Mill Mountain Zoo sees drop in visitors, seeking new exhibits

ROANOKE (WSLS10) - Mill Mountain Zoo is a known Roanoke staple, but ticket sales are down after a drop in visitors.

For Andrew Brandt, it's daddy-daughter day at Mill Mountain Zoo.

"When I asked them what they wanted to do today they said ‘zoo'," said Brand, a father of two.

A yearly pass lets him and his family visit the animals often. He said new animals would be a nice addition. Zoo officials said that's what they're working on.

"We're hoping that we can bring more animals that are indigenous to Virginia up to the zoo along with the exotics," said Chriss Davies Ross, a zoo board member and former board president.

Davies Ross said bears and red foxes are on the wish list.

Right now, the zoo is working on a new planning initiative called ‘180 Mill Mountain Zoo Redefined'. It's an effort to revitalize the zoo and bring back crowds that have dwindled over the last several years.

"The popularity of zoos has decreased a bit, which is also why we are looking at considering what it is the community wants," said Davies Ross, like adding more animals and educational programs.

But with ticket sales hurting, the zoo is unsure where the money will come from for the upgrades.

However, fundraisers like ‘Zoo Doo' help. Friday night the zoo is hosting an adult party starting. There's music, food, entertainment and an expected crowd of 200. The goal is to collect $40,000.

"The purpose of the event is to raise money for the zoo," added Davies Ross. "Every dime we raise helps us keep the zoo in operation and certainly we want to do that."

Banking on generous donations and ticket sales, the zoo hopes others like the Brandt family continue to bring business to help redefine this staple.