The Monarch Mile

This fall, monarch butterflies are traveling up to 3,000 miles on their journey south to their overwintering grounds in Mexico. All ages are invited to join us as we walk and run on a course around the Zoo to support monarch conservation!

Map:

*1st lap (red) + 2nd lap (blue) = 1 mile. Participants are not required to finish full course if they do not wish to.

Schedule:

• 8:00am – Doors Open
• 8:00am – 8:30am – Animal Ambassador Greeter in the Fountain Plaza
• 8:30am – Welcome Presentation in the Event Pavilion
• 8:45am – Walk/Run Begins!
• 9:00am – Browse Party in the Event Pavilion
• 9:30am – Event Ends & Zoo Opens! (Make sure to report your distance! It all adds up to help us meet our goal!)

Activities:

• Adopt an Insect Coloring Pages in the Event Pavilion
• Community Science Table in the Event Pavilion
• Pollinator Cart (Learn about monarchs & more!) by the Pollinator Garden across from Asia: Trail of the Tiger
• Tango the Tiger – Virginia Zoo Mascot
• Please note, animal trails will not be accessible until the Zoo opens at 9:30am.

Price:

🦋 $5 for members*

🦋 $10 for non-members*

🦋 FREE if you join the Virginia Zoo team for Miles for Monarchs challenge. Go to https://milesformonarchs.com to register and be sure to enter “Virginia Zoo” as your team.

*Price includes entry to the Zoo for the day. Please note, animal trails will not be accessible until the Zoo opens at 9:30am. Event is rain or shine.

Food and Drinks (extra cost):

• Glazed & Infused Food Truck (available in the Fountain Plaza for duration of the event.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Can I purchase my ticket at the event?
  • Yes! Cash or credit payments will be accepted at the entry Ticket Booths
• What if it rains?
  • This event is rain or shine. We encourage you to bring your rain gear and enjoy jumping in the puddles!
• What activities are included with my ticket purchase & event entry?
  • Participation in the Monarch Mile run/walk, Animal Ambassador Greeter (see times under “Schedule”), Browse Party, Educational activities (see listed under “Activities”), and full Zoo access starting at 9:30am.
• What activities are available for an additional cost?
  • Glazed & Infused Food Truck in the Fountain Plaza will have food & beverage items for purchase.

Limited number of tickets available. 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. 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.