The zoo's 'Trail of the Tiger' exhibit uses an elevated boardwalk system to allow tigers to roam over visitor pathways.
The facility features a dedicated train that loops through the park, providing a vantage point for viewing exhibits without walking the full perimeter.
It is home to a functioning veterinary hospital where guests can observe medical procedures through a viewing window.
The 'ZooLive!' show features various animal ambassadors, including raptors and reptiles, for educational presentations.
The zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan for several animals, including the lion-tailed macaque.
The landscaping includes a butterfly garden designed to support native pollinator species.
The Virginia Zoo is a 53-acre facility located in Norfolk that houses over 700 animals representing species from around the globe. The grounds are divided into themed zones, including the Africa-Okavango Delta, Asia-Trail of the Tiger, and North American habitats. It features a dedicated Animal Wellness Campus where veterinary care and conservation efforts are visible to the public. The zoo operates as an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Notable exhibits include the African Savanna, which allows giraffes and zebras to share a large, simulated ecosystem. Educational programming is provided through various interactive keeper talks and seasonal discovery stations. The site is situated along the Lafayette River, providing a blend of zoological exhibits and natural riverside landscaping. It maintains a strong focus on endangered species breeding programs, including the Malayan tiger.
The elevated boardwalk in the Trail of the Tiger area offers unique overhead photography angles.
Download the digital zoo map beforehand to track daily feeding schedules and keeper talk locations.
Visit the 'Trail of the Tiger' early in the morning when the big cats are most active before the heat of the day sets in.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes as the park covers over 50 acres of varied terrain.
Avoid rushing through the exhibits; the layout is circular, so take time to loop back to enclosures where animals may have been sleeping earlier.
Open daily year-round, except for major winter holidays.
Maintain a quiet demeanor near animal enclosures; do not tap on glass or attempt to feed the animals unauthorized food.
