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.

Remembering Pawl

Remembering Pawl

The Metro Richmond Zoo mourns the loss of Pawl, one of our male lions. He was nearly 21 years old. Pawl came to the Metro Richmond Zoo in 2000 and was a favorite among zoo staff and visitors. He truly was the king of the Zoo as his majestic roar could be heard from...

Serval Kittens Born July 16

Serval Kittens Born July 16

The Metro Richmond Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of three servals. After a 74-day gestation period, Zola, a 3-year-old female serval, gave birth to three kittens on July 16th. There is one male and two females. The father is Zemba. Zola and her three kittens...

Two Dromedary Camel Calves Born

Two Dromedary Camel Calves Born

The Metro Richmond Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of two Dromedary camels. On May 12th, Kya, a 7-year-old camel, gave birth to a healthy female calf. The baby is nursing from mom, and they are bonding well. Both Kya and baby are on exhibit every day. On June...

New Animal Nursery Now Open

New Animal Nursery Now Open

The Metro Richmond Zoo is excited to announce the opening of our new animal nursery!! Located next to the reptile house and meerkats, the animal nursery is where we will exhibit animal babies that our staff is hand raising due to parental neglect or health issues. The...

First Litter of Snow Leopard Cubs

First Litter of Snow Leopard Cubs

The Metro Richmond Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of two snow leopard cubs born to Elsa and Nitro on May 24th, 2016 after a three-month gestation. There is one male and one female. First-time mother, Elsa, is two years old. First-time father, Nitro, is three...

Kumbali & Kago 1st Birthday

Kumbali & Kago 1st Birthday

Kumbali and Kago celebrated their first birthday on May 12, 2016. Zoo staff gave them two birthday presents. Each box contained an ice block with meat frozen inside. The boys enjoyed ripping off the wrapping paper and eating their frozen treats.

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