Can visitors feed animals at the Metro Richmond Zoo?

Yes, animal feeding is one of the most popular activities at the Metro Richmond Zoo! Visitors can purchase "zoo treats" to hand-feed giraffes from an elevated platform, as well as deer, goats, sheep, donkeys, young antelope in the children's farm, and budgie birds in the aviary. For some larger animals, feeding is done via tubes.

What are the main attractions and rides at the Metro Richmond Zoo?

Beyond its extensive animal collection, the Metro Richmond Zoo offers several exciting attractions and rides, including the Safari Sky Ride, which provides aerial views of the park, and the Safari Train Ride, a guided tour through a free-ranging animal enclosure. For thrill-seekers, there's the Penguin Falls Drop and Twist Tower and the Treetop Zoofari zipline and adventure park. Younger visitors can enjoy the Jungle Carousel and playground areas.

Is the Metro Richmond Zoo wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Metro Richmond Zoo is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that guests with mobility challenges can enjoy their visit. Stroller and adult transport chair rentals are available, and key attractions like the Safari Train and Safari Sky Lift are designed to accommodate wheelchair users.

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Metro Richmond Zoo

The Metro Richmond Zoo, nestled in Moseley, Virginia, offers an exciting and immersive journey into the animal kingdom, making it a delightful destination for visitors of all ages.

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About

The Metro Richmond Zoo, nestled in Moseley, Virginia, offers an exciting and immersive journey into the animal kingdom, making it a delightful destination for visitors of all ages. As Virginia's largest zoological park, it spans 150 acres and is home to over 2,000 animals representing more than 190 species from across the globe. What truly sets this privately owned zoo apart is its commitment to interactive experiences, allowing guests to get closer to wildlife than ever before. From hand-feeding towering giraffes to observing a vast and diverse primate collection, the Metro Richmond Zoo creates unforgettable encounters with its animal residents.

A visit to the Metro Richmond Zoo is an adventure filled with discovery and wonder. Guests can embark on the popular Safari Sky Ride, which offers breathtaking aerial views of the park, or hop aboard the Safari Train for a guided tour through a sprawling African savanna habitat where animals roam freely. Beyond the traditional viewing areas, the zoo champions conservation efforts for endangered species, including cheetahs, African penguins, and Diana monkeys, showcasing its dedication to wildlife protection. Many habitats are designed to mimic natural environments, offering spacious homes for animals and exceptional viewing opportunities for visitors, often with just a three-inch glass barrier separating you from magnificent creatures like tigers.

Beyond animal exhibits, the Metro Richmond Zoo provides a range of attractions to enhance the visitor experience. Thrill-seekers can conquer the Treetop Zoofari, a zipline and adventure park located onsite, offering a unique perspective of the zoo from above the tree canopy. Younger guests will delight in the Jungle Carousel, playgrounds, and the chance to feed barnyard animals in the children's farm. With an emphasis on engagement and education, the zoo seamlessly blends entertainment with its vital conservation mission, ensuring every visit is both fun and impactful. Be ready to snap and learn! Get the Snappit app to identify any nature species you find here.

The Metro Richmond Zoo first opened its doors to the public on April 22, 1995, with a more modest collection of 167 animals across 15 species and covering 30 acres. Founded by Jim Andelin, the zoo rapidly grew from his private animal collection into a significant zoological institution. Over the years, it has undergone considerable expansion and development, including the introduction of popular attractions like the Safari Sky Ride in 2003 and the Safari Train Ride in 2008, which expanded the zoo's footprint by 10 acres. The zoo obtained its accreditation from the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) in 2005 and has consistently renewed it, affirming its commitment to high standards in animal welfare, safety, and ethics. By its 30th anniversary in 2025, the Metro Richmond Zoo had grown to encompass 150 acres and housed 2,000 animals of 190 species, solidifying its reputation as a leading center for wildlife care, education, and conservation.

What to do here

Beyond viewing animals, engage in animal feeding (giraffes, barnyard animals, budgie birds), ride the Safari Sky Ride, Safari Train, Penguin Falls Drop Tower, and Jungle Carousel, or tackle the Treetop Zoofari zipline adventure. Don't miss the free-roaming Indian peafowl.

Seasonal info

Spring/Summer: Expect more active animals and possibly baby animals (especially in June). Warmer weather is ideal for water features and the Treetop Zoofari. Summer Safari day camps are offered for children. Fall/Winter: Cooler temperatures can mean some animals (like giraffes and rhinos) are off exhibit if it's too cold. However, fewer crowds might make for a more intimate experience. The "Miracle of Christmas – Live at the Zoo" is a popular annual holiday event.

Accessibility

The zoo is wheelchair accessible. Stroller and adult transport chair rentals are available. The Safari Train and Safari Sky Lift are equipped to accommodate wheelchair users.

Don't miss

Giraffe Feeding

A signature experience where visitors can hand-feed reticulated and Masai giraffes from an elevated platform.

African Penguin Exhibit

Home to a lively colony of African penguins, including "ET," the world's oldest African penguin, with daily feeding programs.

Safari Sky Ride & Safari Train

These rides provide unique perspectives of various animal habitats, including the African savanna with free-ranging animals.

Primate Collection

One of the largest in the United States, featuring Sulawesi macaques, Diana monkeys, orangutans, and various lemurs.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

African Lion

Ostrich

Cheetahs

Snow Leopard

Llama

Serval

Raccoon

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive early

The zoo can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving shortly after opening allows for smaller crowds and more active animals.

Bring your own food

Outside food and coolers are permitted, making it easy to pack a picnic and save on food costs. There are many picnic areas available.

Purchase "zoo treats"

Enhance your experience by buying special treats to feed the giraffes, barnyard animals, and budgies. Bringing small bills or cash might be easier for these purchases.

Wear comfortable shoes

The zoo covers 150 acres, so there will be a good amount of walking. The parking lot has mixed gravel and concrete, which can be challenging for umbrella strollers.

Consider the Treetop Zoofari

If you're looking for an extra adventure, plan for the zipline and aerial adventure park, which is separately ticketed but offers a unique view of the zoo.

Check the weather

Some animals, like giraffes and rhinos, may be off exhibit if the temperature drops below 45°F, so check the forecast for optimal viewing.

Frequently asked questions

: Yes, animal feeding is one of the most popular activities at the Metro Richmond Zoo! Visitors can purchase "zoo treats" to hand-feed giraffes from an elevated platform, as well as deer, goats, sheep, donkeys, young antelope in the children's farm, and budgie birds in the aviary. For some larger animals, feeding is done via tubes.
: Beyond its extensive animal collection, the Metro Richmond Zoo offers several exciting attractions and rides, including the Safari Sky Ride, which provides aerial views of the park, and the Safari Train Ride, a guided tour through a free-ranging animal enclosure. For thrill-seekers, there's the Penguin Falls Drop and Twist Tower and the Treetop Zoofari zipline and adventure park. Younger visitors can enjoy the Jungle Carousel and playground areas.
: Yes, the Metro Richmond Zoo is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that guests with mobility challenges can enjoy their visit. Stroller and adult transport chair rentals are available, and key attractions like the Safari Train and Safari Sky Lift are designed to accommodate wheelchair users.