- Metro Richmond Zoo
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Metro Richmond Zoo Date opened April 1995[1] Location Chesterfield County, Virginia Land area 70 acres (28 ha) Coordinates 37°22′54″N 77°46′03″W / 37.3818°N 77.7674°WCoordinates: 37°22′54″N 77°46′03″W / 37.3818°N 77.7674°W Number of animals 1400[1] Number of species 150+[1] Annual visitors 25,000-30,000 Memberships ZAA[2] Website www.metrorichmondzoo.com Metro Richmond Zoo is a privately-owned, for-profit zoo in Chesterfield County, Virginia. It is located in the central Virginia area, on the western side of I-95. Metro Richmond Zoo encompasses about 70 acres (28 ha) and houses around 1,400 animals representing over 150 species. It is visited by 25,000-30,000 visitors annually.
The zoo is accredited by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), and has one of the largest primate collections in the United States.
Contents
History
In 1980 Jim Andelin, then 27 years old began collecting animals. This hobby turned into a full time profession and eventually land was allocated solely for his collection. The zoo was opened to the public in Spring of 1995, and was home to 167 animals of 15 species at the time. Many animals were donated to the zoo; in 1999, the zoo received 38 animals.
Animals and Exhibits
Giraffes in Metro Richmond Zoo
With more than 200 individuals representing 30 species, the zoo has one of the largest collections of primates in the United States.[1]
A $250,000 expansion in 2008 introduced a safari-like ride through a new 8-acre (32,000 m2) animal enclosure, with visitors in a two car "train."[1] The enclosure includes about 28 specimens of 13 species, including Grant's gazelle, Addra gazelle, Gemsbok, Waterbuck, Kudu, Eland, Nyala , Scimitar-Horned Oryx, Addax, Thomson's Gazelle, and Impala.
Also new in 2008 were a coconut-climb and a walk-through aviary for about 400 Budgerigars. The aviary offers seed-coated Popsicle sticks that visitors can purchase to attract the birds to perch and feed.
Miracle of Christmas Live at the Zoo
The Metro Richmond Zoo hosts a Christmas pageant every year on December 21,22, and 23. The showing are 7:00, 7:45, and 8:30. The pageant has animals from the zoo.[3]
Research projects and conservation efforts
Metro Richmond Zoo participates in several scientific research and wild life conservation projects.
See also
Notes
- ^ a b c d e Calos, Katherine; Riggan, Phil (July 14, 2008). "Metro Richmond Zoo: Much to see and do". inrich.com. Richmond Times-Dispatch. http://www2.timesdispatch.com/entertainment/2008/jul/14/-rtd_2008_07_14_0001-ar-111185/. Retrieved 16 April 2011.
- ^ "Accredited Facilities". zaoa.org. ZAA. http://www.zaoa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=31. Retrieved 16 April 2011.
- ^ "Miracle of Christmas - Live at the Zoo". metrorichmondzoo.com. Metro Richmond Zoo. http://www.metrorichmondzoo.com/MiracleofChristmas.html. Retrieved 16 April 2011.
External links
- Official website Metro Richmond Zoo
Zoos of Virginia Aquariums Zoos - Bluebird Gap Farm
- Luray Zoo
- Metro Richmond Zoo
- Mill Mountain Zoo
- Natural Bridge Zoo
- Reston Zoo
- Virginia Safari Park
- Virginia Zoological Park
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Categories:- Zoos in Virginia
- Buildings and structures in Chesterfield County, Virginia
- Visitor attractions in Richmond, Virginia
- Visitor attractions in Chesterfield County, Virginia
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