Zoo News

• • Violation of any City, County, State or Federal law. Possession, use, or selling of illegal drugs. The Virginia Zoo is a drug-free environment.

• • Soliciting on Zoo property.

• • Engaging in any unsafe act or other act that may result in injury to self or others or impede the operations of the Zoo.

• • Operation or use of any unmanned aerial vehicle on, from, or above the Virginia Zoo’s premises without specific written consent; this includes all UAVs, also commonly known as drones, regardless of their size, weight, or purpose.

• • Amplified music is prohibited without written authorization from the Virginia Zoo. As a courtesy to others, guests must use headphones, ear buds, etc., when listening to music.

• • Costume masks worn by guests 12 years of age or older
  • Clothing and/or exposed tattoos with obscene language or graphics
  • Clothing which exposes excessive portions of the body that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment
  • Guests 12 years of age or older must wear shirts and shorts/pants while in the Splash Fountain.

Due to mechanical, health, weather, or other safety conditions, we may have to close certain areas or attractions. See a full list of animals currently off exhibit here. Remember, if you do not see an animal in their habitat, it doesn't necessarily mean they are "off exhibit." For animal wellbeing, our animals are provided with covered areas or indoor access so they have the freedom to choose if they are visible or not. Don't be afraid to ask a staff member or volunteer if you are unsure - we are always happy to help!

Outside food and beverages (including alcohol) are NOT permitted inside the Virginia Zoo. We offer a number of dining options including the African Village Cafe, Beastro, Mini Melts, and the Snack Shack. A reusable water bottle is permitted and we offer water filling stations throughout the Zoo.

If you have special dietary requirements or restrictions, please call the Membership Office at 757-441-2374 ext. 257 between 9:30am-4pm prior to your visit to review the Virginia Zoo's accommodations.

• • Guests ages 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old when visiting the Zoo. The chaperone must accompany their party at entry, remain inside the park during their visit and be available by phone throughout their stay.
  • Guests aged 15 years or younger who are found inside the park unaccompanied by a chaperone who is not in the park and available by phone will be subject to ejection without refund.

• • Alcoholic beverages brought from outside the Zoo

• • Any food or beverages brought from outside the Zoo, except for refillable water bottles

• • Balloons

• • Balls (footballs, soccer balls, baseballs or other recreational balls) or frisbees

• • Drones

• • Fireworks or explosives

• • Glass containers

• • Lawn chairs and folding chairs (unless permission has been explicitly stated for special after-hours events)

• • Non-motorized scooters, bicycles/tricycles, skateboards, skates, shoes with built-in wheels or something similar
• • Battery operated, motorized or non-motorized children's "drivable"/ride-on vehicles

• • Weapons, except as permitted by law

• • Tickets purchased online are only valid for the date purchased and can be used any time starting at 9:30am until 3pm when the entry gates close.
  • Daily admission tickets are valid for re-entry on the same day by showing admission receipt.
  • Due to the outdoor nature of our facility, we do not offer refunds or rainchecks.
  • Only tickets sold by the Virginia Zoo or offices authorized by the Virginia Zoo to sell/distribute tickets will be honored.
  • Resale of tickets is strictly prohibited.

If lost or stolen, tickets will not be replaced nor will the purchase price be refunded.

For the security and safety of The Virginia Zoo’s team members, guests, animals and property, The Virginia Zoo has video recording in progress and Security onsite 24 hours a day.

• • The Virginia Zoo is following all governmental and public health guidelines and is implementing additional measures and protocols to promote a safe environment as it relates to COVID-19. These protocols do not, however, constitute a guarantee. All visitors are expected to adhere to current public guidelines for self-care and social distancing at all times throughout the Zoo visit.

• • The Zoo reserves the right to use guests’ images, likeness, and/or sound recordings for the purpose of whatsoever into perpetuity.

• • The Virginia Zoo reserves the right to search/inspect any person, container, purse, bag, or item entering The Virginia Zoo.

• • The Zoo reserves the right to deny admission, or require a person already admitted to leave Zoo grounds, without refund, liability or compensation if we consider that the circumstances so require.