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DonateStroll Through the Outback
The Virginia Zoo is excited to announce the opening of the Australia Walkabout. This newly renovated exhibit features a visitor path through the habitat giving Zoo visitors an immersion experience and an up close encounter with Australian animals.
Come face-to-face with animals of the Outback, including Bennett’s wallabies, emu and Eastern and Western kangaroo. “We are excited to bring this addition to the Zoo, says, Greg Bockheim, Executive Director. “Guests visiting the walkabout can get very close to these Australian animals and experience these animals from the land down under in a new and close up way.”
This renovation was funded by the Norfolk Southern Express zoo train that more than 145,000 visitors ride annually. Proceeds from the Zoo train, fund cutting-edge exhibits and bring additional animals to the Zoo.
For more than 100 years, the Virginia Zoo has shown a commitment to animals while educating visitors of the breadth and diversity of plants and animals, the Australian Walkabout will add a dynamic and interactive exhibit to the Virginia Zoo. This experience offers visitors a ground level view into the land down under.
About Bennett’s Wallabies
A smaller member of the kangaroo family, these gentle marsupials average between 2-3 feet tall. Bennett’s wallabies have hind limbs that are larger and stronger than the forelimbs with long, thick tails that aid in balancing. These wallabies offer an opportunity to expand the genetic material in the US captive wallaby population.
About Eastern and Western Kangaroo
Grey kangaroos are predominantly a grazing animal that eats mainly shrubs and grass. They are grey-brown in color featuring a small head with large ears and powerful hind legs. The Zoo houses both Eastern Grey kangaroos and Western Grey kangaroos.
About Emu
Emu are the largest birds native to Australia. These large birds live on the grassy plains and open forests feeding on a variety of plants and insects. They can travel long distances at a fast trot and can sprint at 30 miles per hour. They are known to be good swimmers.