Spring has Sprung at the Virginia Zoo

Popular Water Feature Returns This Week

Norfolk , VA – Spring has sprung – and so have the Virginia Zoo's water fountains! For some people the first sign of spring is the sight of a robin, but at the Virginia Zoo, the new season officially begins when the splash ground water feature inside the Zoo entrance is turned back on.

It has been a dry winter across Hampton Roads, and across the Zoo's Compass Rose Plaza , the entry way into the Zoo's lush gardens and exhibits of exotic animals. All of that changes Saturday, April 5, when Zoo staff turn the zero-depth water feature back on. Visitors of all ages enjoy splashing in the fountains, especially on those steamy summer days the region is known for. The splash ground helps your little ones keep their cool under the watchful eye of Yin, the Red Panda, whose exhibit is just outside the Plaza area. Be sure the young cubs (human, that is) are wearing shoes or sandals. And don't forget the towel!

The water feature makes a unique welcome to the Zoo with 8 fountains shooting up approximately four feet from the ground and encircling a 22,000 pound Kugel ball crafted from dark granite that displays the globe and rotates in the central fountain.

Water volume moves though the system at 26 psi (pounds per square inch), about 550 gallons a minute. The water is recycled through a chlorinated filtering system and averages a temperature of 55 to 65 degrees (the warmer the outdoor temperature – the warmer the water).

Come join us at the Virginia Zoo to play in our fountain, visit the spring gardens and watch the lion cubs Granby and Neka at play (or sleeping—depending on their mood!). After all, kids like cubs grow up quickly.