$10,000+ raised for Giving ZooDay 2023!

Giving ZooDay is a movement started by zoos across the country in partnership with Giving Tuesday to demonstrate support for zoos working to preserve wildlife for generations to come. Giving ZooDay is observed on the same day as Giving Tuesday – the last Tuesday of November. Funds raised during Giving ZooDay at the Virginia Zoo will go towards animal enrichment and our ZooFund, which is vital for keeping our animals mentally-stimulated, happy and healthy.

To all who donated or spread the word in any way during Giving ZooDay, we are thrilled to share that with your generosity, we raised over $10,000 for animal enrichment, well exceeding our goal of $6,000! We cannot express enough gratitude that you chose to support our efforts and the wellbeing of our animals here at the Virginia Zoo.

Your gift will bring excitement to all our animals as they challenge their bodies and minds with new enrichment items. Continue to follow along on our social media, @virginiazoo, to see your generosity in action.

Three animal ambassador teams, who were represented by several of the Zoo’s board members ‘competed’ this year to see who could raise the most funds. Though team alligator snapping turtle and team cinereous vulture posed fierce competition, team cheetah emerged victorious in the end.

For those who donated at the $250 or higher Turtle Oasis level, an invitation will be sent out in early February for an April 2024 date which will be determined by the weather as our turtle friends come out of cold weather brumation. For those who donated at the $50 magnet or $100 coaster level, your gift will be mailed out the first week of December.

Below are our wildlife warriors who donated $25-$49:

Kyle Ashley
Robert Bracknell
Nicole Carry
Brittany Coolbaugh
Ryan Costa
Kathy Crabtree
Carol Dudley
Charlie Elliker
Catherine Fletcher
Valerie Geil
Donald Hair
James Hutcheson
Dan Jewusiak
Emily Jordan
Rick Jump
Lauren Kiger
Hunter Loving
Alyssa Maloney
Nathan Manning
Richard Moutvic
John Pearson
Jamie Quick
Dan Rinehart
Lori & Connor Sharp
Adam Shipley
Barbara Skarupa
Peter Strauss
Mary Stuck
Rebekah Taylor
Janine Marie Tobias
Hans VonKruger
Elise Walthall
Clay Winn
Patricia Wolz
Ann Marie Woyma

« »