Virginia Zoo Virginia Zoo news 2025

 
Other Early 2025 News Not Mentioned:
On January 9th, the zoo announced they acquired (0.3) Huacaya alpacas named Eleana, Moonsinger, and Myrcella which are on exhibit.

The Virginia Zoo

On March 21st, the zoo announced they acquired a (0.1) northern tree shrew named Gherkin which is on display inside ZooFarm's Yellow Barn building.

4.8K views · 82 reactions | When you start checking out your new man's digs This is kind of a big dill.. Welcome our new female Northern tree shrew, Gherkin! She is 4 years old... | By The Virginia Zoo | Facebook

On May 23rd, the zoo announced they acquired (10.2) eastern box turtles and 2 common musk turtles from Wildlife Center of Virginia in Virginia which are now on display in the Turtle Oasis exhibit as well as in the Reptile House.

The Virginia Zoo
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On May 27th, the zoo announced that a tawny frogmouth hatched on March 9th which is now on display in Asia: Trail of the Tiger's Chinese hwamei aviary.

* Also not specifically 2025 news, but in late November 2024 the zoo acquired (0.2) mini cows named Savannah and Tess, and a (0.1) toco toucan named Tamera in late December 2024 which is an animal ambassador. Also in late December 2024 the zoo moved their (0.1) American bison named Lily to a new exhibit in the Floral Point area to start construction on the new EdVenture & Exploration Campus.
 
On June 7th, the zoo announced they moved their alpacas into the Floral Point area near the American bison.

The Virginia Zoo

On June 12th, the zoo announced they acquired 2 shingleback skinks named Bandit and Chili which are now on display in World of Reptiles.

The Virginia Zoo

On June 18th, it was announced that the zoo transferred a (1.0) southern white rhino named Mosi to Cameron Park Zoo in Texas on May 20th.

Cameron Park Zoo
 
I have a pair of questions for any Virginia Zoo regulars/recent visitors. I am thinking about visiting this zoo in the coming weeks, but need some clarification on a few things.

1. Their website currently mentions that some construction is being carried out at "select, small areas" around the zoo and this may entail pathway closures and animals being moved off-exhibit temporarily. This warning has persisted for at least 3 weeks, and the zoo has not provided any further details. Can anyone provide some insight on the scope and impacts of this construction? I would like to time my visit when impacts are either minimal or are no longer applicable.

2. Also, is the Conservatory at the World of Reptiles and Friends exhibit open? And is there anything currently living in it? Are the mammals still off-exhibit?
 
Astrotom3000 said:
I have a pair of questions for any Virginia Zoo regulars/recent visitors. I am thinking about visiting this zoo in the coming weeks, but need some clarification on a few things.

1. Their website currently mentions that some construction is being carried out at "select, small areas" around the zoo and this may entail pathway closures and animals being moved off-exhibit temporarily. This warning has persisted for at least 3 weeks, and the zoo has not provided any further details. Can anyone provide some insight on the scope and impacts of this construction? I would like to time my visit when impacts are either minimal or are no longer applicable.

2. Also, is the Conservatory at the World of Reptiles and Friends exhibit open? And is there anything currently living in it? Are the mammals still off-exhibit?
Click to expand...
My only recent visit might not be recent enough to be totally useful (July 7), but just in case you don’t get any more up-to-date answers:

1. During my visit, the only portion that was closed off was one end of the Africa loop, with the only species not viewable as a result being meerkats and Aldabra tortoises. Given that this is a relatively small area, I’d assume that they’ve moved whatever maintenance or construction onto another area by now, but maybe it’s still just that one area and you’d only be missing out on those two very common species.

2. The Conservatory was open, but no mammals were inside. The only two species on exhibit there were crested and green oropendolas.
 
A southern three-banded armadillo pup was born on August 31st.
The Virginia Zoo on Instagram: "Oh baby! We're excited to share another new born at the Zoo! The Virginia Zoo is thrilled to share the birth of a southern three-banded armadillo pup! The pup was born on August 31st to parents Izel (F) and Vigo (M). Izel and Vigo are a recommended breeding pair by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Southern Three-banded Armadillo Species Survival Plan (SSP), and this is their second successful birth as a pair. To minimize disruption of bonding between Izel and her new pup, their keepers monitor growth and development with daily visual checks and weekly weigh-ins. At just 9 days after birth, the pup weighed 135.5 grams and their most recent weight taken on October 6 was 422 grams, averaging about 70 grams of growth per week! The sex of the pup has not yet been confirmed, as keepers only handle the pup once a week to weigh them. Southern three-banded armadillos are also the only species of armadillo that can completely curl up into a ball, and keepers cannot visually assess their reproductive anatomy when they are curled up. Their sex won’t be determined definitively until the pup is more developed and begins reaching maturity. The Virginia Zoo’s southern three-banded armadillos are Animal Ambassadors and live behind the scenes. Animal Ambassadors are specially trained to be comfortable around crowds, as they attend special events and education programs as up-close representatives of their wild counterparts. Consequently, the pup will not be visible to the public unless they undergo specialized Animal Ambassador training in accordance with the best practices for animal wellbeing created by the Southern Three-banded Armadillo SSP. The Zoo is overjoyed to share this SSP success story and will continue to provide updates from our animal care team on our social media channels! Visit the press release link in our bio to learn more about this exciting birth."
 
Male siamang "Bali" died aged 21 years on October 31.
The Virginia Zoo on Instagram: "It is with a heavy heart that we share the unexpected passing of our adult male siamang, Bali (21), on Friday, October 31. Bali underwent an emergency veterinary examination on Thursday, October 30, after a rapid decline in his energy and activity levels. Sadly, despite our team’s dedicated efforts, Bali passed away overnight. Our Veterinary team has performed a necropsy, and we are currently awaiting histopathology results, which could provide further insights into the underlying cause of his death. Bali was born in England at Howletts Wild Animal Park in 2004 and has been with the Virginia Zoo since 2010. He is survived by four offspring, Lola (13F) and Guntur (11M), had with his previous mate, as well as Lovejoy (3M) and Finn (1M), had with his current mate, Malana (37F). Lovejoy, Finn, and Malana still reside at the Virginia Zoo on the Asia: Trail of the Tiger. Keepers say that Bali was a patient, protective, and energetic father; he often engaged in playtime with his offspring. He was also an attentive mate to Malana and spent a portion of every day grooming her. The team said they will miss how Bali always appeared eager to participate in their training sessions. Siamangs live in family groups consisting of an adult breeding pair and two to three of their shared offspring. Families forage together as a unit and are known for fiercely defending their territory with their songs. Consequently, our siamangs may not be visible in their day room for an indeterminate amount of time while they are given access to their behind-the-scenes area, so their care team can continue observing the group’s adjustment to their new social dynamic. Bali will be deeply missed by the Zoo team and guests alike. Please keep our Asia: Trail of the Tiger keepers and Veterinary team in your thoughts as they process this difficult loss; the Virginia Zoo appreciates the support of our community at this time."
 
Arrival of 1.0 Eastern Bongo called MASIKO.
The Virginia Zoo on Instagram: "We've got excited news to share... Welcome our new male eastern mountain bongo, Masiko! He is 6 years old and weighs about 830 lbs, which is over 300 lbs more than our females. He comes to us from another AZA-accredited facility on a Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding recommendation for our females, Clover and Charlie. It is easy to tell him apart from the girls because he is larger, darker, and his right horn curves inwards. Masiko was not visible to the pubic at his previous facility, so he is currently adjusting to his new space and to seeing unfamiliar people! For now, Masiko can be seen early in the morning by himself. Once he is more comfortable at our Zoo, we will begin introducing him to the girls, so they can all be out on habitat together! Masiko is a little shy, so please be patient as he adjusts to his new home. We can't wait for you all to meet him when he is more comfortable and confident!"
 
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