Virginia Zoo

I went to the Virginia Zoo on a cold gray day in the dead of winter, so there were hardly any people there, most of the foliage was still brown and some of the animals were still in hibernation. But, not having much else to do in Norfolk on a cold winter's day, my husband and I, both animal lovers decided it would be worth the $7 to get out of the house. Though the zoo was fairly small, it was well-kept and we spent several relaxing hours walking around the paths and looking at the animals. There were zoo keepers stationed around the major exhibits (giraffes, elephants, tigers) and were very informative not only on the different species, but about the individual animals themselves. The elephants seemed the most human-like, with their dumping station hidden behind huge rocks, and each seemingly having their own preference of food. The lioness was particularly creepy, watching everyone from her perch as if to say "come on and try me..." I found the snake house and the nocturnal animal exhibits to be particularly interesting, but my personal favorite was the petting zoo. Goats, sheep, cows and pigs... what more could a city girl ask for?

Unfortunately, I had been looking forward to seeing a hippo, but it had died recently from an intestinal obstruction. :( Someone

There is no food served during the winter, so I would recommend bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying it on one of the benches in the large butterfly garden.