Virginia Beach Site News
Go Wild at the Virginia Zoo!
5 Apr 2007 11:02 AM
If you haven't been to Tidewater's zoological gardens in the last few years, you definitely need to take another walk on the wide side! Following an expansion in 2002 that added eight acres of African-style exhibit to the Virginia Zoo, this has fast become one of the top attractions on the southside. Two years later, a pack of prairie dogs joined the zoo family, and plans are afoot to make room for more four-footed (and two-footed, and even no-footed!) friends.

Located just miles from the downtown area, the Virginia Zoo is situated close to LaFayette Park and the Botanical Gardens, and for the past century has been home to hundreds of exotic mammals, reptiles, and birds. Visitors to the zoo are welcomed to a broad plaza decorated with a large compass floor, leading animal lovers to a fascinating exhibit, no matter which direction is taken. From Siberian tigers to majestic giraffes, skittish ostriches and the elegant zebras, the Virginia Zoo brings the best of the African continent to showcase in a comfortable habitat.

While it's definitely not recommended to mingle too closely with the baboons and caged bald eagles, the zoo offers kids of all ages to connect with more domestic animals in Mother Goose's Barnyard. For a bit of change you can feed the cows and goats and the occasional feathered friend roaming free. For an added thrill, a more closed-in exhibit offers visitors a look at the multi-legged creatures and slithering sneaks that make us all appreciate glass walls all the more!

The Virginia Zoo is open year round, closed only on Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Seasonal hours and admission rates are scheduled to vary, and wheelchair and stroller rentals are available. Group discounts also available. Visit http://www.VirginiaZoo.org for more information and for scheduled events.
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