!: Norfolk's Virginia Zoo Has Lions and Tigers and Bears? Oh My!

You've come a long way, baby.

The first time we went to the Virginia Zoo was about 9 years ago. And really, it was a let-down. Small, no major animals to speak of. A big yawn.

Oh, how times have changed.

They've redone most of the exhibits, added really spectacular landscaping, and made it into a sweet, lively attraction. It's still not the San Diego Zoo, but it's easy to navigate and won't leave you exhausted like bigger parks.

You start at the fountains (perfect for cooling off on a hot, humid day). Try to stop the world...that is, a 5-foot, 17,500 lb. granite globe, rotating on a thin stream of water.

Once you get past the fountain, head to Africa...or a good replica, complete with an African market village and a savannah.

There's a boardwalk (perfect for getting excess energy out of little legs) that winds past elephants, mandrills, giraffes, zebras, meerkats, and more. The habitats are well-done...very un-zoo-like, and beautifully landscaped.

Other exhibits house tigers, ocelots, squirrel monkeys, and ostriches. There's even a reptile/creepy-crawly house which (for some reason) I find fascinating. I guess I get a little thrill from knowing that otherwise deadly or ubnoxious creatures are just a pane of glass away.

If you're lucky, you may be treated to a glimpse of the new African lion cubs. Their birth-the first carnivore birth at the zoo in 35 years-came as a surprise. Although the zoo had been trying to breed their parents, Zola and Mramba, they didn't realize that Zola was pregnant. She gave birth while on exhibit (that must have been quite a show!).

For our kids (who don't share my fascination with snakes and creepy-crawlies), the two highlights of the Virginia Zoo are the prairie dogs and the petting zoo.

Our kids love popping up in the viewing bubbles at the interactive prairie dog habitat so they can get face to face with the perky little creatures.

We always finish our tour in the Virginia exhibit, which includes a replica of a working Virginia farm. Huge, fat pigs. Wooly sheep. And plenty of goats to pet. Relax, moms...they have plenty of hand sanitizer pumps right outside the petting area.

If you're hungry, they have two food spots: Beastro Café (snack foods and ice cream) and the African Village Restaurant (located in-you guessed it-- "Africa") which has a more extensive zoo menu (burgers and the like).

None of it is what you'd call spectacular cuisine, although African Village provides an air conditioned respite on a really hot day.

Otherwise, I recommend the following:

1. Arrive when the zoo opens at 10 am.

2. Skip the over-priced and underwhelming zoo food.

3. Bring along a snack.

4. When you've completed your visit, go to nearby Baker's Crust in the Ghent District for some of their tantalizing sandwiches and crepes.

Or, if you've planned ahead and have reservations, go to Rowena's Tea Room for a really special Luncheon Tea, complete with scones, finger sandwiches, pound cake, and of course, tea. They even have a special "Children's Luncheon Tea," with mini PB&J sandwiches, snacks, gummy-garnishes, cake, and a wee cup of tea or apple juice.

Admission is .00 for adults, .00 for seniors (age 62 and over), and .00 for kids ages 2-11.
The Virginia Zoo is open from 10-5 daily except for New Years Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.

The Virginia Zoo is located at 3500 Granby Street in Norfolk. Visit their website at http://www.virginiazoo.org.