Looking For Old Photos Of Virginia Zoo Like The Original Elephant House

By Diane Paluzzi 

Norfolk, VA - The Virginia Zoo is collecting photographs that document its 100 plus year history and is asking the community to share old pictures of the chimpanzees, sea lion, hippopotamus, and more.

The photographs will be used as part of an exhibit to spotlight the Zoo’s history, including displaying Chuck and Judy’s old chimp exhibit.

“We have grown and evolved so much since the 1900s,” notes Greg Bockheim, executive director. “Many people have fond memories of the old exhibits and animals, and we want to archive that history while we are working toward a major expansion to make this a world class Zoo.” The Zoo’s next large expansion, “Asia-Trail of the Tiger,” will open in 2010 and is located in a section of the Zoo that once held the old elephant house.

The staff hopes to collect a variety of old photographs of favorite animals, gardens and buildings from the Zoo’s earliest days. 

Submitted photos will be kept by the Virginia Zoo and may be published. Please include the approximate year and a brief description with the names of the people in the photo, if possible. For information about the photo history project, call Diane Paluzzi, marketing manager, at (757) 441-2374, ext 223 or email diane.paluzzi@norfolk.gov. Photos may be emailed to diane.paluzzi@norfolk.gov or mailed to: 

Virginia Zoo
c/o Historic Zoo Photos Project
3500 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23504

As an accredited Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) facility, the Virginia Zoo exhibits over 350 animals, beautifully manicured grounds and offers a fun-filled day for all. For more than a century, the Virginia Zoo has demonstrated a commitment to wildlife, conservation and education.  Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and located at 3500 Granby Street in Norfolk.  Daily admission prices are $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors (age 62 and over), and $5.00 for children ages 2-11.  Visit www.virginiazoo.org or call (757) 441-2374 for more information.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

The Virginia Zoo is seeking old photographs of favorite animals, gardens and buildings from its earlier days, such as these photos of the popular sea lion exhibit and the old elephant house.