FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 5, 2025

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Mill Mountain Zoo Presents: The Skyline Stage

Roanoke, VA — Mill Mountain Zoo is thrilled to announce our latest capital project, the Skyline Stage!

We believe there are four basic principles of social justice: access, equity, rights, and participation. We understand the need to offer people of all ages and abilities safe, equitable access to our distinct mission – wildlife conservation and innovative education in a historic, iconic destination.

Executive Director, Niki Voudren says, “The amphitheater that was previously here for decades was an eyesore and the bane of my existence because it was not handicap accessible. There was no ramp, making it inaccessible for people with mobility challenges. Off-brand composite was installed on top of rotting wood, causing the whole area to warp and buckle, which created trip hazards. In addition, with safety as my top priority, I questioned the structure's integrity.”

This new structure – “The Skyline Stage” - was designed to offer a safe, handicap accessible space that increases the Zoo’s equitable access and bolsters the capacity for educational programming and events for people of all ages and abilities. In addition, offering a safe, accessible space at the Zoo with gorgeous views of the Valley hopes to augment our event rental opportunities, creating a new revenue stream that will make the Zoo more financially sustainable.

Niki continues, "This space, in its former state, was where we hosted education programs, camps, and events, and seeing children in wheelchairs unable to navigate steps to join their peers for our education programs motivated me to make this accessibility project a top priority. We could have done the easier, less expensive thing – made repairs or built it with wood, but we do not take shortcuts. It took three years to raise the money needed for this project because I wanted a high-quality, sustainable structure done the right way. This new, sustainable, safe, handicap-accessible structure is a reflection of the high standards with which we build and speaks to the integrity with which we operate.”

Having a safe, handicap-accessible space where Roanoke’s Zoo can provide innovative educational programming will allow us to engage and teach tens of thousands of children for decades to follow, with the hope of bringing about a generational change in overall science literacy in the Roanoke Valley.

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About Mill Mountain Zoo:

Mill Mountain Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and their habitats through engaging educational experiences and interactive exhibits. Located in the heart of Roanoke, Virginia, the zoo is home to a diverse collection of animal species from around the world.

Mill Mountain Zoo is accredited by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA). To maintain this accreditation, the Zoo is subject to inspections of its physical facilities, the health and well-being of its animal collection, and the skills of its staff. The Zoo was founded in 1952 and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit operated by the Blue Ridge Zoological Society of Virginia, Inc.

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