Zoo News

Members only receive free admission for self-guided Field Trips. If schools are booking a program, everyone participating in the program must be included in the count.

No. The ambassadors participating in the animal presentation will be chosen by staff at the Virginia Zoo based on animal health and safety.

We recommend all ADA groups to contact the Program Reservations Specialist to make a reservation. ADA individuals will receive free admission with one free chaperone if attending as a self-guided field trip.

No. Groups can rent one of our school wagons in the Membership Office to help with transportation. Once your group is finished, you'll head back to the Membership Office to return the wagon.

Wheelchairs can be rented for the day on a first come, first-served basis. They can be rented from the Zoo's Gift Shop or at the Stroller Shack, located just outside the shop. Regular wheelchairs cost $16 to rent for the duration of your visit.

Yes. Checks should be made out to the Virginia Zoo.

Yes, you can update your group size through the reservation portal or by contacting the Program Reservations Specialist at (757)-447-2374 ext. 229.

In order to reschedule, you must give us notice at least 3 weeks from the original date. Reschedule requests are subject to the availability of the new date requested. Refunds will only be issued under special circumstances.

It is the responsibility of the school to let chaperones know where to meet if they arrive late. The Virginia Zoo will not be able to provide late arrivals with this information.

Yes. Group lunch spot locations are at Flora Point, which is next to Turtle Oasis, and the Elephant Statue, which is outside the entrance gates. Groups are not allowed to utilize the tables inside or around the restaurants.

Boxed lunches are available for $10 each or meal vouchers are available for $15 each. Lunch requests can be added onto a field trip up to 10 days before your visit, based on availability. Advanced reservations are required to eat lunch at the Zoo and can be reserved HERE.

The train will operate when the temperature is above 55°. Fountains are on from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The train and fountains close during inclement weather. The train may also close for maintenance.

Field trips must make a advanced reservation online to receive the group discount. Groups that show up without a reservation will have to pay general admission costs.

The Virginia Zoo is a certified sensory-inclusive facility through KultureCity. Sensory backpacks and weighted lap pads are available in the Membership Office for checkout at no cost to those visiting the Zoo.

The Virginia Zoo is a rain or shine attraction. Please provide at least 24 hours notice if rescheduling due to weather. We may not always be able to accommodate your desired rescheduled date.

Yes. The Virginia Zoo Gift Shop is open daily. Shop a wide variety of items for Zoo lovers of all ages, many of which support conservation efforts around the world. We ask that only 1 group of 10 students with a chaperone enter at a time.

Ticket prices include our $2.05 Conservation and Technology fee. For our record keeping, it will show separately on your invoice/receipt. This fee is not a tax and cannot be exempt from your invoice. A non-refundable $2.05 Conservation and Technology fee applies to each ticket. Part of this fee directly supports the Zoo's Conservation Fund that protects wildlife and wild places locally and around the world through research, education, breeding programs, and other initiatives. The Technology Fee will enable the Zoo to provide a seamless reservation and entry experience for guests and Members.

Our field trip experiences are only offered on weekdays.