The Virginia Zoo is a family-friendly environment where everyone deserves to have a great experience. To make the most of your visit, and to ensure the same experience for others, please keep a few rules in mind as you enjoy the Zoo.

Specific rules may apply to individual attractions or activities in the Zoo.

  • Proper attire, including shirts and shoes, must be worn at all times while on Zoo property. 
    • The Virginia Zoo reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the safe, family-friendly experience of other guests. Attire that is not appropriate includes but is not limited to:
      • Costume masks worn by guests 12 years of age or older
      • Clothing and/or exposed tattoos with obscene language or graphics
      • Clothing which exposes excessive portions of the body that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment
      • Guests 12 years of age or older must wear shirts and shorts/pants while in the Splash Fountain.
  • Guests are expected to adhere to the Virginia Zoo’s Animal Safety Rules (see below).
  • Guests are expected to follow the Guest Code of Conduct.
  • Pets are not permitted in the Zoo with the exception of service animals. The Virginia Zoo welcome guests with disabilities who are accompanied by a trained service dog, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under the ADA, “a service animal is a dog that has been individually trained to work or perform tasks for assisting a person with a disability.” Service dogs are working animals, not pets. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. Due to the nature of some Zoo areas, service animals may not be permitted in some areas. Click here for the service animal policy.
  • Guests ages 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old when visiting the Zoo. The chaperone must accompany their party at entry, remain inside the park during their visit and be available by phone throughout their stay.
  • Guests aged 15 years or younger who are found inside the park unaccompanied by a chaperone who is not in the park and available by phone will be subject to ejection without refund.
  • If you see items or behaviors on grounds that you think are questionable, please speak up! Alert any Zoo staff member or call Security at 757-419-0250.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

  • Alcoholic beverages brought from outside the Zoo
  • Any food or beverages brought from outside the Zoo, except for refillable water bottles
  • Balloons
  • Balls (footballs, soccer balls, baseballs or other recreational balls) or frisbees
  • Drones
  • Fireworks or explosives
  • Glass containers
  • Lawn chairs and folding chairs
  • Non-motorized scooters, bicycles/tricycles, skateboards, skates, shoes with built-in wheels or something similar
  • Weapons, except as permitted by law

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

  • Violation of any City, County, State or Federal law. Possession, use, or selling of illegal drugs. The Virginia Zoo is a drug-free environment.
  • Soliciting on Zoo property.
  • Engaging in any unsafe act or other act that may result in injury to self or others or impede the operations of the Zoo. 
  • Smoking of any kind, including e-cigarettes and other products that produce a vapor or smoke; these are prohibited on Zoo grounds.
  • Operation or use of any unmanned aerial vehicle on, from, or above the Virginia Zoo’s premises without specific written consent; this includes all UAVs, also commonly known as drones, regardless of their size, weight, or purpose.
  • Amplified music is prohibited without written authorization from the Virginia Zoo. As a courtesy to others, guests must use headphones, ear buds, etc., when listening to music.

ANIMAL SAFETY

For the safety of the animals and our guests, the following actions are prohibited:

  • Intentionally aggravate or endanger animals in any way, including tapping on habitat glass or shouting at or around animals.
  • Feed animals unless on an authorized Virginia Zoo program or experience which permits feeding.
  • Throw items at animals or into animal habitats.
  • Injure Zoo animals or native wildlife on Zoo property.
  • Enter any animal habitat or non-public area unless on an authorized Virginia Zoo program or experience.
  • Cross any animal exhibit barrier for any reason.
  • Enter any non-public area unless authorized by The Virginia Zoo.
  • Should you accidentally drop a personal item into an animal area, please alert the nearest Zoo staff member or Volunteer, or visit our Membership Office for assistance. Do not attempt to retrieve any items yourself or assist others in retrieving items. If the item is retrievable, Zoo staff will bring it to the Membership Office at the end of daily operations.

VIRGINIA ZOO RIGHTS

For the security and safety of The Virginia Zoo’s team members, guests, animals and property, The Virginia Zoo has video recording in progress and Security onsite 24 hours a day.

  • The Virginia Zoo is following all governmental and public health guidelines and is implementing additional measures and protocols to promote a safe environment as it relates to COVID-19. These protocols do not, however, constitute a guarantee. All visitors are expected to adhere to current public guidelines for self-care and social distancing at all times throughout the Zoo visit.
  • The Zoo reserves the right to use guests’ images, likeness, and/or sound recordings for the purpose of whatsoever into perpetuity.
  • The Virginia Zoo reserves the right to search/inspect any person, container, purse, bag, or item entering The Virginia Zoo.
  • The Zoo reserves the right to deny admission, or require a person already admitted to leave Zoo grounds, without refund, liability or compensation if we consider that the circumstances so require.