Metro Richmond Zoo

Metro Richmond Zoo is a privately operated zoological park spread across 150 acres in Chesterfield County, southwest of Richmond. The zoo is home to 2,000 animals representing 190 species from around the world, with wildlife from North and South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Its exhibits are designed around spacious habitats that reflect the animals' natural environments, giving the collection a broad geographic and ecological range. Notable residents include lions, cheetahs, giraffes, rhinos, penguins, bears, tigers, apes, and pygmy hippos.

The visit combines conventional wildlife viewing with a substantial range of interactive activities. Guests can attend keeper talks and animal feedings, feed selected animals, ride a safari train through an eight-acre area, and book educational animal encounters or behind-the-scenes experiences. The zoo also participates in conservation programs involving species such as cheetahs, African penguins, and Diana monkeys. Metro Richmond Zoo suits travelers who want a large, varied zoo experience with opportunities for closer engagement alongside traditional habitat exhibits.