in thoughtfully designed spaces that promote animal welfare.

Okavango Delta Exhibit: This area replicates the famous African wetland ecosystem known for its rich biodiversity. The exhibit features species native to this region, providing visitors with an immersive experience that highlights the importance of wetland conservation.

North America Exhibit: This section focuses on species native to the continent, such as American bison and wolves. It offers an educational glimpse into the wildlife indigenous to North America and the ecological roles these animals play.

In addition to these major exhibits, the zoo features:

The ZooFarm Garden, which educates visitors about sustainable gardening and local agriculture.

A Norfolk Southern Express train ride, offering a fun and scenic way for families to tour the zoo grounds.

Various beautifully maintained gardens and picnic areas for visitors to relax and enjoy nature.

Throughout the day, the zoo hosts live animal presentations and keeper talks, where guests can learn interesting facts about the animals, their care, and conservation efforts directly from the staff.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

The Virginia Zoo is designed to be family-friendly and accessible to a wide range of visitors, offering several amenities:

Operating Hours: The zoo is open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last admission ticket sold at 3:00 PM. It remains closed on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Admission Fees:

Adults (12 and older): $19

Seniors (62 and older): $17

Children (ages 2-11): $16

Children under 2: Free
Discounts are offered for military personnel, first responders, teachers, and Norfolk residents with valid identification. Visitors with ADA-recognized disabilities and one companion can gain free admission upon request.

Parking and Accessibility: The zoo provides free parking with over 700 spaces available. The grounds are fully ADA accessible, including pathways, restrooms, and some exhibit areas, ensuring visitors with mobility challenges can comfortably explore the zoo.

Facilities: Visitors will find picnic shelters and tables, restrooms, a water splash pad area ideal for children during warm weather, a gift shop stocked with souvenirs, and a café offering refreshments.

Transportation: The zoo is located roughly two miles from downtown Norfolk and is easily reachable via Interstate 64. Public transit options include the Hampton Roads Transit Route 1 bus, which stops near Lafayette Park within walking distance of the zoo. Bus fare is affordable, and children ride free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Conservation and Education

The Virginia Zoo is actively involved in conservation programs and species survival initiatives, both locally and internationally. It participates in breeding programs to help protect endangered species and collaborates with wildlife organizations to promote biodiversity preservation.

The zoo also emphasizes education, offering school programs, summer camps, and community outreach activities designed to foster a deeper understanding of wildlife and environmental stewardship among visitors of all ages.

Contact and Additional Information

For planning a visit, inquiries, or event bookings, the zoo can be reached by phone at (757) 441-2374. Detailed information about events, seasonal activities, memberships, and volunteer opportunities is available through their official channels.

The Virginia Zoo combines engaging animal exhibits, educational programming, and family-friendly amenities to create an enriching experience for visitors while supporting important conservation goals. It stands as a prominent cultural and recreational attraction in Norfolk, appealing to locals and tourists alike.