The zoo sits on the same mountain as the iconic 88-foot-tall Roanoke Star.
It is one of the only zoos in the United States located at an elevation of over 1,700 feet.
The facility participates in the AZA's Species Survival Plan for the endangered Pallas's cat.
The Zoo Choo train track was designed to circle a central pond within the zoo perimeter.
The zoo was established in 1952, originally starting as a small petting zoo.
Mill Mountain Zoo is an AZA-accredited facility located at an elevation of 1,700 feet atop Mill Mountain in Roanoke, Virginia. The zoo focuses on small to medium-sized exotic and native species, housing approximately 30 different species in total. A signature feature is the Zoo Choo, a scale-model train that provides a loop ride around the park grounds. The site serves as a conservation hub, participating in Species Survival Plans for endangered animals like the Pallas's cat and the red panda. Visitors can view animals such as snow leopards, Amur tigers, and various reptiles housed in climate-controlled habitats. The park layout is compact, allowing guests to navigate the entire perimeter on foot efficiently. Educational programs for school groups are a core component of the zoo's mission. The facility operates under the oversight of the Mill Mountain Zoo Foundation.
The observation deck near the snow leopard enclosure offers a clear vantage point of both the animals and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Bring a light jacket as the mountaintop elevation often results in cooler temperatures and higher winds than in the city valley below.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes as the pathways have inclines due to the mountainous terrain.
Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby Roanoke Star overlook for the best valley views.
Do not arrive during severe weather alerts, as the zoo may close due to high winds or icy mountain road conditions.
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day; occasionally closed during extreme winter weather conditions.
Do not feed or tap on the glass enclosures; stay on designated paved paths.
