NORFOLK, Va. – The Virginia Zoo will celebrate Groundhog Day on Saturday, Feb. 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., by debunking some popular animal myths.
Do porcupines really shoot their quills? Do ostriches stick their heads in the sand? Can toads give you warts?
“Animal myths are fun, and many are based on amazing animal facts and behavior,” said Greg Bockheim, the Zoo’s executive director. “On Groundhog Day, we’ll have discovery stations around the Zoo that will help visitors explore popular animal myths and provide facts to better understand real animal behavior.”
Groundhog Day activities are included with regular admission.
As an accredited Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) facility, the Virginia Zoo exhibits more than 400 animals on 53 beautifully landscaped acres. For more than a century, the Virginia Zoo has demonstrated a commitment to education and conservation, and offered a fun-filled day for visitors of any age.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and located at 3500 Granby Street in Norfolk. Daily admission prices are $11 for adults, $10 for seniors (age 62 and over) and $9 for children ages 2-11. Children under 2 are admitted free. Visit www.virginiazoo.org or call (757) 441-2374 for more information.
A Malayan tapir at the Virginia Zoo. Malayan lore is that after all other animals were created, the spare parts were used to create tapirs. Visitors often think tapirs are related to anteaters, but many are surprised by their real relatives (Virginia Zoo photo by David Totten).
Contact:
Winfield S. Danielson III
Marketing and PR Manager
Office: (757) 441-2374 ext. 223
Email: winfield.danielson@norfolk.gov
