NOVA Wild photo
ZooVirginia, US

NOVA Wild

NOVA Wild, nestled in Reston, Virginia, provides an unforgettable journey into the animal kingdom across its 30-acre expanse.

About

NOVA Wild, nestled in Reston, Virginia, provides an unforgettable journey into the animal kingdom across its 30-acre expanse. This unique zoological park combines the thrill of a self-drive-through safari with an engaging walking tour, allowing visitors to connect with over 40 diverse species and hundreds of individual animals from around the globe.The park offers a truly interactive experience, allowing guests to feed many of the animals from the comfort of their vehicles during the safari, where zebras, bison, llamas, and Watusi often approach with curiosity. Beyond the safari, the walk-through areas feature a variety of captivating creatures, from the lightning-fast cheetahs to the endearing capybaras, playful kangaroos, and the fascinating two-toed sloths. For those seeking even closer encounters, NOVA Wild offers exclusive experiences where you can interact directly with baby capybaras, sloths, and even baby kangaroos alongside a zookeeper.NOVA Wild stands out for its commitment to animal welfare, education, and conservation, making it more than just an attraction; it's a place to learn and foster respect for wildlife. With its blend of immersive experiences, from hand-feeding a llama to observing critically endangered species like the cheetah, it's a compelling destination for families and animal enthusiasts eager for a more personal connection with nature. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.

The site now known as NOVA Wild has a storied history, dating back to 1975 when it first opened as Pet-A-Pet Farm. Over the decades, it underwent several transformations, becoming Pet Farm Park in 1980, then Reston Animal Park in 1993, and later Roer's Zoofari. The venue faced significant controversies under previous ownership, including animal cruelty charges and a tragic barn fire in 2021 that resulted in the loss of two giraffes.In a pivotal moment for the facility, local entrepreneur Tara Campbell Lussier purchased the property in December 2022. Reopening as NOVA Wild in the spring of 2023, Lussier and her team embarked on a mission to revitalize the zoo, focusing on strong animal welfare standards, educational programming, and conservation efforts. This new era aims to distance the park from its past, creating a modern and ethical environment for both animals and visitors.

Seasonal info

The Wild Wings Butterfly Observatory operates from May until the Fall. While NOVA Wild is open year-round, some sections might be closed during colder months, and animal activity can vary with weather. Rainy days can still be enjoyable, but wear appropriate footwear.

Accessibility

The Wild Wings Butterfly Pavilion is wheelchair accessible. However, some animal encounter spaces are not ADA-compliant. The NOVA Wild website includes accessibility tools to enhance user experience.

Don't miss

1

Drive-Through Safari

An immersive experience where animals like zebras, bison, and llamas approach your vehicle for hand-feeding.

2

NOVA Wild Encounters

Unique, semi-private opportunities to interact closely with animals such as baby capybaras, two-toed sloths, baby kangaroos, or anteaters.

3

Wild Wings Butterfly Observatory

A seasonal (May to Fall) exhibit featuring hundreds of free-flying butterflies (additional ticket required).

4

Cheetah Habitat

Get a close look at these incredible big cats.

Wildlife you might spot

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Good to know before you go

Purchase feed buckets

Buying animal feed buckets is highly recommended as it unlocks the most interactive experiences, especially during the drive-through safari.

Buy tickets online

Save time and money by purchasing your general admission tickets and encounters online in advance.

Do the walk-through first, then the safari: Many visitors recommend doing the walk-through exhibits first and then the drive-through safari. This allows for a clean exit after the safari, avoiding backtracking with tired kids.

Allocate feed strategically

Don't use all your feed at the beginning of the safari. Save some for animals further along the route, as they might be less fed.

Wear closed-toed shoes

Especially for animal encounters, closed-toed shoes are often required for safety.

Check seasonal exhibits

The Wild Wings Butterfly Observatory is seasonal, typically open from May to Fall, so check its availability if you plan to visit.

Frequently asked questions

NOVA Wild offers several unique animal encounters, including opportunities to meet two-toed sloths, baby capybaras, baby kangaroos, and anteaters. These experiences allow for close interaction with a zookeeper present to provide information and answer questions. General zoo admission tickets are required in addition to the encounter fee, and capacity is limited to ensure an intimate experience.
Yes, visitors can feed animals at NOVA Wild, which is a major highlight of the experience. During the self-drive-through safari, you can purchase food buckets and feed animals like llamas, zebras, and bison directly from your car. There are also opportunities to feed certain animals in the walk-through section, and staff provides guidance on which animals can be fed.
NOVA Wild has a long history under various names, including Pet-A-Pet Farm, Reston Animal Park, and Roer's Zoofari. It was acquired by Tara Campbell Lussier in December 2022 and rebranded as NOVA Wild, reopening in spring 2023. The new management is dedicated to improving animal welfare, offering educational programs, and focusing on conservation, addressing past controversies associated with the site.

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