





Zoos
Natural Bridge Zoo
📍 5784 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578🕐 Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–5 PM |
About Natural Bridge Zoo
Elephant rides & other experiences. Privately-owned zoo with interactive experiences including elephant rides, feedings & a petting zoo. Natural Bridge Zoo features elephant rides as a primary interactive experience, with elephant ride mentions appearing 282 times in visitor reviews—the most discussed attraction feature. Rated 3.4 out of 5 stars by 1,959 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Established
- 1972
- Mission
- Propagation and rearing of threatened or endangered species
- Ownership
- Privately owned, independent
- Best For
- All ages
💡 Did You Know?
- Natural Bridge Zoo features elephant rides as a primary interactive experience, with elephant ride mentions appearing 282 times in visitor reviews—the most discussed attraction feature
- The zoo offers hands-on animal feeding experiences including giraffe feeding and parakeet interactions, with animal feeding mentions appearing 131 times across review topics
- Located in Natural Bridge, VA, the zoo is positioned within proximity to multiple natural attractions including Natural Bridge Caverns, Natural Bridge State Park, and Natural Tunnel State Park
💬 What Visitors Say
- Visit in the afternoon or early morning when you're more likely to see animals active, as reviewers noted many animals were sleeping during late afternoon visits. However, plan for a shorter visit (1-2 hours) since this is a small roadside zoo with limited animals compared to larger facilities.
- The elephant rides are a popular attraction but not always available, and the elephant's wellbeing has been a concern for some visitors. Confirm elephant ride availability before visiting if that's a primary reason for your trip.
- Take advantage of interactive experiences like hand-feeding giraffes and the animal scavenger hunt to engage children. Staff are friendly and may allow hands-on experiences like holding snakes, which can make the visit memorable for kids.
- Come with realistic expectations about zoo size and amenities—this is a small roadside zoo, not a major facility. The compact layout means animals are within minimal walking distance of each other, making it ideal for young children who prefer shorter walks between exhibits.
- If you're passing through the area as a quick stop rather than a dedicated day trip, this zoo works well for families with young kids seeking a brief, close-up animal encounter. It's better suited as a 1-2 hour detour than a full-day destination.
More Family Fun Nearby
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