Address: | Mill Mountain Spur, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA |
Phone: | +1 540-343-3241 |
Site: | mmzoo.org |
Rating: | 3.7 |
Working: | 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM |
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David R Smith
In this modern world where anyone can readily find professional quality photos and videos of wild animals in their natural habitat, along with detailed descriptions of how the animals live in the wild, what they eat, how many miles they roam, etc., it is very sad and anachronistic to see the animals in the tiny Mill Mountain Zoo locked up in their cramped, dirty, and barren enclosures. The animals all look weary and bleak and none display the vigor and liveliness of their wild brethren that we all seem to cherish. They are unlucky prisoners in their dusty jails put there only for humans selfish pleasure. In the 21st century, there is no longer a need to imprison proud animals for our small entertainment. The animals already there are doomed, they can not be released back into the wild, lest they die within a few days. But we can do something to prevent future enslavement of natures beautiful animals. Stop supporting the zoo and pray that the zoo will close forever.
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Hannah Bruce
This is a tiny zoo. The largest animals you will see there are the cougar, snow leopards, and red wolves (no elephants, giraffes, zebras, etc.). That said, Ill tell you why we love it. Because of its small size, it is a great place to visit with young children. Children can walk the whole thing, and they can get much closer to the animals than at larger zoos. The featured animals are different from the usual main attractions at other zoos, which, in my opinion, makes it interesting. As a plus, almost all of the pathways in the zoo are shaded by tree cover, which can make it a bit of an escape on hot, sunny days. The Zoo Choo is also a hit with my kids. The engine has the sound and smell of a modified lawn mower, but the children enjoy the ride (two loops around the zoo - over in a few minutes).
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Rachel Martin
Yes it is small but, on our visit the animals all seemed very well cared for and playful or active. In fact a keeper happened to be cleaning the red panda cage and it was very obvious he liked his keeper as he kept trying to play with her and jump on her an such. My child loved it and it wasnt too big for her to walk the whole zoo. She highly enjoyed the train ride and over all the place is very clean and pleasant. A huge plus for me is the staff. They are very friendly and courteous. There happened to have been a mix up when I bought my membership and when I finally got around to checking on it (months later) they handled it quickly and courteously. Definitely a fun little place to stop.
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Gary M
Not a terrible zoo but not great either. We have been here several times. There used to be a honeybee exhibit here in the first building before the walking path to the zoo. I think they got rid of it because its not there anymore. Theres also a rude blonde woman named Grace who works in there. She actually told me “Dont ask me, just go away ” when I was asking about the animals in the zoo. I told her to her face she was not friendly and she replied “ I am soooo sorry” very sarcastically. When you actually get to the zoo from the walking path the staff get nicer but the exhibits are very small. They need new ones.
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Sinae Cruz
You actually passed the zoo heading to the top of the mountain of the Roanoke star. I did decide one day to go ahead and take my daughter to the zoo. I felt it was a waste of time and money. And they have like one of every animal which they only have like 10 animals. They all of the very sad and depressed and they should just be let go or be brought to a better place where they can be happier and not locked up in cages. Do not get me wrong I enjoy zoos, I go to Animal Kingdom and other places and enjoy looking at the animals, however this place they all just seemed absolutely miserable.
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Nicole McKitrick
Over the past ten years of my career as a teacher, Ive had the privilege of having the zoo visit on of my schools for one reason or another. Bambi had been the instructor many of the times. Regardless of who comes, the person is calm, patient, and incredibly knowlegable. The children have ranged from toddlers to 12 year olds. I have also visited the zoo itself a handful of times. It is quaint, but we learn so much about the animals. I have found all of the personnel that I have encountered to be knowledgeable!
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Andrew Crouthamel
Its a small zoo, a nice stop along your route. They have a snow leopard, which is cool. Some of the enclosures and buildings look like they need some maintenance, or completion (there were some under construction that looked like its been taking a while). The zoo train is cute and a unique feature, but it would be nice if they dressed up the track it takes a bit. Half of the track looks like it passes through maintenance areas, which are kind of bland. There is certainly potential here though.
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Dallas Leonard
If greed prevents you from properly maintaining a facility as complex as a public Zoo, you need to free the enslaved animals and close your gates, permanently! This Zoo, is most indeed poorly owned and operated! It has most definitely worsened over the last several years! Therefore, I recommend the Roanoke Jaycees, or whomever currently holds proprietorship; show a little humanity! Do the right thing and shut it down! Honestly, all Zoos should be outlawed....
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John Paul Neblett
Tiny zoo. Animals are beautiful, very difficult to photograph, deer fencing or behind glass (with a terrible amount of glare). You need to press your face and cupped hands up to the otter cage. Awkward layout. but not super exciting otherwise. The train is cute but the ride goes literally nowhere near the animals. Youre basically looking at the backs of sheds and bathrooms. Has potential, but not really worth the drive or admittance.
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Keith Clinton
There is no downside to this zoo, as they keep the momentum going. If one wants a lazy day to stroll around, it can be had here. A quick energy burner for the kids, here too. The animals are great, as are all the staff. Only complaint is the ZooChoo should be running every day, but I understand the cost restrictions on that. Cant really ask for much more from a zoo with plenty of plans for the future, and the community support to back it.
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Elizabeth Huston
Really great zoo! The staff were helpful and answered all our questions. We saw all the animals, and there were signs telling you where to find them if they have the habit of hiding. They even have windows into the private areas for the animals just in case they are in the back. I think some people reviewing just werent patient enough to wait for all the animals to come out. The best aviary Ive ever seen as well.
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Melissa Ga
The zoo animals seem very well taken care of, however this is a very small zoo. Too small. I expected the zoo to be bigger. The discovery center seemed more exciting i think. Also the discovery center has a woman by the name of "grace" a blonde working there. She annoyed and rubbed our group the wrong way. Shes a very eccentric woman. Not sure you can listen to or trust what she says.