Virginia ZooFarm Reopens with New Residents

The Virginia Zoo is udderly excited to announce the ZooFarm’s reopening on May 5, 2021. The barnyard boasts a variety of animals from sheep to pigs, big and little cows, cavies, alpaca and birds. Plus, a herd of 11 goats have just arrived for the season and coming to the ZooFarm this summer – a scurry of Prevost’s squirrels. And we couldn’t forget our buzzing buddies over in the red barn – the Zoo’s bees are getting an upgraded hive.

“We are excited to be able to offer more access to our animals and areas at the Zoo,” said Greg Bockheim, Executive Director of the Virginia Zoo. “The animals have missed you and we can’t wait welcome you back,” Bockheim added.

To open the farm doors, the Zoo had to hire additional seasonal staff, install safety signage, add new fences and partitions, provide training to volunteers and arrange transportation of the new animals. To make these exceptional experiences possible, the Zoo is participating in the Give Local 757 initiative to raise $5,000 to help offset some of reopening costs. Farm Friends who rise and shine to the challenge by donating $100 or more will receive a personalized thank you video greeting from a surprise farm animal. Visit virginiazoo.org/event/give-local-757-5/ to support the ZooFarm!

Visitor, staff and animal safety are a highest priority, which is why new protocols will be in place at the ZooFarm. The exhibit is now one-way. Masks will be required be worn at all times for those ages 5+ while in the ZooFarm and hand sanitizer will be required to be used to enter as visitors will be permitted to touch the animals.

The Zoo is open daily 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Advanced reservations are required for all visitors and can be made at virginiazoo.org. Capacity is limited and all staff and visitors ages 5 and up are required to wear face masks upon entry, when indoors, when within 6 feet of others not in your group and in designated “Mask Zones.” Look for these orange signs throughout the Zoo. Masks are recommended on all Trails as there are narrow pathways and close quarters. Please remember to maintain a safe distance from others not in your group at all times.

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