Mill Mountain Zoo

Conservation | Education | Destination

VISIT

Open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm
last admission at 4PM

conservation

Mill Mountain Zoo is a refuge to animals that are critically endangered, vulnerable, or otherwise non-releasable due to injury or captive birth. Not only do we protect and preserve the health and viability of these vulnerable animals in our guardianship. MMZoo is the region's leader in wildlife conservation. Additionally, we participate in research and species survival programs.

Critically Endangered

Non-Releasable Due to Injury

Owner Relinquished

Captive Birth

Education

Mill Mountain Zoo is the only zoological entity in Virginia's Blue Ridge offering educational programming that is specifically tied to Virginia's SOL academic standards. In a typical year, Mill Mountain Zoo reaches approximately 9,000 children through educational programming on the mountain - plus 12,000 more people, mostly children, through outreach programs.

Destination

Mill Mountain Zoo is a local treasure that hosts over 55,000 visitors annually from throughout the region. The Zoo is a historic asset to the community and stimulates economic growth by contributing to tourism.

upcoming events

Jun

Wildlife Detectives Camp

Wildlife Detectives Camp (ages 10-13) is a 5-day adventure (9AM-4PM) where kids learn to ID animals through tracks, scat, their senses while also learning about how animals survive in the wild!

Learn More

Jul

Zoobilee

Happy Birthday Mill Mountain Zoo! Join us to celebrate and have some cake while you're at it!

Learn More

Jul

WotWS - Reptiles and Amphibians

Join us for an exciting Walk on the Wild Side adventure, where our experienced educators will guide you through Mill Mountain’s trails in search of reptiles and amphibians, exploring their unique adaptations and ecological roles before returning to the zoo to meet some of our cold-blooded animal ambassadors up close!

Learn More

zoo News

The Latest News:

June 13, 2025

Zoo Choo and Bali's Bistro Openings

We’re thrilled to announce that the Zoo Choo is officially back on track and running! PLUS—starting Saturday, June 14th, Bali’s Bistro will officially be open for the season!

In The Media:

June 12, 2025

Mill Mountain Zoo is Asking You to Help Name its Brand New Sloth

Julia Franet-Hornbeck, General Curator at MMZ, talks with WFXR about our new sloth and how you can help name him!

Press Release:

June 13, 2025

Meet Sam, Sophia — and a New Baby! Mill Mountain Zoo’s Prickly Family Grows

MMZ is thrilled to introduce the newest dynamic duo on the mountain--Sam and Sophia, a charming pair of N. American porcupines--and their baby porcupine, known as a porcupette, born on May 13th! Come visit the zoo to see them in person!

Blog:

May 10, 2025

“Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities,” is theme of World Migratory Bird Day 2025

Global wildlife campaign calls for urgent action to create and protect green spaces, reduce bird collisions, light pollution, and habitat loss.