September 20 @ 8:00 am – 9:30 am EDT

Can YOU go the distance for monarch butterfly conservation? Every spring, monarch butterflies east of the Rocky Mountains migrate from Mexico to their summer breeding grounds in the United States and Canada. In the fall, they journey nearly 3,000 miles back down south to weather the winter. This migration is becoming increasingly difficult due to habitat loss, increased pesticide use, climate change, and other factors. 

Join the Virginia Zoo and the Tidewater Striders in supporting monarch butterflies by running, walking, or fluttering through the Zoo on (NEW DATE!) Sunday, September 20 before opening! Proceeds go directly to monarch butterfly conservation. Your ticket also includes all day Zoo admission.

Purchase your tickets here!

Activities & Schedule

  • 8 – 8:30am: Animal Ambassador Greeters in Fountain Plaza
  • 9:30am: Animal Trails and Goat Yard Open
  • Receive a Monarch Butterfly Trading Card
  • Submit your memories table
    • Share your Virginia Zoo memories with us for the chance to be featured in our 125th anniversary celebrations!
  • Conservation Engagement Activities:
    • Community Science Table
    • Pollinator Table
    • Insect Coloring Table

Available for an additional cost ($):

  • Virginia Zoo Gift Shop: Butterfly wings available for purchase!
    • Monarch, Blue Morpho, and Swallowtail Butterfly Wings will be available in kid’s sizing.

Food & Drinks ($)

  • Glazed & Infuzed Coffee Truck
  • African Village Restaurant (open 10am – 4pm)
  • Beastro (open 10:30am – 3:30pm)
  • Mini Melts (open 10:30am – 4pm)

💲Ticket Prices💲

Purchase your tickets here!

🦋 $10 ticket for all participants, including Virginia Zoo Members (100% donated to Monarch Conservation)

Event Reminders

By purchasing an event ticket, you agree to abide by the Virginia Zoo’s Rules & Policies.

  • Limited number of tickets available. Advance ticket sales end when sold out (get yours early!). If tickets remain on the day of the event, gate sales may be limited to credit card transactions only.
  • 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.
  • By purchasing an event ticket, you agree to abide by the Virginia Zoo’s Rules & Policies.