The new Pygmy hippo exhibit opens on June 15th. Here’s an article with a video attached. Where you can see Pygmy Hippos in Richmond
The lion cubs are now on display. https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/white-lion-cubs-now-on-exhibit-at-metro-richmond-zoo/1271069348
7 (yes, 7!) cheetah cubs were born at the zoo. 'This is a very special birth': Metro Richmond Zoo welcomes 7 new cheetah cubs
Cheetahs are a yellow level SSP, the zoo doesn’t need to be an AZA member to participate (and I believe they do). The owner simple does not like the level of control AZA tends to exert, which is a fair point.
They follow recommendations, and I believe they occasionally exchange animals with others (though I'm having a hard time finding records of that), but they are not an active participant, aren't considered one of the official breeding centers despite having the most adults in the USA, etc.
The zoo has Sarus cranes in the South America area. NEW AT THE ZOO: Steller's sea-eagles in where black-and-white ruffed lemurs were. There is a baby camel named Dublin in the petting zoo. The baby Baird's tapir is named Navi.
Appear to have gone: Lowland tapir Mishmi takin Patagonian cavy Births: Chilean flamingo New Animals: Grant's gazelle Yellow-backed duiker (appear to have replaced the Lowland tapir) Northwestern neotropical rattlesnake Eclectus parrot Six-banded armadillo Green iguana Other developments: Construction of a new exhibit between the monkeys and Serval exhibit Aviary by the vulture exhibit has been demolished Construction in the bear exhibit One Greater kudu has been added to the safari The second pair of islands for the Chimpanzees and Orangutans in the safari has been finished No news on plans for new otter exhibit New signage for all the outdoor animals Patagonian cavy exhibit still empty one of the exhibits for Geoffroy's tamarin has been replaced by Red titi. Unsigned Green iguana in the Red-billed toucan exhibit.
Other things I forgot to mention The zoo exhibits both Reticulated and Masai giraffes I believe the zoo has a new Warthog
An Asian black bear cub is on display. Meet Ramsey! Asiatic black cub now on display at the Metro Richmond Zoo
Interesting, I didn't know anybody in the country was breeding Asiatic black bears. Does anyone know if this is a regular occurrence, and where these bears may eventually end up?
The South American paddock with the boardwalk interweaved in it. They may have been in their barn when you went or sleeping under the boardwalk.
Since last post: On September 4th, 2019, it was announced that the zoo has introduced an Asiatic bear cub named Ramsey was introduced to his public exhibit for the first time. He was born in February. Zoo introduces new bear cub | Chesterfield Observer On September 10th, the zoo announced that Phil, a male African clawless otter, turned 15 which is a milestone. African clawless otters that live in capacity have a range of 10-12 years. Metro Richmond Zoo otter celebrates 15th birthday On October 20th, the zoo announced the birth of 5 cheetah cubs. All of them, as well as their mother Naya, have since moved to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Adds Mother Cheetah And Her 5 Cubs On April 4th, 2020, a female dromedary camel was born at the zoo. Metro Richmond Zoo introduces new baby camel to RVA | 8News On April 22nd, the zoo turned 25 years old! Metro Richmond Zoo celebrates its 25th Birthday alone | 8News On May 7th, the zoo temporarily reopened the zoo with a safari drive-thru tour option. It costs $60 per vehicle and tours lasts for one hour. Metro Richmond Zoo temporarily opens for drive-thru tours On June 15th, the zoo reopens its doors permanently with its walkthrough safari option. Restrictions include operating at 50% capacity, online tickets, markers for social distancing, bird, budgie, and reptile aviaries have been updated for one-way traffic, restrooms and high touched surfaces will be cleaned around the clock, and certain rides will be available to ride on with adjustments. Metro Richmond Zoo announces plans to reopen On June 23rd, the zoo opened an updated exhibit for its two African clawless otters. The new exhibit was 5x larger than their last exhibit. New otter exhibit opens at Metro Richmond Zoo | 8News On July 28th, the zoo opened a new mixed exhibit called Animals of the Amazon. The species list includes 2 two-toed sloths, red-rumped agouti, and two species of turtles/tortoises. Sloth exhibit arrives at Metro Richmond Zoo Metro Richmond Zoo opens new sloth exhibit, rain forest habitat
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=2605396086344471 From Facebook-site of the Zoo : " The Metro Richmond Zoo is excited to announce the birth of a female pygmy hippo. She was born on July 26th to parents Iris and Corwin. The baby is doing well and growing rapidly. This is the first pygmy hippo calf to be born at the Zoo and in Virginia. The pygmy hippo is a rare, endangered species native to West Africa. With only 3,000 individuals left in the wild, their survival in zoological parks is more certain than their survival in the wild. This birth plays a vital role in helping protect this incredible species."
