Meet Poppy

Enter Hippo Haven to view Iris & Poppy up close in a behind-the-scenes experience!

The zoo is open Monday-Saturday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

We are closed on Sundays.

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Online Tickets

Save time!

Purchase zoo tickets and memberships online.

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What’s Happening at the Zoo

Baby Pygmy Hippo

Hippo hooray! Introducing Poppy, the zoo’s

most adorable addition to our animal family.

Baby Pygmy Hippo

Hippo hooray! Introducing Poppy, the zoo’s most adorable addition to our animal family.

Summer Safari Day Camp

Select Dates Summer 2025

Register your child for Summer Safari, our behind-the-scenes day camp for children ages 6-13. Hurry; spots fill quickly!

Poppy Merch

AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW

Shop Poppy the pygmy hippo t-shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, & more online!

Celebrating 30 Years

1995 – 2025

The zoo commemorates its 30th anniversary in 2025! Look back at our biggest milestones from the past 3 decades.

Home to

animals

Representing

species from around the world

Things to Do

Feed the Animals

Feed the budgie birds, giraffes, camels, barnyard animals, and more!

Rides & Attractions

Ride the train, skylift, drop tower, and carousel and explore the new kid’s playland.

Zip the Zoo

Conquer your fears on Treetop Zoofari, our zipline and adventure park, and see the zoo from high in the trees.

Connect with the Wild

Come face-to-face with thousands of animals and learn all about them.

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Today at the Zoo

Connect with the Wild

Come face-to-face with thousands of animals and learn all about them.

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Today at the Zoo

9:30 AM

11:00 AM

11:30 AM

2:30 PM

3:30 PM

4:15 PM

4:30 PM

5:00 PM

ZOO OPENS

PENGUIN FEEDING

CHEETAH TALK

SIAMANG FEEDING

PENGUIN FEEDING

LAST ENTRY

SOME EXHIBITS CLOSE

ZOO CLOSES

9:30 AM

11:00 AM

11:30 AM

2:30 PM

3:30 PM

4:15 PM

4:30 PM

5:00 PM

ZOO OPENS

PENGUIN FEEDING

CHEETAH TALK

SIAMANG FEEDING

PENGUIN FEEDING

LAST ENTRY

SOME EXHIBITS CLOSE

ZOO CLOSES

More about daily Keeper Talks and animal feedings

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Park Map

See where the animals live and start planning your adventure today!

Explore Map

Read What Visitors Are Saying About Us

★★★★★

“Hands down best zoo I’ve been to! Definitely worth getting the annual pass, but the … single-entry ticket is still worth it if you only plan to visit once! Fantastic array of animal species to see and the park is clean, family friendly, and the animals are well cared for having more spacious and natural enclosures than I’ve seen at other zoos. My family and I will definitely visit again!”

Google Review by Brandon

★★★★★

“Loved it! A Richmond gem! Friendly animals. Great staff.”

Google Review by Earle

★★★★★

“Great interactive zoo with plenty of animals to see and learn about. Perfect for a family visit.”

Facebook Review by Nathan

★★★★★

“The zoo is a great place to visit. Wonderful animals to see and the zoo is always adding and upgrading. We have season passes and have visited seven times this year! It never gets old!!!”

Facebook Review by Chelsey

★★★★★

“The animals are so active and happy! The staff is amazing. My kids love this zoo.”

Google Review by Bri

★★★★★

“The zoo was amazing, and the zip line was fantastic. It’s an experience I recommend for all … I loved it!”

Google Review by Candice

★★★★★

“Love this zoo! Such a great atmosphere and a great opportunity to be close to some beautiful animals.”

Google Review by James

★★★★★

“Went here with my best friend and it was AWESOME!!!!! My favorite part of my trip to the zoo was feeding the giraffes. Those gentle giants are so awesome. … I have seen a variety of beautiful animals and created some wonderful memories. I guarantee you no matter what age you are, you will have a blast here. … if you get tired they have a safari train you can ride. Prices are very affordable and the place is easy to find. …”

Google Review by Jen

★★★★★

“It was a lot of fun. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. It was clean and the animals were very interactive with most being able to come up to you.”

Google Review by Ryan

★★★★★

“Been coming here for years. Love the amount of animals and variety of exhibits. I feel like there’s always something new when we come! Definitely buy zoo treats on your way in!”

Google Review by Katherine

★★★★★

“The zoo becomes more enjoyable as the kids are older. They are able to interact more with the animals, ask questions, and actually want to go on the rides.”

Google Review by Shakola

★★★★★

“So cute. Check in process was fast, buy your tickets online ahead of time. Animals are very well taken care of. Feeding the birds was my kids favorite part. Will be going back.. loved it!”

Google Review by Sara

★★★★★

“We have a membership and my son loves it right now!”

Google Review by Sierra

★★★★★

“My family has annual passes to the zoo this year and have been 6 times! We love it and the zoo staff is wonderful! It is a great place to visit!”

Facebook Review by Jill

Animal Conservation

The Metro Richmond Zoo participates in many conservation programs around the world

to help save endangered and threatened animals like the cheetah, African penguin, and Diana monkey.

Learn More

Become a Zoo Member

Enjoy the zoo and other member benefits for one full year!

Zoo memberships are fun, educational, and adventurous.

Learn More

JOIN OUR TEAM

We’re Hiring!

Looking for a WILD opportunity? Apply today to work at the zoo. Team members enjoy amazing perks and benefits. We accept applications all year for part-time and full-time positions.

More Info