Mill Mountain Zoo

09/20/2024

🚨 Red Panda Day is TOMORROW!!!🚨

Get ready for a wild and wonderful day celebrating Frank, our fabulous Red Panda, and all things red panda-related! 🐾🎉 The fun kicks off at 10 AM and lasts until 4 PM, so there’s plenty of time to swing by and enjoy the festivities. From keeper chats and training sessions with Frank to crafts and a special art sale featuring Frank's very own artwork—there’s something for everyone! 🎨🐼

Oh, and we heard a little rumor... Amanda the Red Panda will be making a special appearance too! 👀 Don’t miss your chance to snap some pics with her! 📸

The best part? There’s no extra cost—just regular zoo admission! 🌳

After a long and rainy week, come spend a fun-filled day outdoors with us and Frank. See you Saturday for Red Panda Day! 🐾✨

09/19/2024

🌏 Red Panda Conservation is more important than ever!🐾

Did you know the global red panda population has declined by 50% in just the last 20 years? Today, there may be as few as 2,500 red pandas left in the wild. Their biggest threat is habitat loss, but they also face dangers from poaching, illegal trade, and disease.

Thankfully, organizations like the Red Panda Network are making a difference by spreading awareness and educating people about these critical issues. In fact, Red Panda Day started back in 2010 thanks to the Red Panda Network, and we’re excited to celebrate it every year here at Mill Mountain Zoo! 🐼

Join us this Saturday, September 21st, from 10 AM to 4 PM, to honor Red Panda Day with Frank, our lovable red panda! We'll have keeper chats, training sessions, Red Panda crafts, and even an artwork auction featuring pieces painted by Frank himself! 🌳🎨

Thank you to the Red Panda Network for this important infographic on red panda conservation. Together, we can help ensure a brighter future for these amazing creatures. 💚

Let’s work together to protect red pandas and all wildlife. See you Saturday! 🐾🌿

Red Panda Network

09/18/2024

🌧️ After a long and rainy week, it's time to get outside and join us for Red Panda Day at Mill Mountain Zoo this Saturday, September 21st! 🐾

Come celebrate with Frank the Red Panda from 10 AM to 4 PM, where we’ll have tons of fun activities, including:
🎨 Red Panda crafts at the pavilion
🎨 Artwork auction featuring masterpieces painted by Frank himself
🍧 DG Ice by the front gates for sweet treats
🦸‍♂️ Keeper chats and training sessions with Frank throughout the day!

There’s no extra cost for the event—just our normal admission price! Spend your Saturday enjoying the fresh air, learning about Red Pandas, and hanging out with Frank! 🌳🐼 We can't wait to see you here!

09/18/2024

🐷🐐 Happy Farm Animal Awareness Week! 🐐🐷

This week, we’re celebrating our incredible farm animal friends and raising awareness about why they’re so important and deserve our respect and care! 🌾❤️

Meet some of Mill Mountain Zoo’s own farm animal crew:
- 🐖 Homer, our American Guinea Hog, represents a species once common on Southeastern homesteads, now much rarer.
- 🐷 Ody, our Vietnamese Pot-Bellied Pig, is part of the smallest recognized pig species!
- 🐐 Dash, Dabby, Star, Oreo, and Fu, our Myotonic Goats, are naturally parasite-resistant, making them perfect farm companions.
- 🦆 Beans and Cornbread, our domestic ducks, love waddling around and provide eggs too!

Farm animals play such an important role in our lives—whether they’re helping on the farm or simply being awesome friends. That’s why it’s crucial to treat them with kindness, provide the care they need, and respect their role in the ecosystem. 🌍✨

We love our farm animal family and believe they deserve all the love and attention just like any other animal. Let's promote animal welfare and remember—happy animals = healthy farms! 🐾💚

09/17/2024

🐦🎉 Happy National Pet Bird Day! 🎉🐦

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on our incredible Military Macaw, Rita! 🦜 Rita’s journey to Mill Mountain Zoo began before she even hatched—her bird parents were kept by a local family who didn’t realize they had a breeding pair until they discovered an egg! 🥚 After a vet ensured the egg was healthy, Rita was brought to us, and she’s been a star ever since! ✨

Military Macaws like Rita are stunning birds, but they’re also a BIG commitment. With lifespans of 80+ years in captivity and intelligence similar to that of a toddler, these birds can learn shapes, colors, and even words! But their strong beaks make them quite the little destructors! 💥🦜

Before considering any exotic pet, like a Military Macaw, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. These birds need a lot of attention, enrichment, and care for a lifetime.

We’re so lucky to have Rita here at the zoo—her bright personality and love for meeting new people make her a fan favorite! Come say hi to her next time you visit! ❤️

09/15/2024

🚀✨ On this day in 1968, two extraordinary Russian Tortoises made history by becoming the first living beings to orbit the moon! 🌕 Aboard the Zond 5 spacecraft, Turtle 22 and Turtle 37 were launched from the Baykonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on a daring mission that would take them around the moon and back to Earth. Against all odds, these resilient tortoises survived the journey, making it back to Earth on September 21st—a true testament to their incredible adaptability and endurance!

Why were Russian Tortoises chosen for such a groundbreaking mission? 🐢 It turns out, these little explorers have some amazing superpowers! Russian Tortoises possess a unique fluid in their bodies that acts like antifreeze, allowing them to survive in temperatures as low as 3°F. Plus, their smaller size made them ideal candidates for space travel, where every ounce counts!

Here at Mill Mountain Zoo, we’re celebrating this historic anniversary by shining the spotlight on our own cosmic companion, Noah the Russian Tortoise! 🌟 While Noah may not have ventured into space, he shares the same remarkable traits that made Turtle 22 and Turtle 37 the perfect space pioneers.

Come visit Noah and learn more about these incredible creatures who once journeyed around the moon and back! 🛰️🐢

09/14/2024

Take a peek inside our Aviary to meet the rest of our incredible birds! 🐦✨

In this post, you'll find photos and fun facts about:
🪺 Red-Billed Blue Magpie: With striking blue feathers and a bold red beak, these beauties are native to parts of Asia.
🌟Superb Starling: Known for their iridescent colors, these birds are native to East Africa and are as stunning as they are social!
🦆Wood Ducks: Native to our own backyard, these colorful ducks are often found nesting near wooded swamps and streams.
🍏Black-Naped Fruit Dove: A vibrant frugivore from Southeast Asia with green plumage and a black and white head that stands out!
🐥Northern Bobwhite Quail: Another native species, these ground-dwelling birds are famous for their iconic whistle that sounds like they’re saying “bob-WHITE.”

Each bird has a unique story, and we’re excited to share a little piece of their world with you! 🦆🐦

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09/13/2024

🔮🐾 Happy Friday the 13th from Mill Mountain Zoo! 🦉🦇

Feeling spooky? Come spend Friday the 13th with the wildest bunch in town! 🍂 From not-so-black cats to nocturnal creatures, the zoo is the perfect place to embrace the mystery of the day. 🦎🐺

Explore the hidden secrets of the animal kingdom and meet some critters that are more fascinating than frightening like Seraphine, our Mexican Fireleg Tarantula. 🕷While she looks spooky from the outside, she is a grumpy old lady who like treats (crickets🦗) more than tricks. Seraphine was someone's relinquished pet and one of our creepiest ambassadors. Come see Seraphine and our other creepy critters this Friday the 13th! 🐍

09/12/2024

🐾📅 Mark your calendars—International Red Panda Day is almost here!

Join us on September 21st for an unforgettable celebration featuring DG ice treats, red panda chats, training sessions, fun crafts, and more! 🎨🐾 Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to learn all about red pandas and support their conservation. Bring your friends and family to Mill Mountain Zoo for a day filled with fun and discovery! ❤️

Our favorite red panda is Frank, but we may be biased. 🐾 Frank is 6 years old and is an expert in the art of napping—did you know red pandas sleep for around 17 hours a day?! 😴 When he’s not snoozing, Frank’s all about the snacks, munching on 2-4 pounds of bamboo daily (that’s 20-30% of his body weight!). 🌿 Frank was bred in captivity and joined us from another ZAA-accredited zoo, and we’ve been smitten ever since. Come celebrate Frank and all our red panda pals on International Red Panda Day! 🎉❤️

09/11/2024

In honor of Friday the 13th this week, Seraphine the Mexican Fireleg Tarantula 🕷️ and Linkin the Ball Python 🐍 got their spooky spotlight on WDBJ7! 📺✨ Watch the clip to learn some fun facts about these incredible creatures and to hear about our exciting upcoming events like Breakfast with the Animals and Red Panda Day! 🍳🐼 Huge thanks to WDBJ7 for always welcoming us on their show as recurring guests—it's a fang-tastic partnership! 😄🎥

https://www.wdbj7.com/2024/09/10/september-events-laid-out-mill-mountain-zoo/

7@4 welcomed Katie Harlow and Kiana Nowall from the zoo.

09/11/2024

🕊️ Remembering September 11th, 2001 🕊️

Today, we honor the memory of all those who lost their lives in the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. We pay tribute to the courage of the first responders who selflessly rushed into danger to save lives, and we stand in solidarity with all those who continue to carry the weight of that day.

May we never forget the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Let us strive for peace, unity, and understanding, honoring the memories of those we lost by fostering compassion and hope in our communities.

09/10/2024

🚂🎉 The ZooChoo is BACK in action at Mill Mountain Zoo!
After a brief pause for some mechanical repairs, everyone's favorite train ride is once again ready to take you on a scenic journey through the zoo. Come hop aboard, enjoy the sights, and make some lasting memories! 🐾🚂 Don't miss the chance to experience this iconic ride—perfect for all ages! 🌟

09/09/2024

📺Join Katie and Kiana, our zoo educators, tomorrow on WDBJ7@4! 🐾🦥

Did you know that our educators go on WDBJ7@4 every other Tuesday to share the newest at the Mill Mountain Zoo and teach all about some of the zoo's animal ambassadors? Tune in to catch exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at your favorite animals, meet our dedicated educators, and learn fun facts about wildlife conservation.

Don't miss out on this bi-weekly adventure as we bring the wonders of Mill Mountain Zoo straight to your living room! See you on the screen! 🎥🐾

09/09/2024

🌿 Breakfast with the Animals: Hungry Hungry Herbivores on September 14 🌿

Join us for a fun-filled morning at the zoo! Start your day right with a delicious breakfast from Scratch Biscuit Company, then embark on an adventure around the zoo to meet our amazing herbivores! 🐢

🐾 What’s in store: 🍳 A tasty breakfast provided by Scratch Biscuit Company. A guided walk to see our zoo's incredible herbivores. 🐢 Meet & greet with herbivorous ambassador animals. 🎨 A fun, hands-on craft for all ages!

Perfect for families, nature lovers, and all animal enthusiasts! 🌿

Limited spots available—reserve your tickets now!

09/08/2024

📚 Thank You for Joining Us at Reading with Amanda Panda! 📚

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for our event, Reading with Amanda Panda! 🎉 It was a joyous occasion filled with wonderful stories and the chance to meet our beloved mascot, Amanda Panda.

A big shout-out to Roanoke Public Libraries for their generous book giveaways, making sure everyone left with a story to cherish. 📖 Special thanks to all the families, friends, and supporters who made this event a memorable one. Your enthusiasm and participation truly make a difference for our community and our beloved red pandas.

Let's continue spreading the love for reading and conservation together! Join us for our next Reading with Amanda Panda and stay tuned for more exciting events at Mill Mountain Zoo. 🌿🐾

09/08/2024

🌿🐻 Happy Grandparents Day from Mill Mountain Zoo! 🐾💚

Today we celebrate the wisdom, love, and kindness of all the amazing grandparents out there! What better way to honor them than by spending a day together surrounded by wildlife and nature? 🌳

🐗🦉🦊 Bring your grandparents to Mill Mountain Zoo for a special adventure! From exploring our animal exhibits to enjoying the stunning views, it’s the perfect way to create cherished memories.

Tag us in your favorite zoo moments with your grandparents, and let’s celebrate the special bond we share with both our families and the animal kingdom! 📸✨

09/07/2024

🌍National Threatened Species Day🌍

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." – Dr. Seuss, "The Lorax"🌳

Today, we honor and reflect on the importance of wildlife conservation, particularly for species that are at risk of disappearing from our planet. A threatened species is any animal whose conservation status is listed as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. Here at Mill Mountain Zoo, we have the privilege of caring for several threatened animals, each with its own story and significance.

These animals are not here by chance. Most were born in captivity and are vital participants in larger conservation programs like SSPs (Species Survival Plans) and SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction). These initiatives are crucial for ensuring that endangered species have a fighting chance at survival. Some of our residents, like the Box Turtles, were once wild but sustained injuries that made survival in the wild impossible. They now find sanctuary with us, where they can live out their lives safely.

"The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves." – Jane Goodall 🐵

Our role in wildlife conservation is not just about providing care—it's about being a voice for those who cannot speak. It's about recognizing the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the irreplaceable value of every species that inhabits our world.

"The wildlife and its habitat cannot speak, so we must and we will." – Teddy Roosevelt 🌟

We must and we will continue to advocate for these incredible creatures. Every action we take, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement to protect and preserve our planet's biodiversity. Your support and awareness are vital in this mission. Together, we can make a difference.

Let’s commit to caring "a whole awful lot"—for them, for us, and for the future of our planet. 🌎❤️

09/05/2024

🌟 Get ready to soar into some fascinating bird facts! 🌟

We're excited to introduce you to a few of our amazing feathered friends from the aviary here at Mill Mountain Zoo. Each of these birds has a unique story to tell, and we can't wait for you to learn more about them!

In this post, you'll meet the stunning Blue-Bellied Roller, the lively White-Crested Laughing Thrush, the striking Nicobar Pigeon, the ever-resilient Northern Mockingbird, and the beautiful Sulawesi Ground Dove. Swipe through the photos to discover their diets, natural ranges, and habitats, along with some fun facts that might surprise you!

Did you know that most of these birds were born in captivity? Harper, our Northern Mockingbird, is the exception—after spending time in rehabilitation, Harper became so accustomed to humans that release back into the wild wasn't an option. We're thrilled to provide a forever home for this special bird and all our birds.

Dive into the world of our aviary residents and stay tuned, because we've got more fascinating birds to introduce to you soon! 🦜✨

09/05/2024

🐾 Otter lovers, this one's for you! 🦦

Meet Laura and Pork Chop, our playful pair of Asian Small-Clawed Otters who bring so much joy to Mill Mountain Zoo. Did you know these little cuties are the smallest of the 13 otter species? They may be tiny, but they have big personalities!

Despite their cuteness and small size, otters are fierce predators! Feeding on a carnivorous diet consisting of crabs, mollusks, and fish. Laura and Pork Chop were both born in captivity, so they now call our zoo their forever home.

Sadly, Asian Small-Clawed Otters are listed as a vulnerable species, facing serious threats like poaching and habitat loss. It's heartbreaking to think that these amazing creatures are at risk in the wild. That's why it's so important to support conservation efforts and spread awareness. When you visit the zoo, you’re not just having fun—you’re helping to protect animals like Laura and Pork Chop!

Come see them in action and learn more about their fascinating lives in the freshwater systems of Southeast Asia. Let's do our part to keep their wild relatives safe! 🌏🦦

09/04/2024

Don’t forget! This Thursday, September 5th, at 10 AM, is Reading with Amanda Panda at Mill Mountain Zoo! 📚🐼 Join us for a fun storytime with our adorable Red Panda mascot, Amanda Panda. It's the perfect chance to snap some photos and make memories! Roanoke Public Libraries will also be there handing out FREE books to all the kiddos. 📖🎉 The best part? There’s no extra cost for this program—just your regular admission to the zoo! Storytime lasts about 30 minutes, so come on out and enjoy a delightful morning with us!

09/04/2024

🌍Happy National Wildlife Day!🌍

Today, we celebrate the incredible diversity of life on our planet and reflect on the vital importance of wildlife conservation. At Mill Mountain Zoo, we're privileged to care for a wide range of species, each with their own unique role in the ecosystem. But our mission extends far beyond the zoo gates—it's about ensuring that these animals and their wild counterparts have a future on this Earth.

As David Attenborough wisely said, "It's surely our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on Earth." This responsibility is not just a task but a profound duty to protect the natural world. Every species, from the tiniest insect to the largest predator, plays an essential role in the delicate balance of our ecosystems. When we lose a species, we lose a piece of the complex puzzle that sustains life on Earth.

Steve Irwin also reminded us, "We are part of the animal kingdom, not separated from it." We share this planet with millions of other species, and our fates are intertwined. Protecting wildlife means protecting our future as well. Every effort, big or small, makes a difference. Whether it’s supporting conservation programs, advocating for endangered species, or simply spreading awareness, your actions have the power to create lasting change.

So today, on National Wildlife Day, let's commit to doing our part to preserve the wonders of the natural world. Together, we can make a difference—one that ensures our planet remains a vibrant and thriving home for all its inhabitants.

🌿 Thank you for caring about wildlife conservation. Let’s make every day a day to protect and cherish our planet’s incredible biodiversity. 🌿

09/03/2024

🌟We're thrilled to thank the 1,370 guests who decided to *hang out* with us over Labor Day weekend! 🌟 Our Hoffmann's Two-Toed Sloth, Lady, who knows a thing or two about "hanging around," was especially happy to see so many smiling faces. 🦥 Every ticket purchased, every gift shop find, and every bistro bite helps us keep our animal friends well-fed, comfortable, and entertained. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we rely on your support to continue our mission, so your visits make all the difference. Thank you for spending your weekend with us—see you next time! 🦥❤️

09/03/2024

🧔🐉 Ahoy, mateys! It's World Beard Day, and our very own scaly pirate, Norbert the Bearded Dragon, is here to celebrate! 🦎

Norbert might not have a pirate ship, but he's got one impressive "beard" that he uses to show off his mood. When Bearded Dragons get upset, they puff out the scales on their chin, turning them black, just like fierce Blackbeard! But don’t worry—Norbert is so laid-back, we’ve never seen him pull out his pirate persona.

Norbert came to us from earlier this year, and thanks to all of you, he’s got the perfect name! He's one of our ambassador animals, so while you might not find him on exhibit, you might catch him sailing into an educational program near you.

So, on this World Beard Day, raise a toast (or a cricket) to Norbert and his chill vibes. And remember, a true pirate's treasure is a well-groomed beard... or in Norbert's case, a perfectly puffed one! 🏴‍☠️

09/02/2024

🎉 Happy Labor Day! Today, we celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers—like you! Why not reward yourself with a relaxing day at Mill Mountain Zoo? 🌳

Since Labor Day is an American holiday, we’re highlighting some of our amazing North American native animals! Meet our Eastern Box Turtle, Red Fox, Red Wolf, Raccoon, Bald Eagle, and American Black Bear. 🐢🦊🐺🦝🦅🐻 Each of our animals has a fascinating story, and you can learn all about them during your visit today.

We’re open and ready to help you make the most of your day off—see you at the zoo! 🎟️

09/02/2024

🌟Looking for a fun and family-friendly way to spend your Labor Day? Look no further! Mill Mountain Zoo is OPEN and ready to welcome you! 🌟

Whether you’re planning a relaxing day out or an adventure with the kids, the zoo offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages. From our slithery snakes to the majestic Snow Leopard, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, with beautiful weather in the forecast, it’s the perfect time to explore our scenic grounds and meet some amazing animals!🐍🐢🐷🐻🦥🦘

We're open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, with final admissions being sold at 4 pm, except for Christmas and Thanksgiving, and only close if there’s severe weather. So why not make the most of your long weekend and come visit us? 🦊 Bring the whole family for a day filled with wonder, learning, and a whole lot of fun. We can’t wait to see you here! 🌟