Below you will find the list of animals currently off exhibit at the Virginia Zoo. For some we will provide brief explanations as to why they are not viewable and others will have more in depth content further down the page. There are a number of reasons why some animals may not be viewable – some of them temporary and some permanent. Please note, at times animals may not be listed below if they are off habitat due to outside temperature requirements/weather or have access to their indoor areas as this situations can happen at a moment’s notice at any time.

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!

Animals currently off exhibit:

  • Animal Ambassadors (These animals live behind the scenes year-round).
  • Cinereous Vulture (Exhibit construction).
  • Emus (Not currently housed at the Virginia Zoo).
  • Kangaroo (No longer a Virginia Zoo species).
  • Meller’s Chameleon (Retired behind-the-scenes).
  • Ostrich (Not currently housed at the Virginia Zoo).
  • Prairie Dogs (Not currently housed at the Virginia Zoo).
  • Radiated tortoises (Warm weather animal – they will be back out when temperatures are consistently warm!)
  • Slender-tailed Meerkats (Not currently housed at the Virginia Zoo – we are hoping to bring them back soon!)
  • Two-toed sloth (Exhibit remodel).
  • Wallaby (Retired behind-the-scenes).
  • Watusi cattle (Not currently housed at the Virginia Zoo).
  • White-faced saki monkey (Exhibit remodel).

Ambassador Animals

What are ambassador animals? Well, technically all the animals who call the Zoo home are animals who are ambassadors for their species! However, in this case, we are speaking about the group of animals that participate in educational programs like Zoo Live! Shows, Animal Meet-and-Greets, Media Interviews, Classes, Camps, and more! Essentially, these animals are the ones you can get up close and personal with at the Zoo (with the assistance of their handler of course!). They play a very special role at the Virginia Zoo. Their job is to connect our guests directly to wildlife conservation and educate them about the importance of their species and others like them! It is because of this role and their frequent interaction with guests that they are housed behind-the-scenes. This provides them a safe, quiet place to rest and a controlled environment to continue training with their handlers!

Asian Small-clawed Otters

Two new Asian small-clawed otters, Jilin and Elbe, made their debut in January 2025! The otter exhibit is shared with our white-cheeked gibbons, Henley and Dexter, on our Asia: Trail of the Tiger. Due to the nature of the introduction process for these two species, they are currently being rotated on exhibit. This means that during your visit you will either seen the white-cheeked gibbons on exhibit or the otters until they are introduced to the shared space together.

Cinereous Vultures

Our cinereous vultures, J.D. and Eve, are actually viewable right now! Though they may be difficult to spot since their habitat doesn’t directly come in contact with our guest walkway. However, when visiting with the tapirs, if you look close enough, you may be able to spot them behind the tapir habitat! Additionally, a trip of the Virginia Zoo Express train will take you behind the scenes and give you a closer view of their habitat (you may get the chance to see them eating too!). This is their temporary housing area while we work on building them a new habitat right across from the Asia: Trail of the Tiger entrance! Stay tuned for progress!

Slender-tailed Meerkats

On March 26, 2025 we sadly lost our two geriatric meerkats Amadi and Hardy due to age-related declines. Unfortunately, we will not have meerkats on exhibit at this time, but our staff is working diligently with the Slender-tailed Meerkat Species Survival Plan (SSP) coordinators to house new meerkats in the future. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate the complicated permitting process required to house these animals. We will update our website and official social media channels when we have more information!

Wallaby, Kangaroos & Emus

Many of you may remember when the Australia Walkabout was full of some of our favorite animals from the land down under like kangaroos, wallabies, emus and more! While the cassowaries still reside there and would love a visit from you, the kangaroos and wallabies have sadly aged out. The Virginia Zoo is still home to two senior wallabies who have retired behind-the-scenes to enjoy some quiet time and extra attention from their keepers. Additionally, our two remaining geriatric emus passed in 2024. The Australia Walkabout is currently closed as we reevaluate its future and is currently operating as a transitional space for the arriving and departing animals.

Watusi Cattle

Our Watusi bulls, Gamba (12) and Kamau (8), unfortunately passed in 2024. The two cattle experienced genetically influenced abnormalities in the way their horns grew which led to untreatable head-tilts and long-term impacts on their health. Their care team and veterinary staff determined their condition had reached a point where their quality of life was being negatively impacted, therefore made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize them. This decision is never an easy one and we want to express our immense gratitude to our veterinary and animal care staff for always prioritizing the health and wellbeing of the animals in their care. 

World of Reptiles Conservatory

Due to unexpected changes in our World of Reptiles Conservatory, our mammal species, including the two-toed sloth and saki monkey, are currently living behind the scenes as we begin a full remodel on their habitats to create more engaging spaces for the animals and guests alike. Additionally, we plan to bring in a new, impressive, large-scale reptile species who will thrive in the humidity of this space.

If you’re interested in seeing our sloths at the Virginia Zoo consider booking a private or group behind-the-scenes tour for our two-toed sloths. Learn more and book your tour here.