Virginia Zoo 36.8768° N -76.2771° W

Description

Our school and group programs are great for any group – not just schools! Scouts, homeschool groups, libraries, senior centers, and more can all enjoy these exciting offerings. These programs give participants a memorable, fun, and highly educational way to learn about animals and conservation.

All programs are age-appropriate and complement the Virginia Standards of Learning along with curriculum requirements in North Carolina and for private schools. Scouts can also complete certain badge requirements; ask us for more information!

We share our reservation portal with our school programs. Guests that are reserving a Behind-the-Scenes Tour, don't be alarmed when the site asks for teachers' information and school information.
Teacher = Main Tour Contact | Organization Address = Home Address
Invoice is sent out through PayPay but can be paid over the phone.

Info

3500 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23504

+1 757-441-2374 ext. 229

vazoo.reservations@norfolk.gov

Sun
9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Mon
9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Tues
9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Wed
9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Thur
9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Fri
9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Sat
9:30 am - 4:00 pm

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Subjects
Animals, Science, Ecosystems, Life Sciences, Adaptation, Other, Conservation, My Community, Team Building
Activities
Partnership, Family Programs, Internship, Field Trip, Volunteer Groups, School Based Program, Virtual Field Trip, Scout Programs
Grades
3, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Adult, K, Postsecondary, Preschool
Cost
Accommodations

Learning Experiences

Field Trip

Self-Guided Field Trip

Go at your own pace! Schedule an unguided walk through the Zoo.

Cost: Minimum 10. $9.95/participant plus applicable fees. Title I students can receive a $5 discount on tickets.

Includes: All-day admission to the Zoo for all participants; 1 free adult chaperone for every 10 students.

By submitting a program request, you agree to the Program Policies and Virginia Zoo Policies.

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
200 stu., 1 chap. per 0 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

At the Zoo: World Traveler

During this 30-minute program, your students will join our educators on an imaginative journey around the globe. Participants will meet 4 animal ambassadors from different habitats and discover they survive in the places where they live.
By the end of this program, we hope that participants leave with a greater appreciation for wildlife and the habitats that they live in. This program includes digital learning resources and admission into the Zoo.
Cost:
- Non-Title 1 Schools: $12 per participant/additional chaperone; 1 free adult per 10 students
- Title 1 Schools: $6 per participant/additional chaperone; 1 free adult per 10 students

Minimum Fee: $350
Due to limited indoor space during the winter hours, capacity is 100 max.

Please note, due to the nature of our programs, we can only accommodate the
preapproved number of participants and chaperones in each program. This number will be outlined in your booking invoice. If your invoice needs to be updated, let us know at least 1 business day before your visit. This will also allow our staff to modify your program space to better fit your needs.

By submitting a program request, you agree to the Program Policies and Virginia Zoo Policies.

Subjects Covered

science

Grades
1, 2, preschool
Capacity
200 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

At the Zoo: Zoo Edventure

During this 45-minute program, your group (up to 200 students) will meet 4 different animal ambassadors and learn about the places that they call home. We will discuss what these animals need to survive and what might happen if those basic needs are not met. We will also discuss the physical features and behavioral adaptations that these animals have for surviving in their habitats. By the end of this program, we hope that participants leave with a greater appreciation for wildlife and the habitats that they live in. This program includes digital learning resources and admission into the Zoo.

Cost:
- Non-Title 1 Schools: $12 per participant/additional chaperone; 1 free adult per 10 students
- Title 1 Schools: $6 per participant/additional chaperone; 1 free adult per 10 students

Minimum Fee: $350
Due to limited indoor space during the winter hours, capacity is 100 max.

Please note, due to the nature of our programs, we can only accommodate the
preapproved number of participants and chaperones in each program. This number will be outlined in your booking invoice. If your invoice needs to be updated, let us know at least 1 business day before your visit. This will also allow our staff to modify your program space to better fit your needs.

By submitting a program request, you agree to the Program Policies and Virginia Zoo Policies.

Subjects Covered

science

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, k
Capacity
200 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
45 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Wild Walks: Adaptations

Get ready to explore the zoo like never before! During the 60-minute tour, students will learn more about the places where animals live and the adaptations they have for surviving in those habitats. This booking includes digital learning resources and admission to the Virginia Zoo.
PLEASE ADVISE: All Wild Walks Tours start at 9:30 am. Your group must be at the Virginia Zoo 15 minutes before the start of the program for check-in.
Due to the influx of reservations for our Spring Season here at the Virginia Zoo. Wild Walks will only be held till the end of March for small groups of no more than 20 individuals and will not be open for reservation throughout April into May. Reservations for Wild Walks will open back up for reservations on May 22.

Capacity: 20 individuals
Cost: $12 per participant/additional chaperone; 1 free adult per 10 students
Minimum Fee: $180

Please note, due to the nature of our programs, we can only accommodate the
preapproved number of participants and chaperones in each program. This number will be outlined in your booking invoice. If your invoice needs to be updated, let us know at least 1 business day before your visit. This will also allow our staff to modify your program space to better fit your needs.

By submitting a program request, you agree to the Program Policies and Virginia Zoo Policies.

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k
Capacity
20 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Wild Walks: Animal Groups

Get ready to explore the zoo like never before! During the 60-minute tour, students will learn more about the physical features and behavioral traits that animals have for surviving in their habitats. Throughout the tour, participants will discover that animals can be grouped into different categories (reptiles, birds, amphibians, invertebrates, and mammals) based on their shared traits. This booking includes digital learning resources and admission to the Virginia Zoo.
PLEASE ADVISE: All Wild Walks Tours start at 9:30 am. Your group must be at the Virginia Zoo 15 minutes before the start of the program for check-in.
Due to the influx of reservations for our Spring Season here at the Virginia Zoo. Wild Walks will only be held till the end of March for small groups of no more than 20 individuals and will not be open for reservation throughout April into May. Reservations for Wild Walks will open back up for reservations on May 22.

Capacity: 20 individuals
Cost: $12 per participant/additional chaperone; 1 free adult per 10 students
Minimum Fee: $180

Please note, due to the nature of our programs, we can only accommodate the
preapproved number of participants and chaperones in each program. This number will be outlined in your booking invoice. If your invoice needs to be updated, let us know at least 1 business day before your visit. This will also allow our staff to modify your program space to better fit your needs.

By submitting a program request, you agree to the Program Policies and Virginia Zoo Policies.

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, k
Capacity
20 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Wild Walks: Habitats

Get ready to explore the zoo like never before! During the 60-minute tour, students will learn more about the places where animals live and the adaptations they have for surviving in those habitats. This booking includes digital learning resources and admission to the Virginia Zoo.
PLEASE ADVISE: All Wild Walks Tours start at 9:30 am. Your group must be at the Virginia Zoo 15 minutes before the start of the program for check-in.
Due to the influx of reservations for our Spring Season here at the Virginia Zoo. Wild Walks will only be held till the end of March for small groups of no more than 20 individuals and will not be open for reservation throughout April into May. Reservations for Wild Walks will open back up for reservations on May 22.

Capacity: 20 individuals
Cost: $12 per participant/additional chaperone; 1 free adult per 10 students
Minimum Fee: $180

Please note, due to the nature of our programs, we can only accommodate the
preapproved number of participants and chaperones in each program. This number will be outlined in your booking invoice. If your invoice needs to be updated, let us know at least 1 business day before your visit. This will also allow our staff to modify your program space to better fit your needs.

By submitting a program request, you agree to the Program Policies and Virginia Zoo Policies.

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, k
Capacity
20 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Wild Walks: Zoo Careers

Get ready to explore the zoo like never before! During the 60-minute tour, students will discover the many jobs that help keep the Virginia Zoo running. This booking includes digital learning resources and admission to the Virginia Zoo.
PLEASE ADVISE: All Wild Walks Tours start at 9:30 am. Your group must be at the Virginia Zoo 15 minutes before the start of the program for check-in.
Due to the influx of reservations for our Spring Season here at the Virginia Zoo. Wild Walks will only be held till the end of March for small groups of no more than 20 individuals and will not be open for reservation throughout April into May. Reservations for Wild Walks will open back up for reservations on May 22.

Capacity: 20 individuals
Cost: $12 per participant/additional chaperone; 1 free adult per 10 students
Minimum Fee: $180

Please note, due to the nature of our programs, we can only accommodate the
preapproved number of participants and chaperones in each program. This number will be outlined in your booking invoice. If your invoice needs to be updated, let us know at least 1 business day before your visit. This will also allow our staff to modify your program space to better fit your needs.

By submitting a program request, you agree to the Program Policies and Virginia Zoo Policies.

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, k
Capacity
20 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Lunch at the Zoo

The Virginia Zoo offers group bagged lunches at an affordable rate, making lunch time easy and convenient. Lunches can be added on to a field trip up to 10 days before your visit, based on availability. When you sign up for lunches, please include any known allergies, so that all accommodations can be made in the event of substitutions. Once confirmed, you will be sent a lunch confirmation to show at the restaurant to pick up your lunches.

Cost: $9 each, including tax
Meal options:
Turkey & Cheese Sandwich
SunButter and Jelly Sandwich
Vegetarian Snack Box
*Gluten-Free available upon request

The Zoo does have limited availability for schools to eat their lunch in an outside, designated area. Lunches will be in set in a 1 hour time slots at Flora Point. We will only let 100 people for every time slot to avoid crowding.
Please note that we do not have a spot for your students to store their lunches. Students are welcome to carry their lunches with them while they explore the zoo or leave their lunch on a bus. We recommend that participants bring a backpack to carry their lunches, water bottles, and any additional resources they need for the day.

You need to have a field trip booked before requesting a lunch period. To confirm availability, please reach out to the Program Reservations Specialist.

Subjects Covered

other

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
100 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Virtual Field Trip

Virtual Close Encounter: Senses

During the 30-minute program, your group will meet 3 different animal ambassadors and learn all about their senses. Throughout the program, participants will discover how animals use their senses to survive. By the end of this program, we hope that participants leave with a greater appreciation for wildlife and the habitats that they live in. This booking includes digital learning resources and a test call with one of our education staff members.

Cost: $175 per program
Maximum # of Devices: Dependent on virtual program platform (Zoom or Google Meets). The Virginia Zoo does not limit the number of participants in our virtual programs, but the program platform may limit the number of devices that can join.

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, k, preschool
Capacity
500 stu.
Activity

virtual field trip

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Virtual Close Encounter: Food Chains and Webs

During this 30-minute program, your group will meet 3 different animal ambassadors and learn about their role within their food chains. As we dive deeper into the flow of energy within each food chain, we will discuss the differences between producers, consumers, and decomposers. Participants will discover that animals rely on both living and non-living things within their ecosystems to survive. By attending this program, we hope that participants gain a greater appreciation for protecting wildlife and the habitats that they live in. This booking includes digital learning resources and a test call with one of our education staff members.

Cost: $175 per program
Maximum # of Devices: Dependent on virtual program platform (Zoom or Google Meets). The Virginia Zoo does not limit the number of participants in our virtual programs, but the program platform may limit the number of devices that can join.

Subjects Covered

life sciences, animals

Grades
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Capacity
500 stu.
Activity

virtual field trip

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Virtual Close Encounter: Life Cycles

During the 30-minute program, your group will meet 3 different animal ambassadors and learn all about their life cycles. Throughout the program, we will share various bio-facts (eggs, feathers, fur, etc.) with students as we discuss the different ways that animals grow and change throughout their lives. By the end of this program, we hope that participants leave with a greater appreciation for wildlife and the habitats that they live in. This booking includes digital learning resources and a test call with one of our education staff members.

Cost: $175 per program
Maximum # of Devices: Dependent on virtual program platform (Zoom or Google Meets). The Virginia Zoo does not limit the number of participants in our virtual programs, but the program platform may limit the number of devices that can join.

Subjects Covered

life sciences, animals

Grades
1, 2, k, preschool
Capacity
500 stu.
Activity

virtual field trip

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Virtual Close Encounter: Community (Citizen) Science

During the 30-minute program, your students will discover that they can make a positive impact on animals and the habitats that they live in by participating in community (citizen) science programs. Throughout the program, participants will meet 3 different animal ambassadors. By the end of this program, we hope that participants are motivated to make a positive impact on local wildlife and the habitats that they live in. This booking includes digital learning resources and a test call with one of our education staff members.

Cost: $175 per program
Maximum # of Devices: Dependent on virtual program platform (Zoom or Google Meets). The Virginia Zoo does not limit the number of participants in our virtual programs, but the program platform may limit the number of devices that can join.

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
500 stu.
Activity

virtual field trip

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Virtual Close Encounter: Animal Groups

During your 30-minute program, participants will meet 3 different animal ambassadors and learn about the adaptations that make them unique. Throughout the program, we will discuss how we can group animals together based on these traits. By the end of this program, we hope that participants leave with a better understanding of animal groups and a greater appreciation for wildlife and the habitats that they live in. This booking includes digital learning resources and a test call with one of our education staff members.

Cost: $175 per program
Maximum # of Devices: Dependent on virtual program platform (Zoom or Google Meets). The Virginia Zoo does not limit the number of participants in our virtual programs, but the program platform may limit the number of devices that can join.

Subjects Covered

animals, adaptation

Grades
1, 2, 3, k, preschool
Capacity
500 stu.
Activity

virtual field trip

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Virtual Close Encounter: Animal Behavior

During this 30-minute program, your group will meet 3 different animal ambassadors and learn all about our animals, their natural behaviors, and how we use the science of animal behavior to help us build relationships with our animals here at the Zoo to provide the highest degree of animal care and welfare possible. By the end of this program, we hope that participants leave with a greater appreciation for wildlife and the habitats that they live in. This booking includes digital learning resources and a test call with one of our education staff members.

Cost: $175 per program
Maximum # of Devices: Dependent on virtual program platform (Zoom or Google Meets). The Virginia Zoo does not limit the number of participants in our virtual programs, but the program platform may limit the number of devices that can join.

Subjects Covered

animals, adaptation

Grades
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, postsecondary
Capacity
500 stu.
Activity

virtual field trip

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Virtual Close Encounter: Adaptations

During this 30-minute program, your group will meet 3 different animal ambassadors and learn about the adaptations that make them unique. Throughout the program, we will discuss the role that physical and behavioral adaptations play in an animal’s ability to survive in its habitat. By the end of this program, we hope that participants leave with a greater appreciation for wildlife and the habitats that they live in. This booking includes digital learning resources and a test call with one of our education staff members.

Cost: $175 per program
Maximum # of Devices: Dependent on virtual program platform (Zoom or Google Meets). The Virginia Zoo does not limit the number of participants in our virtual programs, but the program platform may limit the number of devices that can join.

Subjects Covered

animals, adaptation

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
500 stu.
Activity

virtual field trip

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Virtual Close Encounter: Habitats

During this 30-minute program, your group will meet 3 different animal ambassadors and learn about the places that they call home. Throughout the program, we will discuss what animals need to survive and what might happen if those basic needs are not met. By the end of this program, we hope that participants leave with a greater appreciation for wildlife and the habitats that they live in. This booking includes digital learning resources and a test call with one of our education staff members.

Cost: $175 per program
Maximum # of Devices: Dependent on virtual program platform (Zoom or Google Meets). The Virginia Zoo does not limit the number of participants in our virtual programs, but the program platform may limit the number of devices that can join.

Subjects Covered

science, ecosystems, life sciences, animals, adaptation

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
500 stu.
Activity

virtual field trip

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Partnership

Portsmouth Public School 3rd Grade - Spring 2023

Only select groups are able to register for this booking. Please contact us if you are unsure if this option is available for you

During this 45-minute program, your group (up to 200 individuals) will meet 4 different animal ambassadors and learn about the places that they call home. We will discuss what these animals need to survive and what might happen if those basic needs are not met. We will also discuss the physical features and behavioral adaptations that these animals have for surviving in their habitats. By the end of this program, we hope that participants leave with a greater appreciation for wildlife and the habitats that they live in. This program includes digital learning resources and admission into the Zoo.

Please note, due to the nature of our programs, we can only accommodate the
preapproved number of participants and chaperones in each program. This number will be outlined in your booking invoice. If your invoice needs to be updated, let us know at least 1 business day before your visit. This will also allow our staff to modify your program space to better fit your needs.

By submitting a program request, you agree to the Program Policies and Virginia Zoo Policies.

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
3
Capacity
200 stu.
Activity

partnership

Duration
45 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Family Programs

Aldabra Tortoise Behind-the-Scenes Tour

On this tour, guests will have the opportunity to get up-close with these slow-moving reptile giants inside their exhibit! Learn more about these impressive animals, their conservation status, and what it takes to care for them from Zoo Keepers. Guests will get a chance to meet AJ, the Zoo’s largest and oldest Aldabra tortoise!
Max persons allowed on tour: 10 guests
Minimum persons allowed on tour: 2 guests

Cost:
• Family of 4: $250 non-members, $200 Virginia Zoo members
• Friends of 2: $150 non-members, $100 Virginia Zoo members
• Additional adult: $50
• Additional child: $30

An invoice will be emailed to you after requesting the experience.

We share our reservation portal with our school programs. Guests that are reserving a Behind-the-Scenes Tour, don't be alarmed when the site asks for teachers' information and school information.
Teacher = Main Tour Contact | Organization Address = Home Address
Invoice is sent out through PayPay but can be paid over the phone.

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
10 stu., 1 chap. per 0 stu.
Activity

family programs

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Bison Behind-the-Scenes Tour

On this tour, guests will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes to get a closer look at our bison, Lily! Learn more about these amazing animals, their conservation status, and what it takes to care for them from Zoo Keepers. This tour is a great way to meet and honor our National Mammal!
Max persons allowed on tour: 10 guests
Minimum persons allowed on tour: 2 guests

Cost:
• Family of 4: $250 non-members, $200 Virginia Zoo members
• Friends of 2: $150 non-members, $100 Virginia Zoo members
• Additional adult: $50
• Additional child: $30

An invoice will be emailed to you after requesting the experience.

We share our reservation portal with our school programs. Guests that are reserving a Behind-the-Scenes Tour, don't be alarmed when the site asks for teachers' information and school information.
Teacher = Main Tour Contact | Organization Address = Home Address
Invoice is sent out through PayPay but can be paid over the phone.

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
10 stu., 1 chap. per 0 stu.
Activity

family programs

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Masai Giraffe Behind-the-Scenes Tour

On this tour, guests will have the opportunity to get up-close with these graceful giants! Learn more about these amazing animals, their conservation status, and what it takes to care for them from Zoo Keepers. Guests will also get the chance to offer giraffes Billy, Imara, Noelle, Mchanga, or Tisa some of their daily diet – no ladders necessary!
Max persons allowed on tour: 5 guests
Minimum persons allowed on tour: 2 guests

Cost:
• Family of 4: $300 non-members, $250 Virginia Zoo members
• Friends of 2: $200 non-members, $150 Virginia Zoo members
• Additional adult: $60
• Additional child: $40
An invoice will be emailed to you after requesting the experience.

We share our reservation portal with our school programs. Guests that are reserving a Behind-the-Scenes Tour, don't be alarmed when the site asks for teachers' information and school information.
Teacher = Main Tour Contact | Organization Address = Home Address
Invoice is sent out through PayPay but can be paid over the phone.

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
5 stu., 1 chap. per 0 stu.
Activity

family programs

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Moon Bear Behind-the-Scenes Tour

On this tour, guests will have the opportunity to get a closer look at the Moon Bear! Learn more about these amazing animals, their conservation status, and what it takes to care for them from Zoo Keepers. Guests will get the chance to go behind the scenes and see a training or enrichment session up close with our Moon Bear Chai.
Max persons allowed on tour: 4 guests
Minimum persons allowed on tour: 2 guests

Cost:
• Family of 4: $300 non-members, $250 Virginia Zoo members
• Friends of 2: $200 non-members, $150 Virginia Zoo members
• Additional adult: $60
• Additional child: $40
An invoice will be emailed to you after requesting the experience.

We share our reservation portal with our school programs. Guests that are reserving a Behind-the-Scenes Tour, don't be alarmed when the site asks for teachers' information and school information.
Teacher = Main Tour Contact | Organization Address = Home Address
Invoice is sent out through PayPay but can be paid over the phone.

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
4 stu., 1 chap. per 0 stu.
Activity

family programs

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

World of Reptiles Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Come face to face with reptile giants, watch hatching and newborn reptiles being nurtured and raised, and immerse yourself in a floor-to-ceiling marsh habitat of the Siamese crocodile.* Learn about animal care, behavior, and conservation on an up-close and personal behind-the-scenes tour! Be introduced to a Zoo Keeper who can share information about the animals they care for as only they know them! *Specific animals seen on the tour will vary.

Max persons allowed on tour: 5 guests
Minimum persons allowed on tour: 2 guests

Cost:
• Family of 4: $250 non-members, $200 Virginia Zoo members
• Friends of 2: $150 non-members, $100 Virginia Zoo members
• Additional adult: $50
• Additional child: $30
An invoice will be emailed to you after requesting the experience.

We share our reservation portal with our school programs. Guests that are reserving a Behind-the-Scenes Tour, don't be alarmed when the site asks for teachers' information and school information.
Teacher = Main Tour Contact | Organization Address = Home Address
Invoice is sent out through PayPay but can be paid over the phone.

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
5 stu., 1 chap. per 0 stu.
Activity

family programs

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

White Rhino Behind-the-Scenes Tour

On this tour, guests will have the opportunity to get up-close to one or more of our three rhinos! Learn more about Southern white rhinos, their conservation status, and what it takes to care for them from Zoo Keepers. Guests will get the chance to go behind the scenes and meet either Bora, Zina, Sibindi, or Mosi in person! Tours could be held inside their overnight barn or behind the scenes outdoors, depending on the weather. Come visit our rhino crash and experience meeting the world’s second-largest land mammal!
Max persons allowed on tour: 6 guests
Minimum persons allowed on tour: 2 guests

Cost:
• Family of 4: $300 non-members, $250 Virginia Zoo members
• Friends of 2: $200 non-members, $150 Virginia Zoo members
• Additional adult: $60
• Additional child: $40
An invoice will be emailed to you after requesting the experience.

We share our reservation portal with our school programs. Guests that are reserving a Behind-the-Scenes Tour, don't be alarmed when the site asks for teachers' information and school information.
Teacher = Main Tour Contact | Organization Address = Home Address
Invoice is sent out through PayPay but can be paid over the phone.

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
4 stu., 1 chap. per 0 stu.
Activity

family programs

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Two-Toed Sloth Behind-the-Scenes Tour

On this tour, slow down and enjoy this private encounter with one of the Zoo’s sloths! Learn more about these creatures, and their conservation status and meet the Zoo staff who take care of them. Guests will have the chance to get up close with one of the slower-moving animals on earth, so be sure to bring a camera to capture a priceless photo opportunity!
Max persons allowed on tour: 4 guests
Minimum persons allowed on tour: 2 guests

Cost:
• Family of 4: $300 non-members, $250 Virginia Zoo members
• Friends of 2: $200 non-members, $150 Virginia Zoo members
• Additional adult: $60
• Additional child: $40
An invoice will be emailed to you after requesting the experience.

We share our reservation portal with our school programs. Guests that are reserving a Behind-the-Scenes Tour, don't be alarmed when the site asks for teachers' information and school information.
Teacher = Main Tour Contact | Organization Address = Home Address
Invoice is sent out through PayPay but can be paid over the phone.

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
4 stu., 1 chap. per 0 stu.
Activity

family programs

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Internship

Volunteer Groups

Group Volunteer Workday - Horticulture

The Zoo offers a myriad of opportunities for your group to get involved. Anything from horticulture activities like planting and raking to assisting at major Zoo events – your group is essential to the Zoo.

Large groups working with our Horticulture team for a workday project help us accomplish lots of work in a short amount of time and allows your group to participate in a unique, fun team building activity. Corporate, civic, military, or any other groups that would like to volunteer at the Zoo are welcome.

Please Note: Most projects require physical tasks like lifting or using gardening tools, and therefore are restricted to adults ages 18 and up in most cases. If you have a group that includes youth, please note that in your inquiry and we can try to accommodate if the right project is available.

Subjects Covered

conservation, my community, team building

Grades
adult, postsecondary
Capacity
30 stu.
Activity

volunteer groups

Duration
180 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

School Based Program

Zoo To You: World Traveler

During this 30-minute auditorium program, your group (up to 300 students) will meet 4 different animal ambassadors and learn about the places that they call home. We will discuss what these animals need to survive and what might happen if those basic needs are not met. We will also discuss the physical features and behavioral adaptations that these animals have for surviving in their habitats. By the end of this program, we hope that participants leave with a greater appreciation for wildlife and the habitats that they live in. This program includes digital learning resources. Program is only available for preschool-2nd grade.

Cost: $385 per program + travel
Discounts available for consecutively booked programs.

Travel Fee (round-trip):
Free within Norfolk
Up to 15 miles - $25
16-30 miles - $30
31-45 miles - $35
45-60 miles - $45
61-100 miles - $50
Inquire for more details outside of 100 miles.

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, k, preschool
Capacity
300 stu.
Activity

school based program

Duration
30 min.
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Zoo To You: Zoo Edventure

During this 45-minute program, your group (up to 300 students) will meet 4 different animal ambassadors and learn about the places that they call home. We will discuss what these animals need to survive and what might happen if those basic needs are not met. We will also discuss the physical features and behavioral adaptations that these animals have for surviving in their habitats. By the end of this program, we hope that participants leave with a greater appreciation for wildlife and the habitats that they live in. This program includes digital learning resources.

Cost: $400 per program + travel
Discounts available for consecutively booked programs

Travel Fee (round-trip):
Free within Norfolk
Up to 15 miles - $25
16-30 miles - $30
31-45 miles - $35
45-60 miles - $45
61-100 miles - $50
Inquire for more details outside of 100 miles.

Subjects Covered

science

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, k
Capacity
300 stu.
Activity

school based program

Duration
45 min.
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Scout Programs

Starry Safari

This program is on hold till further notice. Sorry for the inconvenience!

This 2-hour evening program will satisfy your night owls by combining a 30-minute animal encounter with an evening wild walk through the Zoo! Working on badges/patches with your scout group? Let us know and we will do our best to modify the program to fit your learning goals!

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Cost:
- $500 for up to 20 participants (includes 2 free adult chaperones). $20 for any additional participants/chaperones. Includes 1 free adult chaperone for every 10 participants.
-Sweeten the deal by adding an extra 30 minutes to your booking for s'mores over the campfire. This add-on is $50 for the first 20 participants and $2 additional person (chaperone/participant) after that.

Maximum group size: 30 participants/chaperones.

By submitting a program request, you agree to the Program Policies and Virginia Zoo Policies.

Subjects Covered

life sciences, animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k
Capacity
30 stu.
Activity

scout programs

Duration
120 min.
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