52 Weeks of Fun

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Luray Zoo

Luray Zoo is a Rescue Zoo, dedicated to providing exotic and wild animals with a loving and caring home. The zoo is privately-owned and operated by Mark and Christine Kilby. Luray Zoo receives no government funding and all admissions, gift shop sales, and donations go directly to help support and care for all the animals that call Luray Zoo home. The Zoo receives animals from other zoos that are retired ambassadors, retired from conservation programs, unwanted pets, confiscations, and occasionally, abused animals.

The zoo is located on about three acres. It has plenty of shade and places to sit while visiting the zoo. Both children and adults love how close visitors can get to the animals at Luray Zoo. The owners, Mark and Christine, as well as the zoo staff, are always out and about and love to talk to visitors and answer questions. Staff are passionate about animals that they care for and love sharing knowledge with those who visit. The zoo offers events, keeper talks and demonstrations at the zoo throughout the year!

Visitors will start by entering into the zoo gift shop. The Admission Counter is located on the left after walking into the front door. Inside there are over 80 exhibits of reptiles, including one of the largest venomous snake collections on the East Coast! Outside visitors will find over 20 exhibits of an array of animals including: primates, felines, birds, and mammals! The zoo also has a petting zoo area where visitors can pet and feed the animals, and feed is for sale at the zoo for those animals.

The Luray Zoo offers visitors a variety of experiences as well. The Discovery Tour is an after-hours guided tour with one of the zoo owners, Christine or Mark Kilby. While on the tour visitors will learn all about the animals that reside at the zoo. They will also get up-close and personal with some of the animal ambassadors as well. Some interactions will also be hands-on, with petting and cuddling, while other interactions may involve feeding. It is a fun and educational experience for all ages.

*Because the zoo does not accept government funding, it has been especially hurt by its closure due to COVID-19, and has been actively-seeking help in the form of donations from the public. Donations are used to purchase feed for over 250 animals that the zoo cares for.



A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Luray Zoo

Home to over 250 animals, Luray Zoo is the only rescue zoo in Virginia. It is privately-owned and receives no funding from the government, relying instead on private donations.

Attraction Advice




The Luray Zoo cares for over 250 wild animals, including the largest collection of venomous snakes on the East Coast.

As a rescue zoo, co-owner Mike Kilby takes in animals that have been retired from other zoos, confiscated, or abused.

The zoo offers visitors a variety of experiences, including animal shows, an after-hours private tour of the facility, and a Junior Zookeepers program.

A favorite part of the Luray Zoo is the feeding zoo, where visitors can get down and close-up to the residents.

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