FAQ's About The Virginia Zoo
How old is the Virginia Zoo?
The Virginia Zoo (known then as the Lafayette Zoological Park) began acquiring animals in 1900, so the Zoo is 110 years old.
How large is the Zoo?
The Zoo spans 53 acres adjacent to Lafayette Park and is bordered by the Lafayette River.
How many animals does the Zoo have?
Zoo residents from around the world include more than 350 animals representing 115 different species, ranging from megavertabrates elephant and giraffe to skinks and tree frogs. We recently celebrated the births of 4 lion cubs, a female giraffe calf, 3 bongo calves, Guinea forest hogs, Angolan pythons and African crowned cranes!
How long has the Zoo been accredited by the AZA?
The Virginia Zoo was first accredited in 1974 and continues to adhere to the high standards set by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). In 2008, the Virginia Zoo’s accreditation was renewed and its lion exhibit was acclaimed as “one of the best in the country.”
Are there other Zoos in Virginia?
Mill Mountain Zoo, a 10-acre facility in Roanoke, is the only other AZA-accredited Zoo in Virginia. The Virginia Living Museum, a wildlife center that exhibits species native to Virginia, in Newport News is recently AZA-accredited. A privately owned Zoo in Richmond, The Metro Richmond Zoo, is not accredited.
Who operates the Virginia Zoo?
The City of Norfolk and the Virginia Zoological Society share the responsibility of the Virginia Zoo. The Zoological Society employs education, membership, marketing, fundraising, and special event staff. The City serves the operational needs of the Zoo, including animal care, zoo grounds and maintenance and customer service. Overall, the Virginia Zoo employs nearly 100 full- and part-time staff.
What is your attendance?
In 2009, 410,000 guests visited the Zoo.
How much is admission?
- Adults: $8
- Children (2-11): $6
- Seniors (62+): $7
- Under 2: Free
- Zoo Members: Free
How many member households do you have?
The Virginia Zoo has over 10,000 member households.
What does your membership cost?
Family memberships start at $65. We have a military family membership for $55.
How many children went through education programs in 2009?
11,973 kids!
When did the Entry Complex open?
The Entry Complex opened in 1999; it houses the ticket plaza, gift shop, membership office, an education classroom and staff offices and storage. The entry plaza features kid-friendly fountains and a 20,000 pound granite globe that floats on a cushion of water. The African elephant sculpture (by Matthew Gray Palmer of Washington) as you enter the Zoo was installed January 2010 and is comprised of over 10,000 thousand delicate, plasma cut aluminum butterflies.
What exhibits opened recently?
- 2002: Africa – Okavango Delta
- 2004: Prairie dog
- 2007: Lovebird, red panda
- 2008: Bald Eagle; Zoo Train opens
- 2009: Kangaroo (funded by Zoo Train ticket sales)
How does the Zoo support conservation?
- Recognized as a Virginia Green attraction by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
- Sponsor of NuRide, a program that encourages people to commute greener by car pooling, biking, walking, telecommuting and taking public transportation.
- Reduced water usage by 45% by using drip irrigation systems in gardens, cleaning animal enclosures by sweeping instead of hosing down areas.
- Reduced electricity usage by using light sensors in guest restrooms, switching to compact florescent bulbs and monitoring building lights.
- Recognized by the Elizabeth River Project as a Model Level River Star for extensive project to reclaim the wetlands that border the Zoo's Lafayette River shoreline, its oyster habitat restoration and environmental exhibits including Eco-Gardens and Rain Gardens.
- Founding member of the National Elephant Center (NEC).
- International Tapir Management Training Support.
- Reintroduction project for bongo in Africa.
- Founding member of AZA Butterfly Conservation Initiative.
- Founding member of AZA Ape TAG Conservation Initiative.
- Supporter of Wildlife Indonesia Foundation.
- Supporter of Gibbon Conservation Center.
- Supporter of Endangered Primate Rescue Center in Cucphuong National Park.
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