About the Zoo - Virginia Zoo

MISSION STATEMENT

The Virginia Zoo is committed to engaging our community in taking action to save the world’s wildlife and their ecosystems.

VISION STATEMENT

The Virginia Zoo will create a world where everyone values wildlife and the environment.

Zoo History

The Virginia Zoo is over 100 years old! Learn more about how we’ve grown up to be a world-class Zoo.

Staff and VZS Board Members

Need to get in touch with us? Plan your next event at the Zoo or ask us a question.

FAQ’s

Find the most frequently asked questions and a few very interesting facts.

AZA Accreditation

Accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is an evaluation process that recognized experts in the profession and is measured against the established standards and best practices of that profession. Overseeing this process in AZA is the Accreditation Commission who are trained experts in operations, animal welfare and husbandry, and veterinary medicine. These experts thoroughly examine each institution to determine if AZA standards are being met. Only those zoos and aquariums that earn AZA accreditation can become members of AZA. The Virginia Zoo has been accredited since 1985.

Strategic Plan

In 2020 the Virginia Zoo conducted a strategic planning process to outline the next 3-5 years. Report coming soon!

Community Donations

The Virginia Zoo is pleased to give back to our community by considering all charitable donation requests from qualified nonprofit organizations in the Hampton Roads area. It is our policy to donate up to one Two-Ticket Fan Pack (can be used for either adult or child admission) per year per eligible organization. Behind-the-scenes tours are not donated.

All requests will receive careful consideration, we regret that not all requests can be fulfilled as the donated tickets are in limited supply. Accepting a request does not guarantee it will be fulfilled the following year.

The following groups are not eligible to receive complimentary pass donations: Individuals or individual families, for-profit organizations, and political campaigns/fund-raisers.

To be considered for support, please follow the instructions below:

Complete DONATION REQUEST FORM BELOW
Attach the organization’s formal letter of request for donation

Due to the large number of requests we receive, allow at least 45 days for us to review and process your request. The tickets will be sent via U.S. mail. All requests must be submitted in writing. Phone solicitations will not be accepted. No request will be considered less than 45 days prior to the event.

Please remember that submitting a request does not guarantee a donation.

Community Donation Requests

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION
Organization Name*
Tax ID:*
Website
Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code
Mission:*
CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact Name*
First Last
Contact Phone*
Contact Email*
Relationship to Organization*

Staff, volunteer,etc
EVENT INFORMATION
Event Name*
Event Date*
Expected Number of Attendees*
How will this donation be used?
Silent auction, etc.
Event Description*
Max. file size: 256 MB.
Please attach on organization letterhead
Has the Virginia Zoo donated to your organization in the past?*
- Yes
- No
Who does your organization benefit?*
- Children/Families
- Animals
- Environment
How will the Virginia Zoo be recognized for this donation?*
How did you hear about the Virginia Zoo?*
Are you interested in staying connected with the Virginia Zoo and upcoming events?*
- Yes
- No
Email*
Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.