Natural Bridge Zoo, VA

May 2023

This is a local zoo with an outsized selection of animals.

That right there might tell you most everything you might want to know. Lots of folks these days dislike zoos. For those that do, many might visit a big zoo where they can see hundreds of different animals, but a smaller, local zoo just isn’t worth their time. I understand that.

But this is a local zoo that has giraffes, elephants, and tigers, not just a few unusual animals. And since it’s small, you can actually see a lot of animals in a short amount of time. Sure, you’re not going to see dozens of penguins at once like you can in a big city zoo, but you also don’t have to walk five minutes to get to each enclosure like you have to in a big city zoo.

It is situated on a hilly section of Virginia, close to Natural Bridge Park (naturally), so you will have some varied terrain to deal with, and there are no food options other than candy bars and such in the gift shop. It’s a small, local zoo. But it’s awfully impressive for all that.

Fees: $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $14 for kids

Conditions: Sunny, 75° Fahrenheit