World Farm Animal Day

Sunday, October 2, 2016 is World Farm Animal Day! The Virginia Zoo is happy to be celebrating all of its domestic and non-domestic farm animals with a day of fun for both animals and humans alike!

World Farm Animal Day is a “pig deal” for the Zoo this year, as our ZooFarm opened to the public just a few months ago! The ZooFarm houses more than a dozen species of animals such as KuneKune pigs, Nigerian Dwarf goats, alpacas, Dexter cattle, Southdown Babydoll sheep, a zebu, prairie dogs, porcupines, small rodents and many others!

The gang will be out roaming their yards all day, but visitors can celebrate the farm animals by joining in on the festivities from 11 am to 2 pm.

There will be a Keeper chat at Noon at the Dexter cattle pen. Zoo Crew members will also be available to walk and talk with visitors about the history and heritage of the farm animals.

Interactive ZooFarm carts will allow guests to make crafts to take home as souvenirs, as well as help make enrichment for the animals to play with throughout the day. The goat yard will also be open all day to get in the last of your petting and brushing, since the goats will be leaving at the end of the season.

These animals are so cute, you’ll most likely want to take one home…And our Zoodoptions program allows you to do just that! Becoming a “Zoo Parent” contributes to the Virginia Zoo Keeper Fund, which buys treats, toys and supplies for the Zoo’s more than 500 animals, and also provides specialized training for their zookeepers. For just $35, you’ll receive a personalized certificate, a photo of your animal, a fact sheet and one of four different plush animals! It’s a great way to become more connected with your favorite ZooFarm animal! For more information or to become a “Zoo Parent”, please visit https://virginiazoo.org/get-involved/support-the-zoo/zoodoption-form/.

With a small, generous donation, you can also receive one of five different conservation buttons to remember the day by. Proceeds benefit the Virginia Zoo’s Conservation and Research Fund.

We look forward to seeing you at the Zoo to celebrate World Farm Animal Day this Sunday!

The Virginia Zoo is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. For more information, please visit www.virginiazoo.org.

« »