Posted on September 17, 2007
At first, the Luray Zoo seems just like any other tourist destination on a family vacation. However, a closer look will reveal the zoo is more than meets the eye.
The zoo is a rescue zoo — not just an exhibition — which cares for abandoned and exotic animals.
The entrance is framed by giant alligator jaws that visitors walk through to see the animals. This is quite fitting as one of the zoo’s primary exhibits is comprised of an extensive collection of reptiles from around the world. The zoo boasts the largest collection of venomous snakes on the East coast. Amid the green tree frogs and alligator snapping turtle, King Cobras and Black Mambas slither around in their aquariums on every side of the reptile room. A Gila monster, a Nile crocodile and a couple of American alligators also live in the Reptile Jungle.
The petting area features a fenced-in patio area in the middle of a field full of animals. Visitors can stand on the patio to feed and pet a potbellied pig, fallow deer, a donkey and several pygmy goats, as well as an emu and even a camel. The animals, though anxious, are very gentle and will not bite.
In addition to the petting zoo and the Reptile Jungle, the Luray Zoo is home to a variety of other animals as well. They house several bird species, from a huge Condor to Kookaburra’s and doves. A few primates swing through the trees as well. Other notable inhabitants are a bobcat, Bengal tiger and a family of wallabies. In total, the zoo is home to over 250 species.
Not only does visiting the Luray Zoo provide visitors with a chance to see a variety of endangered and exotic animals, but it also helps feed the animals as well.
Admission to the zoo is $10 per person and all of the money goes towards the care of the animals. One adult admission feeds a tiger for a day. For those visitors that want to go the extra mile, they can make a donation to help care for the animals. All of the zoo’s funding comes from donations, admission and gift shop sales.
The zoo is operated by Mark Kilby and Jennifer Westhoff. They wanted to have a place for unwanted animals to call home.
Luray Zoo has appeared on TV and radio, and has had famous guests such as Steve Irwin. The gift shop has several Steve Irwin play sets and action figures, as well as a picture of Irwin’s with the staff hanging in the shop.
The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. from April to Oct., and is open on weekends and holidays the rest of the year. Located half a mile from Luray Caverns, the zoo is only about 45 minutes away from JMU.
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