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.

Celebrating 25 Years

Celebrating 25 Years

The zoo is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we are still celebrating our anniversary. Twenty five years ago, the Metro Richmond Zoo opened to the public on April 22, 1995, with 250 animals. The zoo has experienced tremendous growth over the years....

Septuplet Cheetah Cubs Born

Septuplet Cheetah Cubs Born

The Metro Richmond Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of 7 cheetah cubs! Vaila, a second-time mother, gave birth to septuplets on November 30, 2018! This is a very special birth to us because not only is it a big boost for Cheetah conservation by increasing the...

White Lion Cubs Now On Exhibit

White Lion Cubs Now On Exhibit

The Metro Richmond Zoo is excited to announce our 3 White lion cubs are now on exhibit! Xonga gave birth to 3 cubs on April 2nd, 2018 after a 110 day gestation period. There are 2 females and 1 male. The cubs initially spent two months inside their private den with...

Pygmy Hippo Exhibit Now Open

Pygmy Hippo Exhibit Now Open

The Metro Richmond Zoo is pleased to announce the opening of our new Pygmy hippo exhibit. The Pygmy hippopotamus is a rare species native to swamps and rivers in forested areas of Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and the Ivory Coast. They are highly endangered, with...

3 White Lions Cubs

3 White Lions Cubs

The Metro Richmond Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of 3 White lion cubs born to parents, Xonga and Basa, on April 2nd, 2018. After a 110 day gestation period, Xonga, a 3 year old, first time mother, gave birth to 1 male and 2 female cubs. Xonga has shown...

Bactrian Camel Born

Bactrian Camel Born

Meet Dublin, a male Bactrian camel calf! He is the newest resident of the zoo's Children's Petting Area. Dublin was born on March 7, 2018. Shortly after birth, his mother showed signs of aggression towards him. In order to ensure his survival, animal caretakers...

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