Went to this zoo during the off-season after checking out of our Airbnb in the area for some hiking in Shenandoah National Park. I will admit I love animals and get really excited to see them at zoos, even if some habitats I have seen here and other places don't seem adequate compared to the well-funded Smithsonian Zoo in DC. However, this small rescue zoo was 100% worth the trip. The owner has been running this place for at least 30 years given that the vulture has been there since 1996. Even Steve Irwin visited here in 1998 and complimented the place. The owner was very kind and briefed us on all the monkeys that could possibly throw gravel at us, and that one monkey hated cameras. There were SO many snakes so if you have a reptile-loving child, please take them here. The best part in my opinion was the petting zoo portion at the end. Buy the $3 feed cup when you get the admission tickets. There were goats, sheep, alpacas, and emu that you could feed. They were all gentle when taking the food, but the goats were aggressive with each other fighting for a spot by the fence to get food. It was quite fun and would be a blast for kids. read more

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enclosures, especially in the herpetology area, are extremely lacking. their collection of snakes and other reptiles is really amazing i just wish they were kept in better conditions, small enclosures, little to no enrichment. most egregious to me was the snapping turtle pictured, just a bleak looking tank with gravel, no kinds of enrichment. the gator enclosure i saw there looked equally depressing! i think this zoo has a lot of potential for better care for their animals, especially their reptiles, but as it stands right now i wouldn't go- left very depressed. read more

Luray Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Luray, Virginia

I was a bit skeptical coming here because of the reviews, but i was so pleasantly shocked. This is such a gem of a place doing really meaningful work for animals that need it. It's not a massive complex like your federally funded zoo is, but this isn't that. It's a rescue zoo. These are animals that the average person can't have. And they're clearly happy and healthy. There's an expansive herpetology exhibit of so many snakes and lizards. A few reviews talk about them being in "too small tanks". Which is just, frankly, untrue. Snakes don't roam in the wild unless they have to for food. They like being curled up a safe with their rock, heat, and water. A lot of the snakes there were either mid shed or post shed, snakes that aren't healthy and happy won't shed. The animals outside are also so pleasant. The monkeys are fun, the birds are sociable, the porcupines are so freaking cute. And there's a PETTING ZOO. Like all petting zoos, they prioritize the people feeding them over the people not feeding them. That's standard petting zoos behavior. Just spend the 3 extra dollars and get the cup of feed. It's worth it. And you're supporting a good cause. Don't let the bad reviews scare you. This is such a pleasant little zoo that's a great way to spend an hour of your day. read more

Luray Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Luray, Virginia

I loved this place when my kids were young. Now they're in their 20's and I have a grandson that I can bring here too! We had talks with all the animals. They seemed to like that we spoke to them. One of the best treats here, we saw, was the male peacock flirting with the female. He had his beautiful feathers standing out and shaking to impress! We were so glad to be able to see this in real life! read more

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Probably the best herpetarium I've ever seen. All of the snakes were there and active. Perfect, cute little zoo for kids too. read more

Luray Zoo - Sign near parking lot - Zoos Near Me - Luray, Virginia

This place gives me Tiger King vibes. Although it is a rescue zoo, I couldn't help but notice now small some of the animals were kept in extremely small enclosures. The one tortoise could not turn around in their small tank. The goats also chased you up and down the walkways waiting for feed that you can purchase at the store or in quarter vending machines. Makes me wonder how much food they get otherwise. read more

Luray Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Luray, Virginia

Stopped by here on our way through town. A little confusing since the GPS mapping took us to the north side of road. After calling them we easily found them on the other side of road. Talk about getting your attention! A T-Rex in front, a huge croc mouth is the entrance and a sign "Trespassers will be eaten!" In the parking area! A small but comfy rescue zoo with signs of the names of pet animals that came to the zoo and circumstances that led them there. Most were death or health issues with owners. A good variety of animals and reptiles including snakes, porcupines, monkeys, exotic birds and gators. Was able to see up close a few endangered species like Lynx and Condors. One former pet monkey even came close and grinned for us. And I was able to elicit a Kookaburra's laugh with a cackle. Oh and a shrill cry also garnered a response from a Pea Fowl. Guess they wondered what new species was at the zoo! A couple suggestions, especially if children are with you. One, buy a couple cups of feed for the goats and Rea in the Petting area. Feed is there but coins only. Two, go to the bathroom before visiting. The lone bathroom is a Port-A-Potty, not pleasant on a hot day. Definitely a must see in the area to support a worthy cause, especially with kids. The only disappointment was the HUGE Alligator Turtle in an aquarium that seemed way too small. read more

Luray Zoo - Monkey smiled at us several times - Zoos Near Me - Luray, Virginia

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What a treasure this is, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Owner Mike cares a lot for the animals here, and he absolutely can prove it. If you get a chance, he is brilliant, and also he's rescued a lot of animals. Quite a few of them reside here. This is a family friendly place, and kids and adults here will have fun. Plus you will have a personal experience. I always visit this zoo. Ask Mark about anything animal or ecology related, and prepare to be fascinated. His ability to address animal dominance in particular, is mind blowing good entertainment and it is true. As a reptile lover, yes there is quite an extensive selection of snakes. Maybe you'll if you want to, get the chance to meet Spalding the Ball Python. He's very calm as is the rat snake. A month or so ago I visited, and Mark explained how the alligators in hibernation, don't breathe normally and it's totally ok. This and how fish survive under ice, was very informative and thought provoking. Yet there are furry animals. Monkeys are here, and the petting zoo is great. You can purchase food, and feed the sheep, goats, and host of adorable animals. There are a number of other spots to check out, and for the price, you're supporting a good cause. There are a number of mammals I haven't seen elsewhere, and birds of prey that Mark has experience with. Ask him about how they hunt, and you'll be intrigued. This is hands down one of the wonderful places, in the Luray area to visit. Prepare to learn and have fun at the same time! read more

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We had a wonderful time at this rescue zoo. There were many reptiles. There was a beautiful Golden Eagle, a few monkeys, goats, alpacas, birds, alligators, porcupines, and more. We talked to the owner, Mark. We are thankful to people like Mark for rescuing these animals. They were well taken care of. The staff was very friendly. We highly recommend visiting this rescue zoo. read more

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I respect that they're a rescue, and they're saving animals from bad situations. The enclosures are horrible. The gators habit, or should I say lack thereof, was a box with a window and a small pool. I left very depressed. I don't want to say don't go because they definitely need the money, just prepare yourself. read more

Really cool place ran by a very cool guy abs his staff. Have a cool gift shop. Really cool Animals and reptiles. Enjoyed talking to the owner Mark and exploring the zoo. Not huge but just right. Really had a fun day here. Cool place. read more

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If you're looking for a huge zoo with large animals, skip this cute one. This zoo takes in animals that no longer have homes. We met lots of reptiles, some awesome monkeys, a singing kookaburra, and some other unique animals. There is a petting goat area and even a wallaby. We really enjoyed standing and talking to the monkeys. They showed off for us on their swings and play areas. We asked the owner questions about the animals and it's obvious that he's passionate about what he does. Support this little zoo because I could feel their happy to give these animals a home. read more

This zoo is small and cute and does have a variety of animals but one thing I do want to point out is the condition of the animals. The day I visited I only saw one employee and that was the one at the entrance for admission and the gift shop. I've been to many zoos before but the behavior that the animals expressed had me assuming that they are not feeding them adequately. The snakes were very active in their tanks as if it was feeding time, the goats in the back were pertruding through the fence trying to get some feed from us and even the monkeys were acting a little abnormal.. Overall I think that it was a good experience and my son and nephews had fun but the animals behavior that day definitely seemed as if something was suspicious in regards to neglect. read more

This a small zoo. The animals are well kept and different... monkeys, owls, condor, porcupines, etc. If you have young children, the goats in the petting zoo are the best. You can get a bowl of food and feed the goats. It is a blast. read more

When we stay in Shenandoah, there are days when hikes seem unappealing so we set our sights on the nearby town of Luray. There is the cavern, of course, but once you do that you have to look around for the other tourist traps and decide how much kitsch you can stand. So when I heard about the local, small, Luray Zoo, I was - I felt understandably- uneasy. The small entrance building with the giant plaster alligator mouth over the door did nothing to allay my fears. The entrance is the gift shop where you pay the entry fee, and they have lots of toys for the kids to whine over, so prepare yourself accordingly. Once you enter you are in for a real treat as this amazing rescue zoo takes shape before your eyes. All the animals come from untenable situations, and each enclosure lets you know where the animal came from and why it is there. In most zoos there is the pervasive sadness in the back of your mind while you're looking at caged wild animals, but here you quickly understand that these animals literally have nowhere else to go. Releasing them into the wild is not an option, and they are being cared for very well. The best part is how close up you get to the animals on the sprawling grounds. The reptiles are fascinating, the lynx and the porcupines are right there, and they even have a petting area for certain animals. If you are lucky you can time your visit to attend a talk by the enthusiastic owner who showed off some snakes while we were there. This is a zoo for everyone to enjoy. read more

This place should not exist. Awful. Visiting this zoo has haunted me. I get it's a 'rescue' zoo but once they've been rescued and rehabbed can't they go free? Or at least give them more than a small concrete cage. Super depressing!! If you have a little kid who wants to feed the goats I'm sure they're treated OK but the huge bird who has no space to fly, the owls, the desperately sad huge tortoise in small tank with nothing else, the 2 huge alligators on a concrete floor with nothing around. Ever heard of giving animals some decoration or things to play with the keep their minds occupied? Those poor beasts!! Worst zoo I've ever been to. The monkey lunges out and hits the window and they explain she's trying to play. Ooooohkay. Snakes were cool but again got some Harry Potter vibes. read more

This zoo is really neat! It is small compared to a "normal city zoo." But what it lacks in size is made up by personality. As mentioned elsewhere, this is a rescue zoo. It generates revenue primarily from admission fees. I was on my way to Luray Caverns and had planned to stop at the zoo. I ended up spending FOUR hours hanging out with monkeys and a ton of venomous snakes I got to see up close. The owner is a wealth of information and is clearly passionate about every creature there. He is exceptionally articulate, and I highly recommend attending an alligator feeding or any one of his talks. It was beautiful to see him stick around as long as it took to answer EVERY single kid's last question. I could never be so patient. I definitely recommend stopping by. Spend the three bucks to buy food to feed the goats! read more

A small lovely rescue zoo that is perfect for young children going to zoos for the first time and families. They have a snake and reptile house after you go through the gift shop at the entrance. The rattlesnakes, alligator snapping turtle, and a couple of cobras were pretty active when I came at around 10:30ish or so. The zoo offers a small collection of mammals, birds, snakes and reptiles, including an African Crested Porcupine, Kookaburra, and an Andean Condor. A small fee of $3 can be paid to feed the goats and emus at the petting zoo. The goats are pretty friendly and have no problem walking up to people for a treat. And the capuchin monkeys were pretty excited to see the guests. RIP Star the tiger who passed on a while ago. I never met you, but may your memory live on from those who got to know you and love you. read more

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We've been to a lot of zoos recently, and I'll be brutally honest here - it was one of the best zoos we've ever been to. They had a wide selection of animals, and since it's a smaller zoo it wasn't crowded at all. Looking at the main building from the road, the facility looked a little underwhelming, but when we saw the plaster, giant, gaping alligator maw in front of the entrance, we knew this place had personality. The adventure started in the reptile house - which, to be fair, smelled worse than most reptile houses since it was also connected to the main restrooms, so it wasn't the best start. But as soon as we rounded the first corner we were greeted by two dozen terrariums, most filled with very active snakes, some with lizards, one toad, and a big spider. Most reptile houses we've visited seem to display their terrariums horizontally, but this one displayed them horizontally and vertically like a pet store, so there was more to look at on one wall than normal. Once we finished that first area, we rounded the next corner and were very surprised to see much larger terrariums containing a ~12' cobra, a black mamba, a snapping turtle, and a very active alligator snapping turtle. Frankly, it was jarring; my primal instincts were telling me that killer dinosaurs were within striking distance and that I should run away - but my 21st century common sense kept me grounded as I examined the monsters. Once outside of the urine-reeking reptile rooms, we entered the outside zoo exhibits. They've got porcupines, monkeys, owls, a wallaby, goats in a petting zoo area, a massive condor, several friendly lemurs, and lots of other exotic animals whose names escape me. We went on an overcast day which I think contributed to the animals being so lively. They don't have any of the real big ticket item zoo animals since it is such a small zoo (no lions, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, etc.), BUT they do have a lynx! And at one point they had a tiger apparently--based on a little memorial plaque in a large empty enclosure, it seems that the tiger died earlier this summer :( So overall, this is a really good zoo. Honestly, just breathe through your mouth while you're in the reptile area, but do check it out cuz they've got just about the widest selection of snakes I've ever seen. The creatures in the outside exhibits may not be your typical zoo breadwinners, but they've sure got heart and personality! Definitely worth the trip! read more

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After driving an hour to come to this zoo, we walked in to a RUDE owner. He didn't greet us as we entered, we had no idea where to pay, we presented him with a coupon, and he looked at us in disgust, took our money and I had to ask him where we needed to go because we had never been there. He again, RUDELY explained the directions so fast we couldn't understand on purpose. I told him he was being rude, and he pretty much told me to stop being up tight and have fun. It was so unprofessional which we told him, we grabbed our money and walked out. After, I told my experience to many and they explained that the owner is a very RUDE, HEARTLESS person. It's sad, Because those poor animals need a good environment, not what is given there. Will NEVER return, and will continue to leave a bad review every where I can. read more

I'm not sure there are 250 different species here but there were around 70 tanks with snakes, lizards, turtles, and tarantulas (yes I counted). With that said they maybe have 250 animals living here. It was raining when I came so most of the outside animals were seeking shelter but a lot of them were still out. I wish the setups were better for photography purposes but other than that it was a good time. read more

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This zoo was so much fun and very affordable. My kids really enjoyed spending time on each exhibit and the staff was super friendly and helpful! The gift shop was unique and had something for everything! We look forward to returning! read more

We had a great time visiting this zoo. It is a small rescue zoo, but we enjoyed every minute of it! Just don't forget to take quarters if you want to feed the animals at the petting zoo. We will stop by again for sure! read more

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Arrived at 4pm for our tour and was greeted by the cashier who let Mark know that we had arrived. Since it was around closing time we had the entire place to ourselves. Mark is not only incredibly friendly but was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about all of the animals in his care. He told us the history of the Zoo and the animals he had rescued. I grew up close to the National Zoo in DC but this was a completely different experience all together. Not only was I given the history of the animals but was informed on facts that would never be listed on a placard. The porcupine "Snuggles" was hilariously friendly and seemed to enjoy my shoes. The ring tailed lemur was adorable as well. What I found especially amazing was the way Mark went into the Cobra enclosure and gently picked it up to show us how large it was. read more

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Had an amazing experience, super friendly staff reasonably priced & such exciting animals. Will definitely be back!

This place would've been perfect for a spin-off of Tiger King. There were an abnormal number of poisonous snakes and some cute monkeys. The Tiger had passed away sometime last year and there was a Wallaby that didn't look very well- it was lying on its side and panting. Alligators were in a very bare room with a pool of water only a few inches longer than they were. A condor was in an enclosure too small for it to fly within. It was sad. When we arrived, masked up for Covid safety, we were the only ones in masks. We asked the guy working there if masks were required (he himself wasn't wearing one) and he said "oh no, you don't have to worry about that, we just put the signs on the door for legal compliance". read more

What was cool is the goat petting part .. small zoo but beware it's all snakes when you walk in lol and I hate snakes. But besides that the monkey , and other small animals were cool to see .. the alligators looked cramped and small. Some animals weren't moving .. I know they are a rescue but animals are meant to live ... read more

Luray Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Luray, Virginia

Loved this Rescue Zoo. Animals were active, healthy, and we enjoyed learning about their stories. Kind management and great place for a family trip. read more

Depressing, dirty, small. We drove an hour to visit this zoo and will never go back. The animals appear to be poorly cared for and have no room in their enclosures. The alligators are in a small, windowless room with a plywood floor and a filthy puddle- that's it. A large turtle is in such a small tank that it can barely turn around. Before leaving I asked the only employee I could find where the restrooms were, so I could change my child's diaper. I was told the only option was a port-a-potty outside. I am baffled by the positive reviews and can only guess they were written by people who have never visited a proper zoo. read more

This place is so depressing. I went here with my family (one of them being a veterinarian) and the living conditions were completely unacceptable. Filthy water, dirty cages and not to mention rude owners/ employees. I wish there was something I could do to save these animals. I couldn't help but cry as one of the monkeys was trying to escape and reaching his arms out to me as if I should be saving it. I really hope my expensive entrance tickets go to helping these poor babies :(. I get super depressed just thinking about this place and its been a couple of days since... read more

This was a great thing to stop & visit! The owner shared a lot of great information with our kids about some of the animals. I loved how each animal had their story as to how they ended up there! Lots of reptiles, some monkeys, birds, porcupines & other neat things. They also have a tiger, but he was inside his house so we didn't see him. The owner said they have about 250 animals there. They are all rescued animals. The animals were very well taken care of & seemed rather happy there! You could tell the owner definitely loved his job & having all of them. When you first pull up it doesn't look like there is much there, but once you go inside it is definitely worth it! Our kids loved watching the monkeys, they were very entertaining! read more

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Stopped by on a whim while riding in the area. At first glance I thought the admission was a tad high, but was soon proven wrong. A significant number of the animals are rescues, not just bought or bred in the small zoo. All of the animals seem to be well cared for, and the enclosures kept clean. The goats at the petting zoo were adorable, without being aggressive. The Kookaburra even laughed out its call for us without any prompting. I'd definitely be willing to stop by again! read more

This hidden gem in Luray is perfect to just go and enjoy the love and attention of the animals! They all have their own personalities ! We also learned a lot of information from Mark about Falconry and his BEAUTIFUL Golden Eagle !! read more

I really liked this place! The monkeys were very entertaining I loved the tiger. Place was well kept and clean. Definitely recommend to see if your in the area! read more

Luray Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Luray, Virginia

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While I understand this is a rescue zoo, which is amazing, I do not understand how they can say they can say they have over 250 animals. There were MAYBE 50.....total. On a positive note.....the monkeys were by far the highlight of the zoo. Especially Bella! read more

Small local zoo, extremely well - kept, happy animals, very friendly staff. We loved seeing the animals and feeding the goats! Highly recommended, we will be back when again in the area. read more

I would give zero stars if I could. The enclosures for the animals appear way too small. The grounds were unkempt and dirty. Overall, it was not a good experience and we were only there for about 10 minutes because the feeling of the place was depressing. I would absolutely not recommend this "rescue" to anyone. read more

I really don't understand how people give this place four or five stars. Yes, it's a rescue zoo but what kind of "rescue" zoo keeps their animals in small and inadequate cages and enclosures? If they really wanted to help these animals, they would donate them to a much larger zoo that could cater to their environmental needs. The animals look so depressed. The tiger just paces back and forth all day in the smallest cage ever. They don't even have anything for the tiger to do. As for the birds, it seems like a lot of their cages aren't even big enough for their wings to span out all the way. What a sad place. I don't see how it has made it this long. Probably because Luray Cavern tourists are bored and are trying to figure out what else there is to do in the area. Here's the awnser: nothing! read more

I'm not one of those anti-zoo people but this place is sad. 1. Tiger is in an enclosure with a fence it could totally climb, in addition to a TREE IT COULD TOTALLY USE TO CLIMB AND GET OUT. I asked the owner (male owner) if he thought this was the case and he just said, "Well, at least then I can get rid of it." :0 omg All of the animals looked depressed... read more

For its intended purpose Luray Zoo is an excellent afternoon for the entire family. I had known the zoo had been there for a number of years. I had refused to visit because I know there are too many small zoos all over the country that keep animals captive only as a tourist side show. The Luray Zoo is different. The large animals and raptors are for the most part rescue animals. Either born is captivity or found in the wild injured. All seem well taken care of. My son had a great time. Mark the owner took time to answer all of his questions. All in all the whole family had a great time. Admission is reasonable and a well stocked gift shop is also reasonably priced. Recommended. read more