Understanding Va's Wildlife
At our zoo, we deeply value the rich diversity of Virginia's native wildlife and recognize its vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Preserving these species is not only essential for their survival but also for the overall balance of our environment. We are proud to showcase a variety of native Virginia species at our zoo, highlighting the unique biodiversity of our region. Educating the public about Virginia's unique wildlife fosters a greater appreciation and understanding of the intricate relationships within our ecosystems. Through engaging programs and interactive experiences, we aim to inspire visitors to take an active role in conservation efforts and make informed choices that support the protection of our local flora and fauna. Together, we can ensure that future generations will continue to experience and cherish the incredible wildlife that calls Virginia home.
Below are the native Virginian species we are home to:
Red wolves are often mistaken for coyotes due to their similar appearance. Their fur can vary in color, but they typically have a reddish coat, accented with a black-tipped tail and lighter fur around their muzzle and mouth. Compared to their gray wolf relatives, red wolves are smaller and generally less aggressive, making them unique among canids. These wolves are an important part of their ecosystem, helping to maintain the balance by controlling prey populations!
Wood Turtles have a flat, rough carapace with irregular growth layers and grooves on each scute. Unlike most turtles, these scutes don't shed annually, leading to unique shell appearances over time. The back of the carapace flares out with a serrated edge, typically black, adorned with striking yellow or black stripes. The plastron, or underside, is a soft pale yellow. This distinctive shell design offers protection in their natural habitat!
Bald Eagles are magnificent birds with dark brown bodies and striking white feathers on their heads and tails. Their bright yellow beaks and feet stand out beautifully. They can soar at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour while gliding. Immature Bald Eagles are mostly brown with mottled white feathers and take about five years to develop their adult coloring.
Red Foxes are beautiful animals known for their reddish-brown fur, which varies from a light auburn to bright red to dark tones. They have a soft white underbelly, throat, chin, and tip to their tail, giving them a very specific look. Some foxes can even have dark or silver fur! A distinctive feature is their bushy tail with a white tip, which helps with balance, communication, and warmth when they curl up to sleep. Red Foxes are clever and playful creatures, loving to pounce and play.
Raccoons are adorable animals known for their bandit-like black eye markings and thick gray coats. Their tails have alternating black and gray stripes, making them easily recognizable. One of their coolest features is their flexible front paws with five toes, allowing them to grasp and manipulate objects like food and doorknobs. Their long, bushy tails help them balance while climbing trees or swimming, showcasing their clever and resourceful nature!
The Wood Duck is a medium-sized bird known for its stunning appearance. Males are especially colorful, showcasing iridescent plumage and striking red eyes, along with a distinctive white flare down their necks. Females, while less colorful, have their own charm with a white eye-ring and a whitish throat. Both sexes feature unique crested heads, making them unique from the common duck.
Northern Bobwhite Quails have beautifully patterned feathers in shades of brown, tan, rust, and black, providing excellent camouflage in their natural habitat. Males feature a striking black-and-white head pattern, while females have a softer appearance with a tan throat and eyebrows. This unique coloring helps them evade predators and adds to their charm, making them a delightful sight when spotted!
Black bears are fascinating animals known for their thick, shaggy fur, which keeps them warm in winter. While called "black," they can be blue-gray, blue-black, brown, cinnamon, blonde, or even very rarely white! Smaller than grizzly bears, they are still strong and agile. With strong, curved claws, black bears excel at climbing trees and digging for food. Their curious nature often leads them to explore their habitats. Our bear goes into hibernation around Thanksgiving and wakes up about three months later, so if you don’t see her, she may be hibernating!
Barn owls are easily recognizable by their distinctive heart-shaped, light-colored faces. Their bodies are covered in a mix of pale, tawny, and dark brown feathers, often spotted for camouflage in their habitats. A notable feature of barn owls is their asymmetrical ears, with one ear positioned higher than the other, helping them pinpoint sounds. Their exceptional hearing allows them to hunt even in complete darkness!
Eastern Box Turtles are small, with dome-shaped shells that are usually brown they have yellow or orange patterns on their legs and head. Rarely swimming, they prefer land, as their tall shells make water movement challenging.
Adult Eastern Ratsnakes are black with a black-and-white checkerboard belly. Young snakes have dark spots on gray bodies that fade over time. They’re often mistaken for Black Racers, but unlike Racers, they have rougher scales and a checkerboard belly.
Corn snakes are small to medium-sized, usually orange or brownish-yellow with reddish spots outlined in black. Their bellies have a black-and-white checkerboard pattern. Non-venomous and gentle, they come in various colors and are popular pets.
The Northern Mockingbird is a gray bird with a white wing stripe that’s visible in flight. Known for mimicking sounds, it imitates other birds and even car alarms to stay safe. If you hear unusual bird sounds, it might be a clever Northern Mockingbird!