Newsroom

Listen up

We have news to announce!

Welcome to the Metro Richmond Zoo’s newsroom. Here you will find copies of the zoo’s latest press releases and other announcements in a blog format. 

Media Resources

If you are a member of the media please contact Taylor, our Communications Manager at [email protected] for the following:

  • Schedule an interview for a story
  • Access high-quality images or video
  • Request to be added to our media mailing list

View our official press kit.

The zoo sends press releases to the media whenever we have significant announcements about animal births, new exhibits, or other exciting updates. You can read them below.

For more daily updates, follow us on social media.

Orangutan Periodontal Surgery

Orangutan Periodontal Surgery

In honor of Orangutan Caring Week, we want to share this story highlighting the incredible veterinary care one of our orangutans received last year. On March 17, 2023 (St. Patrick’s Day), the Metro Richmond Zoo performed a successful periodontal surgery on Patrick, a...

Critter Climb Playland Now Open

Critter Climb Playland Now Open

The Metro Richmond Zoo is happy to announce the opening of Critter Climb Playland, an exciting new addition for our youngest visitors and their families! This remodeled play area has slides, monkey bars, tunnels, swings, towers, and more to explore. Critter Climb...

Two Snow Leopard Cubs Born April 28

Two Snow Leopard Cubs Born April 28

NOTE: Due to a scheduled vet checkup, Sasha and Kira will be on habitat on Monday 9/2 instead of Tuesday 9/3.The Metro Richmond Zoo is excited to announce the birth of two female Snow leopards, Sasha and Kira. They were born to parents Elsa and Nitro on April 28,...

New Lemur Loop Expansion Opens

New Lemur Loop Expansion Opens

The lemurs are back!! The Metro Richmond Zoo is pleased to announce the opening of our new Lemur Loop expansion featuring three species of lemurs! This new section of the park includes 38 animals in 7 new habitats along 1,000 feet of unexplored path with 3 additional...

Miracle of Christmas Returns With New Lights and a Reconstructed Set

Miracle of Christmas Returns With New Lights and a Reconstructed Set

The show must go on! One of Richmond’s favorite holiday events, The Miracle of Christmas - Live at the Zoo, is back for its 21st season. This year, the nativity will feature new lights and a reconstructed stage and set. In June, the zoo suffered a serious fire that...

Metro Richmond Zoo in the News

Recent Highlights

ET, the world’s oldest African penguin with a ‘saucy personality,’ dies at Richmond zoo

June 23, 2023 | USA TODAY

See zoo’s incredible solution when orangutan wouldn’t breastfeed her baby

April 6, 2023 | CNN

Orangutan learns to breastfeed by watching zookeeper breastfeed her infant son

March 31, 2023 | GOOD MORNING AMERICA

Metro Richmond Zoo and team perform surgery on cheetah

February 22, 2023 | Yahoo Sports

A penguin love story: At 43, she’s the world’s oldest African Penguin. Her mate is 13.

February 14, 2023 | WASHINGTON POST

Archives

Virginia Zoo Introduces Rare Baby Hippo Over Christmas Weekend

December 27, 2022 | PEOPLE

This Virginia zoo really got a hippopotamus for Christmas

December 25, 2022 | CNN

Zoo welcomes over a dozen new cheetah cubs

May 2, 2016 | FOX & FRIENDS

A cheetah and a pup become best friends at the Metro Richmond Zoo

October 8, 2015 | TODAY

Cheetah-Dog Friendship Isn’t As Strange As It Sounds

October 7, 2015 | NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

This Newborn Giraffe Is Probably Taller Than You

April 23, 2014 | ABC WORLD NEWS NOW