Big Birthday Week!

Not one, but THREE of our awesome red-headed animals are celebrating their birthdays this week! Let’s wish Thomas, Juno and Schnitz a Happy Birthday!

Thomas is one of three Red pandas found here at the Zoo. He can be found in his exhibit in Asia – Trail of the Tiger. Guests can usually see Thomas napping on the highest branches in his exhibit, munching on bamboo stalks, or if you can’t spot him, then he’s inside of his air-conditioned house cooling off.

Thomas turns four this year on June 25. Happy Birthday Thomas!

On June 26, the Zoo will have a one-year-old on our hands. Juno the bongo is celebrating her first birthday! Juno is one of six bongo that guests can see in their exhibit in Africa – Okavango Delta. She is the youngest bongo in the herd. Zoo members are familiar with Juno, as she is the photogenic face present on the membership cards.

Happy First Birthday Juno!

Our last birthday boy is one of our older animals, who is actually turning 35 years old on June 27. Born in 1982, Schnitz is one of the Virginia Zoo’s four orangutans. Schnitz is the larger male found in the inside enclosure in Asia – Trail of the Tiger. Guests can usually find him and his mate, Pepper, napping under their favorite blankets or foraging for snacks left to them by their Keepers. Schnitz is quite the character and is popular among Zoo guests for his cool, calm and collective personality.

orangutan photo at the virginia zoo

Happy Birthday Schnitz!

Be sure to wish these cuties a Happy Birthday!

Also, subscribe to push notifications on our app to stay updated on when Thomas, Juno and Schnitz will receive special enrichment in celebration of their birthdays!