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June 25 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm EDT

At “A Look Behind the Scenes” on June 25th, members of all ages can learn directly from our dedicated staff about how we provide outstanding care for our animals! But this event isn’t just educational – you’ll also get the chance to ride the Virginia Zoo Express 🚂 for free, enjoy an evening exploration of the Zoo, access free bounce houses, and more!  

No advanced reservations are required, but attendees must show their Member ID upon arrival. Gates will open at 5pm and the event ends at 8pm. The event will take place rain or shine.  

BECOME A MEMBER

Event Map

Activities

($) = for an additional cost

  • 5 – 5:30pm: Animal Ambassador Greeters
  • 5 – 7pm: Behind-the-Scenes Mammal House Tours
    • Each Tour has the capacity for 20 guests.
    • Tours will run every 30 minutes.
    • Sign up at the Cheetah Gate.
  • 5 – 7:30pm: Animal Trails and Goat Yard Open
  • 5 – 7:45pm: FREE Virginia Zoo Express Train Rides
  • 5 – 8pm: Virginia Zoo Gift Shop Open
  • 5:30- 6pm: Vet Chat Meet & Greet with new vet, Dr. Arin, at the Animal Wellness Campus
  • 5:30 – 8pm: Behind-the-Scenes Open House
  • 6 – 8pm: Diet Kitchen Chats
    • Each Chat has the capacity for 20 guests.
    • Chats will run every 30 minutes.
    • Sign up at the Diet Kitchen Biofact Table at the Restaurant Garden Bed.
  • FREE Bounce House Access
  • Receive a Member-Exclusive Red Panda Trading Card
  • Spinning & Weaving Demos with the Coastal Virginia Weavers
  • Animal Art Silent Auction ($) in the Event Pavilion
  • Submit your memories table
    • Share your Virginia Zoo memories with us for a chance to be featured in our 125th anniversary time capsule.
  • Community Organizations:
  • Virginia Zoo Gift Shop ($)
    • 25% off for 25 on the 25th
  • Fairy Hair by The Fairy Hair Company ($)
  • Face Painting by Artfully Yours Face Painting ($)

Food & Drinks (extra cost)

  • 5 – 7:45pm: African Village Restaurant open
    • 25% off full menu for 25 on the 25th
    • Free water station
  • 5 – 7:45pm: Mini Melts open

Event Reminders

  • As an outdoor venue, events are rain or shine unless otherwise indicated. If any changes are made, an announcement via an email to our members and/or ticket holders and on the Virginia Zoo social media channels will be issued prior 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 attending, you agree to abide by the Virginia Zoo’s Rules & Policies.