Mill Mountain Zoo Celebrates 74 Years with Annual Zoobilee Birthday Celebration

Roanoke, Virginia – Mill Mountain Zoo invites the community to celebrate 74 years of wildlife, conservation, STEM education, and family memories during Zoobilee, the Zoo’s annual birthday celebration, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy a full day of birthday festivities featuring free birthday cake (while supplies last), special keeper chats, and the opportunity to explore all our incredible animal residents representing species from around the world.

As part of the celebration, guests can learn about two of the Zoo’s most inspiring conservation ambassadors during scheduled keeper chats:

♥  Bald Eagle Keeper Chat: Meet Elsie and Tommy, Mill Mountain Zoo’s resident bald eagles. Elsie was rescued from the Lake of the Ozarks after sustaining injuries that left her unable to survive in the wild and Tommy was rescued off the side of the road in North Carolina and was in rehab for two years before finding his forever home through DWR here at Mill Mountain Zoo. Both Elsie and Tommy now serve as ambassadors for their species, helping educate guests about native wildlife, rehabilitation, and conservation.

♥  Red Wolf Keeper Chat: Visit Rocket and Cary, the Zoo’s resident mother-and-son red wolf duo and learn about one of the world’s most critically endangered canids. Guests will discover the important role accredited zoos play in helping conserve this remarkable species for future generations.

Since opening its gates in 1952, Mill Mountain Zoo has welcomed generations of families while inspiring visitors to care about wildlife through education, conservation, and unforgettable experiences at this historic destination. Today, the Zoo is home to more than 250 animals and remains committed to connecting people with nature while advancing wildlife conservation and STEM education.

“Zoobilee is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the community that has supported Mill Mountain Zoo for the past 74 years,” said Niki Voudren, Executive Director of Mill Mountain Zoo. “Every visit, every membership, every event, and every donation helps us continue to provide exceptional care for our animals and STEM education in this unique setting, while inspiring future generations to appreciate and protect wildlife. We are excited to celebrate this milestone with our community.”

As Mill Mountain Zoo celebrates its 74th birthday, it also begins the countdown to an exciting milestone—its 75th Anniversary in 2027. Plans are already underway for a year-long celebration honoring the Zoo’s history, conservation and educational mission, and the generations of families who have made memories on Mill Mountain since 1952.

Zoobilee is included with regular Zoo admission, and Mill Mountain Zoo members receive free admission as part of their membership benefits. Due to circumstances beyond the Zoo's control, Mill Mountain Zoo will open at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, instead of its regularly scheduled 10:00 a.m. opening. All Zoobilee festivities will continue as planned, with keeper chat times adjusted accordingly. Complimentary birthday cake will still be available while supplies last.

For more information about Zoobilee, memberships, upcoming events, or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.mmzoo.orgor call 540-343-3241.

About Mill Mountain Zoo

Mill Mountain Zoo is governed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and accredited by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), demonstrating excellence in animal welfare, safety, and ethics on a national level.

All animal residents at the Zoo are critically endangered, vulnerable, threatened, or non-releasable due to injury, captive birth, or owner relinquishment.  The Zoo participates in national and international Species Survival Plans, as well as humane research and conservation programs.

Located at the top of Mill Mountain, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mill Mountain Zoo overlooks the City of Roanoke.  Founded in 1952, the Zoo is a 501(c)(3) non-profit operated by the Blue Ridge Zoological Society of Virginia, Inc.

Mill Mountain Zoo is dedicated to promoting an appreciation and understanding of wildlife and habitat preservation through quality exhibits, educational programs, and collaboration with other animal conservation organizations.  The Zoo upholds three core beliefs: excellence in animal care, conservation management of endangered species, and fostering science education through its animal collection.