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.
World’s Oldest African Penguin Turns 43
The world’s oldest African penguin is one year older! Help us wish ET, one of our female African penguins, a very happy birthday. She turned 43 years old on January 28. According to our best available data, ET is the oldest currently living African penguin in the...
Baby Hippo Name Announcement
Thank you to the thousands of people who participated in our baby hippo naming poll. We had 18,963 total votes. We are thrilled to officially announce the winning name for our pygmy hippo calf... Say hello to Petunia!!! Petunia is confident, brave, and spunky. She...
Baby Hippo Naming Poll
It's time to VOTE, VOTE, VOTE! We want to thank everyone for submitting name ideas for our little hippo. It was difficult selecting only a few favorite names from the thousands of recommendations. The final names were suggested by followers and/or our team. Final...
Baby Pygmy Hippo Splashes onto Exhibit
Virginia’s most famous hippopotamus went swimming for the first time this week. On Tuesday, December 27, Iris and her 3-week-old calf were moved into the zoo’s indoor pool area for some hippo swimming lessons. Iris showed her baby around the new area and then...
Baby Pygmy Hippo Born December 6
Christmas came early at the zoo! We did indeed receive a hippopotamus for Christmas this year. Congratulations to pygmy hippo parents Iris and Corwin on the birth of their female calf. She was born on December 6, 2022, after a 7 month gestation period. This is the...
The Miracle of Christmas – Live at the Zoo Returns For 2022
One of Richmond's favorite holiday events is back for its 20th season. After being presented virtually for the past two years, The Miracle of Christmas - Live at the Zoo is returning for in-person performances on December 20, 21, and 22. All are invited and welcome to...
Metro Richmond Zoo in the News