Mill Mountain Zoo

Mill Mountain Zoo is a nonprofit zoo set within the 568-acre Mill Mountain Park above Roanoke, with views across the city and surrounding mountains. The zoo has operated since 1952 and focuses on wildlife conservation, education, and animal care. Its collection includes Virginia wildlife alongside species from other parts of the world, including red wolves, American black bears, red pandas, Eurasian lynx, Asian small-clawed otters, and other mammals, birds, and reptiles.

The visitor experience combines animal exhibits with educational programming and opportunities to learn directly from zoo staff. Keeper chats provide insight into animal behavior and care, while field trips and outreach programs connect wildlife education with classroom learning. The zoo also offers selected animal encounters and maintains animals that are endangered, vulnerable, or non-releasable. Its location within Mill Mountain Park adds access to trails, overlooks, gardens, and other outdoor attractions nearby. Mill Mountain Zoo suits travelers seeking a smaller zoological experience where wildlife conservation and education are closely connected to a mountain setting.