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.

Pygmy Hippo Live Stream

Pygmy Hippo Live Stream

You asked for it, and we listened. The zoo is excited to launch the Poppy Cam, a new live stream of our pygmy hippo duo, Iris and Poppy. The Poppy Cam lets animal lovers worldwide watch Poppy’s daily adventures in real time, offering a unique and intimate view of this...

Pygmy Hippo Name Announcement

Pygmy Hippo Name Announcement

The votes are in, and we are thrilled to announce the winning name for our little hippo... Introducing POPPY, the pygmy hippo! We received more than 116,000 total votes from hippo fans in 165 countries. With 52.8% of the vote, Poppy has earned the majority to secure a...

Pygmy Hippo Baby Splashes Onto Habitat

Pygmy Hippo Baby Splashes Onto Habitat

The zoo is excited to announce our adorable pygmy hippo calf has officially made her public debut and can now be seen at Hippo Haven with Mom! On the evening of December 30, Iris and her calf returned to the indoor pool area. It was the baby’s first time submerged in...

Pygmy Hippo Naming Poll

Pygmy Hippo Naming Poll

THE FINAL ROUND A massive THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the first round of our pygmy hippo naming poll! We received 52,794 total votes!! Since no name received 50% of the vote, we are having a runoff vote with the top 2 names. The final names are: POPPY (a...

Pygmy Hippo Born Before Christmas

Pygmy Hippo Born Before Christmas

Hippo hooray! The zoo is excited to announce a heartwarming addition to our animal family just in time for the holidays: a baby pygmy hippo. The newborn arrived on December 9, 2024, after a 7-month gestation. Congratulations to pygmy hippo parents Iris and Corwin on...

Miracle of Christmas Returns for its 22nd Year

Miracle of Christmas Returns for its 22nd Year

One of Richmond’s favorite holiday events, The Miracle of Christmas – Live at the Zoo, is back for its 22nd season. The Miracle of Christmas is on December 20, 21, and 22 with 3 shows each evening at 7:00, 7:45, and 8:30 PM. Zoo gates open at 6:15 PM. Admission and...

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