Norfolk, Va. – The Virginia Zoo is launching a $2.6 million campaign for the renovation of the Zoo’s reptile house.
The renovations will redo the internal space of the “World of Reptiles” building, constructed in 1974. The update will feature over 60 individual environmentally controlled exhibits in a new 13,000-square-foot exhibit space.
The campaign, known as “Defining Moments,” will fund the renovation of the building. Currently, the Zoological Society board has raised over $1 million towards Defining Moments. The board is asking the public to donate the remaining $1.6 million.
“Animals such as reptiles, amphibians and other small creatures are uniquely tied to our world, yet they are commonly overlooked,” says Virginia Zoo Executive Director Greg Bockheim. “Each ‘defining moment’ that is discovered and observed by a child has tremendous value to our world, and it is our mission to create a fun and educational experience for children and adults at every exhibit at the Zoo.”
The construction should take approximately one year.
The new facility will include a frog laboratory, reptile nursery, venomous snake and diversity of life galleries, a conservation education classroom and a family restroom.
The Zoo plans to extend the building to accommodate crocodiles with underwater viewing.
The Zoo estimates that the World of Reptiles will bring in an additional 30,000+ guests annually.
To support the project, contact the Development Office at 757-441-2374 ext. 220 or email amy.loughran@norfolk.gov.
