What's At Norfolk Zoo Norfolk Virginia? Plan Your Visit

Norfolk Zoo, officially known as the Virginia Zoo, is a 53-acre zoo located in Norfolk, Virginia, United States. The zoo is home to over 500 animals from around the world, representing more than 100 species. Visitors to the zoo can enjoy a variety of exhibits, educational programs, and activities that promote conservation and wildlife preservation.
Exhibits and Attractions

The Virginia Zoo features a range of exhibits that showcase different ecosystems and animal habitats from around the world. Some of the main exhibits include the Africa exhibit, which features animals such as giraffes, rhinoceroses, and lions; the Asia exhibit, which is home to animals such as tigers, monkeys, and elephants; and the South America exhibit, which features animals such as jaguars, anacondas, and toucans.
Other exhibits at the zoo include the Okavango Delta exhibit, which features animals such as crocodiles, hippos, and otters; the World of Reptiles exhibit, which showcases a variety of snakes, lizards, and turtles; and the Virginia Native Species exhibit, which features animals such as black bears, bobcats, and white-tailed deer.
Animal Encounters and Shows
The Virginia Zoo offers a range of animal encounters and shows that allow visitors to get up close and personal with the animals. Some of the animal encounters include the Giraffe Feeding Platform, where visitors can feed and interact with the zoo’s giraffes; the Lion Encounter, where visitors can observe the zoo’s lions and learn about their behavior and habitat; and the Sea Lion Show, where visitors can watch the zoo’s sea lions perform tricks and stunts.
The zoo also offers a range of educational programs and activities, including zoo camps for children, animal encounters for adults, and conservation lectures that focus on topics such as wildlife conservation and sustainability.
Exhibit | Animals Featured |
---|---|
Africa | Giraffes, Rhinoceroses, Lions |
Asia | Tigers, Monkeys, Elephants |
South America | Jaguars, Anacondas, Toucans |
Okavango Delta | Crocodiles, Hippos, Otters |
World of Reptiles | Snakes, Lizards, Turtles |
Virginia Native Species | Black Bears, Bobcats, White-tailed Deer |

Plan Your Visit

Visitors to the Virginia Zoo can plan their visit by checking the zoo’s website for hours of operation, ticket prices, and special events. The zoo is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with extended hours during the summer months. Ticket prices vary depending on age and residency, with discounts available for members, military personnel, and groups.
Visitors can also plan their day by checking the zoo’s schedule of animal encounters and shows, as well as the zoo’s map and guide, which provides information on exhibits, amenities, and services. The zoo offers a range of amenities, including a gift shop, a cafe, and a playground for children.
Special Events and Programs
The Virginia Zoo offers a range of special events and programs throughout the year, including Zoo Lights, a holiday lights display that features thousands of lights and decorations; Zoo Boo, a Halloween-themed event that features costume contests, trick-or-treating, and animal encounters; and World Wildlife Day, a celebration of wildlife conservation and preservation that features animal encounters, educational programs, and activities.
The zoo also offers a range of programs and activities for children, including zoo camps, scout programs, and birthday parties. These programs provide children with a fun and educational experience, and promote learning and conservation.
- Zoo Lights: a holiday lights display that features thousands of lights and decorations
- Zoo Boo: a Halloween-themed event that features costume contests, trick-or-treating, and animal encounters
- World Wildlife Day: a celebration of wildlife conservation and preservation that features animal encounters, educational programs, and activities
- Zoo camps: a summer camp program that provides children with a fun and educational experience
- Scout programs: a program that provides scouts with a fun and educational experience, and promotes learning and conservation
- Birthday parties: a program that provides children with a fun and educational experience, and promotes learning and conservation
What are the zoo’s hours of operation?
+The Virginia Zoo is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with extended hours during the summer months.
How much do tickets cost?
+Ticket prices vary depending on age and residency, with discounts available for members, military personnel, and groups.
What special events and programs does the zoo offer?
+The Virginia Zoo offers a range of special events and programs throughout the year, including Zoo Lights, Zoo Boo, and World Wildlife Day.