A Wild Time Awaits
Image the look on a baby’s face when a giraffe stretches its neck for leafy greens, the Blue Ridge Mountains within the background. Welcome to Pure Bridge Zoo, in Rockbridge County, Virginia the place wildlife, schooling and household enjoyable collide. Whether or not you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious household on the lookout for a novel outing, this zoo has a one-of-a-kind mixture of up-close animal encounters and a Virginia backdrop.
It hasn’t all been clean crusing. Pure Bridge Zoo has had its controversies, together with a 2023 animal welfare investigation that resulted in 71 animals being seized. Below new administration since Might 2024 the zoo is working to rebuild public belief and redefine the customer expertise. On this put up we’ll cowl the highest animal points of interest, what’s new and every little thing you have to know to make your 2025 go to the very best ever.
Fast Info About Pure Bridge Zoo
- Location: 5784 South Lee Freeway, Pure Bridge, VA
- ⏰ Hours: March to November, 9 AM to six PM
- ️ Entry: ~$15 adults, ~$10 youngsters (test web site for contemporary)
- Highlights: Giraffe feeding, primate talks, Safari Wagon Trip
- Close by: Pure Bridge State Park, Virginia Safari Park
A Wild Journey within the Coronary heart of Virginia
Pure Bridge Zoo isn’t your run of the mill roadside attraction. Surrounded by hills and the well-known Pure Bridge, the zoo is house to over 100 animals from around the globe. Households will love watching playful lemurs, slithering reptiles and parrots which are comedians.
For 7 yr outdated Emma it was a summer time to recollect. “He’s like a fairy story!” she exclaimed pointing to Jasper the giraffe. That’s what Pure Bridge Zoo is all about – schooling and enchantment.
Prime Animal Encounters You Gained’t Wish to Miss
Giraffe Feeding Expertise
Feeding Jasper the giraffe is a bucket checklist expertise for a lot of guests. For $5 you may feed the giraffes below zookeeper supervision and be taught enjoyable details – like how their tongues may be as much as 18 inches lengthy! Though previous considerations about enclosure requirements are a part of the zoo’s historical past, current upgrades together with shade and well being checks present they’re persevering with to enhance.
Meet the Primates
Capuchins, lemurs and extra await on the primate pavilion. Throughout college journeys 10 yr outdated Liam is commonly mesmerized watching the monkeys play. Detailed signage and workers led discussions clarify the animals’ behaviors and conservation standing. Because the 2023 primate seizure a number of of the animals at the moment are dwelling in improved circumstances with elevated veterinary oversight.
Reptile & Chicken Interactions
Rise up shut with macaws, kookaburras and even Burmese pythons. For solo traveller Mia who had by no means appreciated snakes prior to now she loves them. Workers provide interactive periods and enjoyable details, excellent for budding zoologists.
Extra Than Simply Animals: Sights and Actions
Safari Wagon Trip
Take a journey on the Safari Wagon to traverse the open fields and see zebras, antelopes and ostriches in semi pure settings. For the Carter household it was like being on a mini African safari.
Instructional Pavilion & Children’ Nook
The pavilion has each day talks and Q&A periods the place zookeepers discuss animal diets, conservation and behind the scenes care. Subsequent door the Youngsters’s Exercise Space has wildlife themed video games and humanities & crafts.
Reward Store & Café
Animal souvenirs, native snacks and scenic views, the present store and café is a superb place to take a break.
What’s New in 2025 at Pure Bridge Zoo?
New house owners since Might 2024, the zoo is being rebranded. Gretchen Mogensen and her siblings are main with a concentrate on animal welfare, schooling and interactive experiences. Highlights:
- New enclosures with higher shelter and enrichment
- Wildlife Discovery Path: A self guided path with interactive signage
- Cellular App (coming quickly): Actual time animal updates, digital map
- Small animal petting zone for youthful guests
These adjustments goal to show the zoo from controversy to credibility.
Behind the Headlines: A New Chapter for Pure Bridge Zoo
The Pure Bridge Zoo has been on the heart of serious information, primarily attributable to an ongoing authorized battle following a December 2023 raid by the Virginia Legal professional Normal’s Animal Legislation Unit, which seized 71 animals, together with 17 capuchins and 14 tortoises, over allegations of neglect. In March 2024, a jury dominated that these animals would stay in state custody, whereas 29 had been returned to the zoo. The 4 giraffes, nevertheless, remained on-site because of the complexity of transporting them. This saga has continued to unfold, drawing consideration to the zoo’s operations and animal welfare practices.
In October 2024, the one male giraffe, Jeffrey, was relocated to a South Carolina sanctuary in an eight-hour ordeal marked by logistical challenges, together with an incident the place the giraffe was hit by a gate. On Might 19, 2025, authorities tried to maneuver a feminine giraffe however halted after six hours to keep away from stressing the animal. The next day, Might 20, 2025, a second feminine giraffe was efficiently loaded onto a transport trailer and moved, as reported by WSET. On Might 22, 2025, a 3rd feminine giraffe was seized at 9:45 a.m., an occasion livestreamed by the zoo on Fb, with zoo workers expressing considerations that the veterinarians’ actions endangered the giraffe named Valentine. The zoo famous in a Fb remark that the state deliberate to return on Might 23, 2025, to grab the ultimate grownup giraffe, concluding the switch of the 4 initially seized.
Court docket paperwork additionally revealed a troubling improvement: two child giraffes, born to the zoo’s females, are unaccounted for, elevating questions on oversight and prompting public concern. The state has alleged that former proprietor Karl Mogensen threatened to shoot veterinarians concerned within the transfers, whereas present proprietor Gretchen Mogensen reportedly posted on-line encouraging harassment of these concerned, together with concentrating on the Knoxville and Oakland Zoos. These allegations, mixed with the zoo’s monetary burden—paying $198,635.52 for the care of seized animals with out reimbursement for the giraffes’ care—have fueled controversy. The Mogensens have appealed, citing Fourth Modification violations in the course of the raid, with a jury trial set for February 26, 2026.
Regardless of these challenges, the zoo’s new administration is concentrated on shifting ahead, emphasizing improved care and transparency. Guests are inspired to remain knowledgeable about these developments and assist moral wildlife practices because the zoo navigates its path towards renewal.
Studying and Caring for Wildlife
Pure Bridge Zoo is greater than only a place to see animals. It’s an academic hub. Take Jake, {the teenager} who fell in love with lemurs and began volunteering right here. That’s the type of affect this zoo can have. Not AZA-accredited, but the zoo is constructing a fame for grassroots schooling and advocacy.
To assist conservation, guests can:
- Donate to teams just like the World Wildlife Fund
- Assist moral wildlife initiatives
- Ask questions throughout keeper talks to essentially be taught extra
Plan Your Go to Like a Native
- Arrive early for energetic animals and fewer crowds
- Put on sunscreen, hats and comfortable sneakers
- Most paths are wheelchair-friendly-call forward for any lodging you may want
- Pair your go to with close by points of interest like Pure Bridge State Park or Caverns
FAQ: Pure Bridge Zoo Defined
Is Pure Bridge Zoo protected and moral to go to?
Sure. Below new administration, the zoo is working arduous to place its previous behind it-and to be extra clear.
Can I feed or contact the animals?
Sure. Giraffe feeding and small animal interactions can be found. Insurance policies might fluctuate by season.
Is the zoo good for younger youngsters?
Completely. With animal displays, crafts and a petting space, it’s a success for households.
How do I keep up to date on zoo information?
Verify their official web site or cell app for updates and occasions.
A Comeback Story within the Making
Pure Bridge Zoo stands at a crossroads in 2025. It’s leaving its shadows behind and getting into a brand new period of transparency, compassion and family-centered journey. Your go to guarantees moments of wonder-from feeding the giraffes to discovering these uncommon reptiles.
Whether or not you’re a wildlife fanatic or planning a enjoyable household journey, Pure Bridge Zoo is as soon as once more incomes its place on Virginia’s must-visit checklist.
Able to discover? Head to their [official site] to plan your go to. Don’t neglect to share your favourite animal encounter within the feedback under—you may simply encourage another person to attach with the wild!
