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August 29 @ 9:30 am – 4:00 pm EDT

Purchase tickets here!

For 125 years, the Virginia Zoo has been a cornerstone of the Hampton Roads community – a place where generations of families and friends have come together to explore the natural world, learn about conservation, and create lasting memories. Now, we’re celebrating the incredible journey that brought us here, and the people who made it possible – YOU!

Join us on August 29 from 9:30 am to 4 pm for the Virginia Zoo’s 125th Anniversary Celebration, a day filled with unforgettable animal experiences, family fun, and special moments honoring this once‑in‑a‑lifetime milestone.

Whether you’re rekindling your childhood love of the Zoo or visiting for the very first time, this celebration is for you. Join Zoo friends, past and present, as we mark 125 years of connection, conservation and community.

Event is free with general admission or Zoo membership.

Event Map

Limited Edition Giveaways!

  • First 250 guests through the gate will receive a ticket to redeem upon exit for a special-edition Virginia Zoo 125th Anniversary Coca-Cola bottle!
  • First 1,500 guests will receive a ticket to redeem for a limited edition Virginia Zoo 125th Anniversary foiled trading card designed by local artist Erik Leach!
  • FREE cupcakes from Sysco!

While supplies last for all giveaways.

Morning Schedule

Subject to change based on animal behavior and welfare.

  • 9:30am: Animal Ambassador Greeters in Fountain Plaza
  • 9:30am – 2:30pm: Visit with Conservation Organizations and Community Partners throughout the Zoo (more details below)
  • 9:45am: Orangutan Enrichment (outdoor habitat)
  • 9:45am: World of Reptiles Enrichment
  • 10am: Animal Ambassador Encounter near Animal Wellness Campus
  • 10am – 12pm: Photos with Tango the Tiger, Virginia Zoo mascot
  • 10am – 3pm: Animal Art & Enrichment Silent Auction in the Event Pavilion (proceeds benefit Virginia Zoo Keeper Fund; more details below)
  • 10am: Historical Educator Chat
    • Look into the past 125 years of Virginia Zoo history!
  • 10:30am: African Lion Enrichment
  • 10:30am: White-faced Saki Keeper Chat
  • 10:45am: Virginia Zoo Alumni Group Photo at Event Field Stage (past staff & volunteers)
  • 11am: Remarks & Time Capsule Presentation at the Event Field Stage
  • 11:15am: Animal Ambassador Encounter near Animal Wellness Campus
  • 11:30am: Orangutan Enrichment (indoor day room)
  • 11:30am: Masai Giraffe Keeper Chat

Watch our animals enjoy enrichment, like browse!

Afternoon Schedule

Subject to change based on animal behavior and welfare.

  • 12pm: Animal Ambassador Encounter near Animal Wellness Campus
  • 12pm – 2pm: Photos with Tango the Tiger, Virginia Zoo mascot
  • 12 – 4pm: FREE beer samples from Elation Brewing
  • 12:30pm: Rhinoceros Hornbill Enrichment
  • 12:30pm: Malayan Tapir Keeper Chat
  • 12:30pm: Virginia Zoo Current Staff Group Photo at Stage in Event Field
  • 12:45pm: Animal Ambassador Encounter near Animal Wellness Campus
  • 12:45pm: Virginia Zoo Current Volunteers Group Photo at Stage in Event Field
  • 1pm: ZooLive! Stage Show featuring mystery Animal Ambassadors
  • 1 – 4pm: Macon & Joan Brock EdVenture & Exploration Campus Tours
    • Visit the construction site of the Virginia Zoo’s newest addition, the Macon & Joan Brock EdVenture & Exploration Campus! To ensure guest safety, these tours are only open to those 16 years of age and older. Closed toed shoes are required to participate.
    • Every 30 minutes (1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 2:30pm, 3pm, 3:30pm)
    • Sign up at the Green Barn between the Goat Yard and the entrance to the World of Reptiles.
  • 1:30pm: Cow Enrichment
  • 1:30pm: Masai Giraffe Keeper Chat
  • 1:30pm: Future Educator Chat
    • Learn about the future of conservation at the Virginia Zoo!
  • 2:00pm: Mock Vet Exam at the Animal Wellness Campus
  • 2:30pm: Aldabra Tortoise Enrichment
  • 2:30pm: Southern Cassowary Keeper Chat
  • 2:45pm: Animal Ambassador Encounter near Animal Wellness Campus
  • 3pm: ZooLive! Stage Show featuring mystery Animal Ambassadors
  • 3:30pm: Animal Ambassador Encounter near the Animal Wellness Campus
  • 3:30pm: African Lion Enrichment
  • 3:30pm: Asiatic Black Bear Enrichment

Mission Engagement Activities

Try our Wild Immersion headsets!

  • Wild Immersion: Be among the first to try out our *NEW* virtual reality headsets in our Africa Classroom.
  • Historical Scavenger Hunt: Complete a special 125th anniversary-themed scavenger hunt to win a prize (while supplies last). Visit the Fountain Plaza for more information.
  • Biofact Museum in the World of Reptiles Classroom.

Other Activities

  • DJ: Astro Event Company
  • Jumbo Lawn Games
  • I-Spy 125: Explore the Virginia Zoo to find 125 hidden numbers! Track your findings and submit to Zoo staff for your chance to win an exclusive prize. Print your own worksheet here.
  • 125th Anniversary Time Capsule – see it at 11am by the Event Field Stage along with remarks from special guests.

Tour the Macon & Joan Brock EdVenture & Exploration Campus! Note: Photo taken on 7/15/2026.

Conservation Organizations & Community Partners

Take home a piece of Virginia Zoo history by purchasing animal art or enrichment items!

Available for an additional cost ($):

  • 10am – 3pm: Animal Art & Enrichment Silent Auction in the Event Pavilion
    • All proceeds go to the Virginia Zoo Keeper Fund to purchase new enrichment items for the animals and provide keepers with continuing education opportunities!
  • Bounce Houses: Purchase a $7 wristband for unlimited bounce house access!
  • Dunk Tank: Donate any amount for your chance to dunk a Virginia Zoo staff member or volunteer! All proceeds go to the Virginia Zoo’s Annual Fund.
  • Fairy Hair from The Fairy Hair Company & Tinseltown 757
  • Face Painting by Artfully Yours Face Painting & Emily’s Fun Faces
  • Live Portraits from RUBYSTARART
  • Live Custom Magnets from Magnetic Memories ($)
  • 9am – 4pm: Virginia Zoo Gift Shop open
    • 25% discount available to Members only.
    • 12.5% discount available for Non-Members.
  • Throwback Pricing for Virginia Zoo Express Train Rides — $2 per guest. Typically priced at $3 per guest.
  • The Virginia Zoo has 125 Do-It-Yourself rain barrel kits in honor of our 125th anniversary celebrations.
    • The kits come with a 55-gallon barrel, installation hardware, and instructions (valued at $100). Some assembly is required. Reserve your kit today for a minimum of $5 and pick it up at our 125th anniversary event on Saturday, August 29th from 9:30am-4pm. All proceeds go to the Virginia Zoo’s Conservation Fund. Rain barrel kits are in limited supply, so reserve yours along with your tickets to the 125th celebration today!
Reserve your rain barrel here!

Food & Drink ($)

  • Food Trucks ($)
  • 10am – 4pm: African Village Restaurant open
    • Spiked Icees – $10
    • Regular Icees – $3.50
  • 10:30am – 3:30pm: Beastro open
  • 10:30am – 4pm: Mini Melts open

Cool off with an ICEE ($3.50) or spike it ($10)!

125th Event Donation Drive

Join us in celebrating our 125th Anniversary while helping our local community with our Virginia Zoo Pet Supply and Food Drive.  

For every 3 new-items, or 3-pound bag or larger of dry pet food you donate, you’ll receive one voucher for 25% off Zoo admission, good for Saturday, August 29th.  

One voucher can be used for one Zoo ticket. There is no limit to how many vouchers you can receive for multiple donations! 

All contributions will benefit the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia (Foodbank) and Norfolk Animal Care Center (NACC). 

Support the Norfolk Animal Care Center’s mission and receive 25% off general admission!

NACC Wish List

  • 3 pound- dry pet food (any brand, flavor, or size animal) 
  • Three (3) NEW items off the list below: 
    • Blankets and comforters 
    • Towels and washcloths 
    • Dog toys (especially for tough chewers) 
    • Toys for cats and small mammals 
    • Dog collars, harnesses, and leashes 
    • Dog & cat treats 
    • Small animals supplies 

Foodbank Wish List

How to Get Your Voucher: Donations can be made at the NACC’s Waggin’ Wheels mobile unit or the Foodbank of South Hampton Roads Truck located in front of the Zoo ALL DAY on the day of the event. Discounted admission can only be used on Saturday, August 29th and multiple donations can receive multiple discounts. 

$ Ticket Prices $

This celebration is free with general admission.

  • Adults (ages 12+) $20
  • Seniors (ages 62+) $18
  • Children (ages 2-11) $17
  • Children under 2 receive free general admission

Event Reminders

  • Tickets are non-refundable. All sales are final. Should a ticket holder be unable to attend the event, the purchase will be considered a donation.
  • As an outdoor venue, events are rain or shine unless otherwise indicated. Event updates will be shared via the Virginia Zoo website, email, and, social media channels whenever possible prior to the event.
  • The Zoo is a smoke-free facility; no smoking is allowed inside the Zoo. This also includes e-cigarettes and vaping. Inability to follow this rule will result in dismissal from Zoo grounds without a refund.
  • By purchasing an event ticket, you agree to abide by the Virginia Zoo’s Rules & Policies.