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.

Chimpanzee Root Canal

Chimpanzee Root Canal

On Tuesday, December 7, 2021, the Metro Richmond Zoo performed a root canal on Kip, a twenty year old, 165 pound, male chimpanzee. Earlier, zookeepers noticed Kip had swelling on the right side of his face. The zoo’s vet team examined Kip’s mouth, discovered his...

Three New Cheetah Litters

Three New Cheetah Litters

The Metro Richmond Zoo is proud to announce the births of three cheetah litters. On April 10, 2021, Rey gave birth to four cubs (one male and three females) sired by Kalu. This is Rey’s second litter. On April 26, 2021, Vaila gave birth to four cubs (one male and...

Meet Taavi – Baby Orangutan Born March 2

Meet Taavi – Baby Orangutan Born March 2

The Metro Richmond Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of a male orangutan named Taavi born to first-time parents, Farley and Zoe. After being neglected by his mother, Taavi is being hand-raised by animal care specialists. After an eight and a half month gestation...

Gray Wolf Pups Born April 4

Gray Wolf Pups Born April 4

The Metro Richmond Zoo is delighted to announce the birth of two Gray wolf pups born to parents Nitka and Voodoo on April 4th Easter morning. These pups are both male and are doing well. This is the first litter of Gray wolves born at the Zoo. A couple weeks before...

New Gray Wolf Exhibit

New Gray Wolf Exhibit

The Metro Richmond Zoo is thrilled to announce the opening of a new Gray wolf exhibit. The Gray wolf is native to North America and can live in a variety of habitats: forest, woodland, grassland, tundra, and arid locations. They are the largest member of the family...

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