Metro Richmond Zoo

the metro richmond zoo provides inadequate care for its animals and promotes the inbreeding of tigers to produce white tigers. White tigers do not exist in the wild, they are a product of inbreeding. The white gene cannot show through unless the tiger has a double recessive gene. Yet the richmond zoo insists on having them for the purpose of conservation. But what does breeding something that does not exist in the wild do for conservation? And futhermore, 3 out of 5 white tigers bred come out with facial deformaties because of the inbreeding used to produce them. So ask yourself, what do they do with the deformed white tigers? They discard them like trash.

Posted 11/09/09 | Report Abuse

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I took my daughters, ages 2 and 4, to the Richmond Metro Zoo on September 4th, 2009. I was a little concerned after reading the latest reviews, but decided to take the chance. What a wonderful day!! All of the animals appeared happy and healthy and most seemed to be quite pleased to see us. We even have pictures of a chimp and a camel smiling for the camera. We were able to pet and feed several different animals including the giraffes. I expected my girls to enjoy themselves, but I think I had just as much fun as they did. A 1 hour trip to a restaurant costs us about as much as the 1 day admission to the zoo - - hands down, the zoo was great and worth every penny! Plan your trip around the penguin feedings at 11 am and 4 pm.

Posted 09/07/09 | Report Abuse

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We though that the reviews describing the park as dirty and the animals poorly cared for might have been written by those who didn't care for zoos in general, and went anyway. In fact, conditions in late June 2009 were worse than described. This zoo is a depressing embarrassment to Richmond. Go to Maymont's small free zoo instead, not to this expensive travesty.

Posted 09/04/09 | Report Abuse

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My family recently visited this zoo, 25 May 2009. I must say the conditions are appalling. The cages are not adequate, the animals lacked water and shelter. There was not proper shade. The primates did not have proper enrichment and were in small cages or small islands surrounded by dirty water. I would not recommend this zoo to anyone, unless you like to see animals in misery. They charge for everything, admission, treats, etc.. and they are not using it to care for the animals. If you go make sure to take pictures so you can report them to the proper authorities.

Posted 05/26/09 | Report Abuse

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Imagine a zoo where you can pet and feed the giraffes, the deer, the camels, the llamas, and some really cute donkeys and goats -- If you're lucky enough you can see the handlers take the tigers for a walk -- when they go past the monkey cages it's a funny sight! They've recently added a few new exhibits and they are open year around -- the prices are very reasonable for the things you'll get to see -- it's well worth the drive to see the animals at the Richmond Metro Zoo

Posted 11/29/05 | Report Abuse

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We took our two and a half year old to the Metro Richmond Zoo this summer. It is well maintained and has quite a few animals to view. The zoo is not too big for navigating with younger children -- we saw it in an afternoon. They sell feed for some of the animals and many wait for it. The highlight for us was feeding giraffes by hand!

Posted 11/18/05 | Report Abuse

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This is a GREAT place for a family trip! We just went here last weekend, and the zoo has changed tremendously in the 2 years since we had been there last. There were many new exhibits and animals, as well as a new Safari Skyride (an additional $3 over the cost of admission to the zoo). The price to get in is very reasonable- only $7.75 or so for adults and $5.75 for kids. Definitely one of the cheaper family day trips in Richmond!

If the zoo keeps growing like it is, it will be an even better example of what a city zoo should be like (even though it isn't very close to the city of Richmond itself!)

Posted 10/17/05 | Report Abuse

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Though cannot be compared with any other national parks or zoo metro richmond zoo is a good place to be with a family on a holiday. Though it is a small zoo. There are lot of animals but the giraffes are the main attractions. . It is good for kids who will not spend time in a big zoo. The bad part is the zoo is closed on Sundays and national holidays and the tickets are little expensive for the stuff you can do there.

PROS:
CONS: Closed on sundays

Posted 10/11/05 | Report Abuse

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I wasn't expecting much from the Metro Zoo. I had never heard much about the zoo and assumed that meant there wasn't much to know.
How wrong I was! There are really great animals there (much more of a variety than I was expecting.)
The kids can get close and in some cases touch some animals.
The cost is reasonable and it' s the perfect way to spend a half-day!

PROS: More animals and up close views.
CONS:

Posted 09/18/05 | Report Abuse

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I am so lucky to live near a real zoo! The Metro Richmond Zoo is a lifesaver for any mom or dad who wants an inexpensive and enjoyable family outing with their kids. Even the smallest child will enjoy seeing wildlife this up close and personal! While not as large as say, the San Diego zoo, The Richmond zoo still proudly houses and displays some of the most intriguing animals that you will ever meet!

PROS: clean, friendly, awesome!
CONS: Closed on Sundays, a downer if this is your only free day to go out.

Posted 09/15/05 | Report Abuse

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I may be biased because I have a large family, but the cost is too much. The zoo itself is well layed out, very easy to see the animals and interact with them. It's a good sized park as well, not too big or too small. If the prices could be lowered we would go there all the time.

Posted 09/05/05 | Report Abuse

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This zoo is in Chesterfield county just off Hull St. They have a lot of different animals and are a great family trip. The giraffes are very friendly; they eat out of your hand and one of the orangutans will smile for your camera. They have a petting zoo with sheep, goats, and other farm type animals. A new walkway is open through the wood with views of deer and other animals. They have a bat house that can be fascinating or scary for little kids. There are different snack areas and picnic tables available. Also there is a sky ride, but we've never done that. At Christmas they have an awesome free reenactment of the Christmas story with the wise men, angels, camels and baby Jesus!

Posted 09/02/05 | Report Abuse

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Metro Richmond Zoo is not big but has a lot of fun. You can see variety animals here. Since it is smaller, you can just walk around very quickly. So I usually go with my family after lunch and spend a whole afternoon there. Its a great place to go.

Posted 09/02/05 | Report Abuse

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The Metro Richmond Zoo's claim to fame is the opportunity to feed the giraffes. You can feed alot of the animals there but the giraffes are the main attraction. You walk up on a bridge and the giraffes will lick the food out of your hand with their long tongues. Kids love this. It is a small zoo. Don't go expecting the likes of the National Zoo or you will be sorely disappointed. It is good for toddlers and preschoolers who would tire out at an expansive zoo.

Posted 07/31/05 | Report Abuse

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I revisited this zoo this summer with my son and was impressed.They have added a new aviary, and a boardwalk type area in the back.You can tell they take good care of the animals,so the price is ok by me.

Posted 07/26/05 | Report Abuse

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I have not been since September 2004, but at that time, I was disappointed by the like of signs and information on the various primates - of which there seemed to be a good selection, but no labels to tell me what was what.
It can also be hot on unshaded paths during on a sunny day.
Impressive array of animals. So fun to get to feed giraffes - a pleasure you will not find anywhere else in this area.
Pricey.

Posted 07/12/05 | Report Abuse

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For a small local zoo, the range of exotic animals is truly impressive. The park is fairly small though. You can visit every part of this zoo at leisure pace in about an hour, but its kind of pricey for what you get.

Posted 06/02/05 | Report Abuse

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