General Info

Mill Mountain Zoo was founded in 1952 as a nursery-rhyme themed petting zoo that featured farm animals, birds, and native Virginia wildlife. For the first twenty-five years, we were operated by Roanoke's Parks and Recreation Department. In 1978, the Roanoke Jaycees renewed the zoo and replaced old exhibits to create a place appealing to all ages. Governance was turned over to the Blue Ridge Zoological Society of Virginia, Inc. in 1988 (more commonly known as Mill Mountain Zoo). In the early 1990's, a citizens' committee created a master plan for exhibitions, visitor amenities, and expansion of the site to our current eight acres. Other improvements included new exhibits and an upgrade of infrastructure. Mill Mountain Zoo (MMZoo) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to promoting an appreciation and understanding of animal and habitat preservation through the use of quality exhibits, educational programs, and partnerships with other conservation programs. Mill Mountain Zoo is currently home to more than 183 animals, representing 70 species from around the world. Through our admissions and donations, we support local and global conservation efforts. The Zoo is also restoring habitat on-grounds to benefit declining pollinator species and participates in a national monitoring program for amphibians -- Frogwatch. Keeper Chats The zoo keepers love sharing information about their animals. Kids (of all ages) love watching them interact with their charges and learning more about the special relationships they share and how the animals are cared for. Plan to spend some time watching the animals during their feeding times.The schedule changes daily, so check with Guest Services when arriving or call in the morning to find out what will be happening during your visit. Zoo Choo Rides The Zoo Choo is a miniature model G-16 train that operates seasonally at the Mill Mountain Zoo.The train leaves from the station every 30 minutes and follows a 16-inch wide track around the Zoo. The train makes two laps around a track that is more than 1000 feet long. You'll see different views of Mill Mountain Zoo and its animals!Mill Mountain Zoo was founded in 1952 as a nursery-rhyme themed petting zoo that featured farm animals, birds, and native Virginia wildlife. For the first twenty-five years, we were operated by Roanoke's Parks and Recreation Department. In 1978, the Roanoke Jaycees renewed the zoo and replaced old exhibits to create a place appealing to all ages. Governance was turned over to the Blue Ridge Zoological Society of Virginia, Inc. in 1988 (more commonly known as Mill Mountain Zoo). In the early 1990's, a citizens' committee created a master plan for exhibitions, visitor amenities, and expansion of the site to our current eight acres. Other improvements included new exhibits and an upgrade of infrastructure. Mill Mountain Zoo (MMZoo) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to promoting an appreciation and understanding of animal and habitat preservation through the use of quality exhibits, educational programs, and partnerships with other conservation programs. Mill Mountain Zoo is currently home to more than 183 animals, representing 70 species from around the world. Through our admissions and donations, we support local and global conservation efforts. The Zoo is also restoring habitat on-grounds to benefit declining pollinator species and participates in a national monitoring program for amphibians -- Frogwatch. Keeper Chats The zoo keepers love sharing information about their animals. Kids (of all ages) love watching them interact with their charges and learning more about the special relationships they share and how the animals are cared for. Plan to spend some time watching the animals during their feeding times.The schedule changes daily, so check with Guest Services when arriving or call in the morning to find out what will be happening during your visit. Zoo Choo Rides The Zoo Choo is a miniature model G-1...