Metro Richmond Zoo

Metro Richmond Zoo in Moseley, VA (Chesterfield Co.) Home to 2000 animals, representing 190 different species from around the world. Open Mon-Sat, 9:30 - 5:00

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

Typically, giraffes at the zoo give birth inside a private birthing stall for mom & baby's comfort & safety. However, once active labor began, it became clear Chrissy would deliver outside, in front of guests. Our staff adjusted to make her experience as comfortable as possible.

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating Chrissy, a 14 yr old giraffe, who gave birth yesterday to a healthy female calf after a quick 27-minute active labor.

The drop is natural & helps sever the umbilical cord & stimulate the calf's first breath.

More: https://t.co/v2Zh461YpR

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

Giraffes give birth standing up, with the calf emerging front feet first, followed by the head, neck, and shoulders, before dropping 6 feet to the ground. While dramatic to witness, the fall is natural and helps sever the umbilical cord while stimulating the baby’s first breath.

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

Chrissy is protective, nurturing, and very comfortable around her caretakers.
Compared to other female giraffes in our herd, Chrissy is known for her quick deliveries. At 9:58 AM, staff confirmed active labor when the calf’s front hooves became visible.

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

Born at the zoo in 2011, Chrissy was bottle-fed by staff as a calf due to maternal neglect. Bottle-feeding a giraffe is a unique challenge, but our efforts were successful. Chrissy grew into a healthy giraffe, integrated into the herd, and has now welcomed her third calf.

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

@johnstamos1442 The calf stood for the first time one hour after birth. They have to learn quickly because in the wild, newborn giraffes are especially vulnerable to predators.

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

@Elite89_JC Chrissy was bottle-fed by zoo staff as a calf due to maternal neglect, so she is very comfortable around people. She was very calm during the birth. The calf takes behavioral cues from mom. Read more: https://t.co/CVwzZS3wZM

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

@13ofnazareth Good thing you're not a giraffe

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

@xolanified Female giraffes reach sexual maturity between ages 3 and 5, and usually have their first calf between 5 and 7. This is Chrissy's 3rd calf. She is a fully-grown giraffe.

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

Welcome to Shaka, the newest member of our giraffe herd! 🦒

Born on 12/6 to Elko & Wakati, he's been growing quickly & gaining confidence every day. With the warm weather, he's out exploring, running, & discovering his world.

Come say hello 🫶🏼

#metrorichmondzoo #rva #giraffe

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

A happy spring morning at the zoo! 🌸🐑 Come visit our sweet new lambs in the barnyard and soak up the sunshine! 🔆

#metrorichmondzoo #rva #spring #lamb

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

During checkups like this, our veterinary team performs a physical exam, collects bloodwork, and administers vaccines if they’re due to help keep animals like Medra and Malibu healthy and thriving! 🩺

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

Medra, a De Brazza’s monkey, recently had a vet checkup while her baby, Malibu, stayed close by. Young primates cling to their mothers, so our vet team sedates mom only while baby remains awake and safely holds on.

#metrorichmondzoo #monkey #veterinarymedicine #cuteanimals #rva

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

This approach is the least intrusive for the baby and avoids unnecessary sedation, while staying with mom helps keep the baby calm.

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

Love the zoo? Join our team!
We’re hiring in 🎟️ Guest Services, 🦧 Animal Care, and 🛠️ Maintenance.

🗓️ Zoo Hiring Event
Feb 28 | 12–3 PM
At zoo entrance (no admission required)

Meet w/ hiring managers. Walk-ins welcome.

View roles + apply: https://t.co/83fDJKu38l

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

send this to someone you want to go on a zoo date with 💗 💋

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

Some more snow fun! ❄️🧊

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

Gray wolves like Sirius are well adapted to cold weather, and snow provides enrichment that encourages natural movement and behavior, and yes, rolling is part of the fun. ❄️🐺

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

Poppy may be one year old, but baby hippo chaos energy doesn’t take a snow day. While it’s freezing outside, Poppy and Iris are staying cozy in the indoor pool, where it’s a humid 85 degrees.

[Metro Richmond Zoo @metrorhmdzoo]

The Miracle of Christmas – Live at the Zoo begins tomorrow! ✨🎄
Dec 20–22 | 7:00, 7:45 & 8:30 PM
🆓 FREE admission & parking
📍 Metro Richmond Zoo
Canned food donations for Chesterfield Food Bank appreciated.
https://t.co/nEY3LaAzvy