For 125 years, the Virginia Zoo has been a cornerstone of the Hampton Roads community – a place where generations of families and friends have come together to explore the natural world, learn about conservation, and create lasting memories. Now, we’re celebrating the incredible journey that brought us here, and the people who made it possible – YOU!
Join us on August 29 from 9:30 am to 4 pm for the Virginia Zoo’s 125th Anniversary Celebration, a day filled with unforgettable animal experiences, family fun, and special moments honoring this once‑in‑a‑lifetime milestone.
Whether you’re rekindling your childhood love of the Zoo or visiting for the very first time, this celebration is for you. Join Zoo friends, past and present, as we mark 125 years of connection, conservation and community.
Event is free with general admission or Zoo membership.
Find out more on the Virginia Zoo Website! https://virginiazoo.org/event/125th-anniversary-event/
Activities
MORE INFO COMING SOON
- Animal Enrichment Schedule – Subject to change
- 9:30am: Animal Ambassador Greeters
- 9:45am: Orangutan Enrichment (outdoor habitat)
- 9:45am: World of Reptiles Enrichment
- 10am: Animal Ambassador Encounter
- 10:30am: African Lion Enrichment
- 10:30am: White-faced Saki Keeper Chat
- 11am: Animal Ambassador Presentation
- 11:15am: Animal Ambassador Encounter
- 11:30am: Orangutan Enrichment (indoor day room)
- 11:30am: Masai Giraffe Keeper Chat
- 12pm: Animal Ambassador Encounter
- 12:30pm: Rhinoceros Hornbill Enrichment
- 12:30pm: Malayan Tapir Keeper Chat
- 12:45pm: Animal Ambassador Encounter
- 1pm: ZooLive! Stage Show featuring mystery Animal Ambassadors
- 1:30pm: Cow Enrichment
- 1:30pm: Masai Giraffe Keeper Chat
- 2:30pm: Aldabra Tortoise Enrichment
- 2:30pm: Southern Cassowary Keeper Chat
- 2:45pm: Animal Ambassador Encounter
- 3pm: ZooLive! Stage Show featuring mystery Animal Ambassadors
- 3:30pm: Animal Ambassador Encounter
- 3:30pm: African Lion Enrichment
- 3:30pm: Asiatic Black Bear Enrichment
- Educator Chats
- 10am: Historical Educator Chat
- Look into the past 125 years of Virginia Zoo history!
- 1:30pm: Future Educator Chat
- Learn about the future of conservation at the Virginia Zoo!
- 10am: Historical Educator Chat
- 12 – 4pm: FREE beer samples from Elation Brewing
- Bounce houses
- DJ: Astro Event Company
- 10am – 2pm: Photos with Tango the Tiger, Virginia Zoo mascot
- 9:30am – 2:30pm: Conservation Organizations
- Action for Cheetahs
- Elizabeth River Trail
- International Rhino Foundation
- 9:30am – 2:30pm: Community Partners
- Chrysler Museum
- Cinema Cafe
- Dogtopia – Ghent
- MOCA
- Nauticus
- Norfolk Animal Care Center
- Norfolk Botanical Garden
- Norfolk Public Library
- SevenVenues
- Tidewater Compost
- The Up Center
- Virginia Aquarium
- Virginia Opera
- Visit Norfolk
Available for an additional cost ($):
- Animal Art & Enrichment Silent Auction in the Event Pavilion
- Fairy Hair from The Fairy Hair Company & Tinseltown 757
- Face Painting by Artfully Yours Face Painting & Emily’s Fun Faces
- Live Portraits from RUBYSTARART
- Virginia Zoo Gift Shop will be open from 9am to 4pm.
- 25% discount available to Members only.
- 12.5% discount available for Non-Members.
Food & Drink ($)
MORE INFO COMING SOON
- Food Trucks ($)
- Glazed & Infuzed
- From 8:30-9:30am, Members can receive 10% off their purchase as an exclusive Member Morning discount.
- Munchies & Such
- DC Smoothies
- Deutscher Imbiss
- Glazed & Infuzed
- African Village Restaurant will be open from 10am to 4pm.
- Spiked Icees – $10
- Regular Icees – $3.50
- Beastro will be open from 10:30am to 3:30pm.
- Mini Melts will be open from 10:30am to 4pm.
Event Reminders
- Tickets are non-refundable. All sales are final. Should a ticket holder be unable to attend the event, the purchase will be considered a donation.
- As an outdoor venue, events are rain or shine unless otherwise indicated. Event updates will be shared via the Virginia Zoo website, email, and, social media channels whenever possible prior to the event.
- The Zoo is a smoke-free facility; no smoking is allowed inside the Zoo. This also includes e-cigarettes and vaping. Inability to follow this rule will result in dismissal from Zoo grounds without a refund.
- By purchasing an event ticket, you agree to abide by the Virginia Zoo’s Rules & Policies.