Our History

In 1979, the Friends of the Zoo was established as a non-stock corporation for the purposes of acting as an advisory supportive society in the development of the Lafayette Zoological Park with the aim of fostering public awareness and appreciation of the Zoo and conservation of the world’s flora and fauna. In 1982, the City of Norfolk recognized the Friends of the Zoo for "...its continuing efforts in providing financial and promotional support to Lafayette Zoological Park." At this time, city council also designated the Friends of the Zoo as the official support organization for Lafayette Zoological Park.

In 1989, the Friends of the Zoo officially changed their name to Virginia Zoological Society ("VZS") and has continued to operate as a 501 (c) (3) and the official support organization for the Virginia Zoological Park (Lafayette Zoological Park became Virginia Zoological Park in 1985), with the responsibility of generating community and financial support. Some of the Society’s successful endeavors include opening the Zoo’s first gift shop, establishing concessions and a food services department, creating an education department that has undergone exponential growth and introducing a successful membership program.

Currently, VZS employs more than twenty full-time employees in six departments: food services, retail, education, development, marketing and administration. The VZS oversees all aspects of visitor services, marketing and fundraising including: food services and concessions, Zoo membership, educational programs, volunteer services, special events, and retail operations. The volunteer services department coordinates the activities of over 125 volunteers in all aspects of Zoo operations: horticulture, animal services, education, special events, and clerical support.

The Safari Gift Shop is located in the Xaxaba Village and showcases a wide variety of wildlife related souvenirs and mementos.

Food Services currently operates a concession stand, the Beastro; refreshment carts throughout the Zoo during the summer; and a new full-service restaurant, the Xaxaba Restaurant in the Okavango Delta exhibit.

The Education Department provides onsite and community outreach programs to individuals of all ages, from toddlers to senior citizens. Programs offered include school and group cross-curriculum programs focused on the Virginia Standards of Learning, Girl and Boy Scout day and overnight programs to meet specific scouting badge requirements, birthday parties, public tours, teacher training programs and resources, public lectures, community outreach programs at local and regional festivals and events, and a speakers bureau for interested local groups. The Education Department has two outreach vans that are able to travel throughout the Hampton Roads area and beyond to promote the Zoo and its mission.

The Zoo's membership program represents more than 6,900 households.

The Zoo's Development Department oversees all aspects of fundraising from the private sector for zoo expansion and improvement. Since 1992, the Society has raised more than $9 million form the private sector for zoo expansion.