Virginia Zoological Society

Our Mission

THE VIRGINIA ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY IS A NON-PROFIT AND TAX EXEMPT CORPORATION, WHICH WAS ORGANIZED ON SEPTEMBER 21, 1979. ITS MISSION IS TO ENSURE THAT THE VIRGINIA ZOOLOGICAL PARK THRIVES AS A SUPERIOR ZOOLOGICAL INSTITUTION, REACHING ITS FULLEST POTENTIAL TO SERVE PEOPLE, ANIMALS, AND THE ENVIRONMENT. THE VIRGINIA ZOOLOGICAL PARK SEEKS TO INCREASE THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD'S FLORA AND FAUNA AND TO ADD TO THE GROWING BODY OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THEM; TO DISPLAY ANIMALS RESPECTFULLY IN A NATURAL WAY THAT ENCOURAGES THEIR NATURAL BEHAVIOR; TO CONSERVE ANIMALS AND THEIR HABITATS; AND TO OFFER OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNING AND ENJOYMENT TO THE PUBLIC. IT WILL SERVE TO FULFILL THIS MISSION THROUGH EDUCATION, CONSERVATION, RESEARCH AND RECREATION. THE SOCIETY PROVIDES ESSENTIAL PROGRAM SERVICES FOR THE ZOO AS FOLLOWS: ZOO IMPROVEMENTS AND EXHIBITS: FUNDING FOR SPECIFIC TRAVELING EXHIBITIONS SUCH AS THE BUTTERFLY EXHIBIT; ASSISTANCE FOR ZOO EXPANSION, FOR EXAMPLE, THE AFRICAN PLAINS EXHIBIT & BUI