Friendly Foliage

Reptile Keepers at the Virginia Zoo are still looking for your unwanted indoor plants to create habitats in the Zoo’s World of Reptiles.

This time of year many people find their houseplants have outgrown their spots in their homes, but the Zoo’s new exhibit, World of Reptiles, which is under construction now may be the perfect new home. Houseplants of all varieties and sizes will help to maintain the healthy environments that many reptiles and amphibians love. They also provide shelter and create visual appeal.

Tropical houseplants, ferns and desert plants, like cactus, will be accepted. The only restriction is that plants must have been cared for in a pesticide-free manner for the animal’s health and safety. The Horticulture Department will be accepting donations for the next few weeks.

The Virginia Zoo has already received more than 40 plants, some of which are usable in the new exhibits, but are open to more donations. Plants can be dropped off daily at the Virginia Zoo’s Gate A, which is located in the back of the main parking lot. The best time for drop off is before Noon.

The World of Reptiles is a $2.6 million renovation to the reptile building constructed in 1974. The new exhibit will include a frog conservation lab, reptile nursery, aquatic gallery with seahorses and an immersive floor-to-ceiling crocodile marsh. For more information, visit virginiazoo.org/worldofreptiles.

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