• This event has passed.

September 28 @ 8:00 am – 9:30 am EDT

Can YOU go the distance for monarch butterfly conservation 🦋? Every spring, monarch butterflies east of the Rocky Mountains migrate from Mexico to their summer breeding grounds ☀️🐛 in the United States and Canada. In the fall, they journey nearly 3,000 miles back down south to weather the winter. ❄️ This migration is becoming increasingly difficult due to habitat loss in their breeding and overwintering grounds, increased pesticide use, climate change, and other factors. 

Join the Virginia Zoo and the Tidewater Striders in supporting monarch butterflies by running, walking, or fluttering through the Zoo on Sunday, September 28 before opening! All ticket sale proceeds will go directly towards monarch butterfly conservation. Your ticket also includes the chance to enjoy the Zoo trails all day after your run!

Purchase tickets here!

Event Map

Schedule

  • 8:00am: Gates Open
  • 8 – 8:30am: Animal Ambassador Greeters
  • 8:30am: Welcome Presentation in the Event Pavilion
  • 8:45am: Walk/Run Begins
  • 9:30am: Event Ends & Zoo Opens!
    • Animal Exhibit Trails open, Goat Yard opens, Gift Shop open

Activities

  • Community Science Activity Cart in the Pollinator Garden
  • Milkweed Seed Packet Pick-up in front of the Event Pavilion

Food & Drinks (extra cost)

  • Food Truck: Donut NV ($)
  • African Village Restaurant opens at 10am ($)

💲Ticket Prices💲

🦋 $10 for all participants. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to monarch conservation.

Purchase tickets here!

Event Reminders

By purchasing an event ticket, you agree to abide by the Virginia Zoo’s Rules & Policies.

  • Limited number of tickets available. Advance ticket sales end when sold out (get yours early!). If tickets remain on the day of the event, gate sales may be limited to credit card transactions only.
  • Tickets are non-refundable. All sales are final. Should a ticket holder be unable to attend the event, the purchase will be considered a donation.
  • As an outdoor venue, events are rain or shine unless otherwise indicated. If any changes are made, an announcement via an email to our members and/or ticket holders and on the Virginia Zoo social media channels will be issued prior the event.
  • The Zoo is a smoke-free facility; no smoking is allowed inside the Zoo. This also includes e-cigarettes and vaping. Inability to follow this rule will result in dismissal from Zoo grounds without a refund.
  • By purchasing an event ticket, you agree to abide by the Virginia Zoo’s Rules & Policies.