Luray Rescue Zoo
A dedicated rescue zoo offering a personal encounter with animals, especially during its highly-praised after-hours tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Personalized, educational, and unique
Luray Rescue Zoo
Best Time
Personalized, educational, and unique
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dedicated rescue zoo offering a personal encounter with animals, especially during its highly-praised after-hours tours.
"The after-hours tour is a must-do, offering an intimate and educational experience with the owner and animals. "
🎯 Book the After-Hours Tour!
This tour is a must-do! Get up close with animals and learn from the passionate owner.
🍦 Grab Ice Cream Nearby
Flotzie's ice cream is just minutes away, perfect for a post-zoo treat.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
After-Hours Zoo Tour
An intimate, guided experience with the owner, offering deep insights into animal care and feeding. Highly recommended!
Reptile House
Explore a fascinating collection of snakes and other reptiles in well-maintained enclosures.
Petting Zoo
Interact with and feed a variety of friendly animals, a hit with families and kids.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Luray Rescue Zoo
Best Time for Animal Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book the After-Hours Tour!
This tour is a must-do! Get up close with animals and learn from the passionate owner.
🍦 Grab Ice Cream Nearby
Flotzie's ice cream is just minutes away, perfect for a post-zoo treat.
💰 Affordable Family Fun
A great value outing for families looking for an educational and enjoyable experience.
🐍 Cool Reptile House
Don't miss the impressive collection of snakes and other reptiles.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book the After-Hours Tour!
This tour is a must-do! Get up close with animals and learn from the passionate owner.
🍦 Grab Ice Cream Nearby
Flotzie's ice cream is just minutes away, perfect for a post-zoo treat.
💰 Affordable Family Fun
A great value outing for families looking for an educational and enjoyable experience.
🐍 Cool Reptile House
Don't miss the impressive collection of snakes and other reptiles.
🍎 Purchase Animal Feed
Buy feed to interact with the animals in the petting zoo.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Luray Rescue Zoo is praised for its affordable and educational experience, especially the highly recommended after-hours tour led by the passionate owner. While some note a decline in the variety of animals, the focus on rescue and rehabilitation, along with interactive elements like the petting zoo and reptile house, make it a worthwhile visit for families and animal lovers.
"Luray Zoo is a decent spot if you’re in the area and looking for something to do, especially with kids. The petting zoo is fun for families, and the snakes were definitely one of the cooler parts of the visit. That said, some of the enclosures could use better upkeep, and overall there just aren’t that many animals to see anymore. A lot of the really unique animals have passed away, and now there are just memorials where they used to be. It’s still a nice, affordable outing, but it feels like it’s missing the “wow” factor it once had"
autumn jackson
"Get the after hours Zoo tour - you absolutely won't regret it! This wonderful experience was led by Mark the owner who is not only incredibly passionate about his animals and his labor of love, but extremely patient and personable as he shares his life stories, the back story of each and every animal and the experience of feeding some of his exotic and beautiful animals.
The price was beyond reasonable and he could easily charge a lot more for this experience, as he answered every question and patiently gave us TWO hours of his time during the tour.
Don't judge a book by its cover, these animals are well cared for and in good health.
Can't recommend the 'after hours tour' enough. Worth every penny."
Phillip Herbert
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Luray Zoo - A Rescue Zoo
We had an amazing time doing the after-hours tour at Luray Zoo! The guide was super friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the animals and their care. It was a unique and personal experience, and we got to see a wide variety of cool animals up close. You can tell this place truly cares about rescue and rehabilitation. Definitely worth the visit — especially if you’re looking for something special and educational. Highly recommend!"
Darius Lott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Luray Rescue Zoo is located in Luray, VA. It's a short drive from Luray Caverns and near Shenandoah National Park. Many visitors combine a trip to the zoo with other local attractions.
Yes, there is free and spacious parking available at the zoo, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Luray, VA is a popular day trip destination from Washington D.C., and Luray Rescue Zoo is one of the attractions you can visit.
Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Luray Rescue Zoo, especially if you're exploring the wider Shenandoah Valley area. +1
Yes, it's located near Luray Caverns and is a good stop if you're visiting the Shenandoah Valley.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices are generally considered reasonable and affordable, making it a good value for families. Specific pricing can vary, so it's best to check their official website or inquire directly.
The zoo is typically open daily, but hours can vary by season. It's recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
For general admission, booking in advance might not be strictly necessary, but it's always a good idea, especially during peak seasons. However, the highly recommended 'after-hours tours' often require advance booking due to limited spots.
Yes, the 'after-hours Zoo tour' is a standout offering. This personalized experience with the owner is highly praised and often requires advance reservation.
Yes, the zoo is suitable for all ages, with a petting zoo and interactive elements that appeal to children, and unique animal encounters for adults.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of rescued animals, including primates, birds, mammals, and a notable collection of snakes in the reptile house. Some unique animals may no longer be present, but memorials exist.
Yes, there is a popular petting zoo section where visitors can interact with and feed the animals.
The after-hours tour is a highly recommended, intimate experience led by the owner, Mark. You'll learn about the animals' backstories, see them up close, and even get to feed some.
Reviews suggest that while some enclosures could use improvement, the animals appear healthy and well-cared for, with a strong emphasis on rescue and rehabilitation.
It's described as a nice, affordable outing with a focus on rescue and conservation. The owner's passion is evident, especially during special tours.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The reptile house offers unique close-up opportunities. The petting zoo provides interactive shots. For a truly special photo, consider the after-hours tour for unique lighting and animal interactions.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged during the after-hours tour, allowing you to capture memorable moments with the animals and the owner.
While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Avoid using flash photography directly at animals if it seems to disturb them.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. If you're interested in detailed shots of reptiles or animals in their enclosures, a zoom lens can be helpful.
The zoo has a gift shop and outdoor exhibits. While the focus is on the animals, the natural setting can also provide pleasant photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking an after-hours tour if your children are older and you want a truly special, educational experience. It's a chance for them to learn directly from the passionate owner about animal care and rescue stories.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with other free or low-cost activities in the Luray area, such as exploring nearby hiking trails or enjoying scenic drives. The zoo itself is a fulfilling experience that doesn't require expensive add-ons, though purchasing animal feed for the petting zoo is a small, worthwhile expense.
❤️ Animal Lovers & Enthusiasts
You'll gain insights into the challenges and rewards of caring for rescued animals, and witness firsthand the commitment to their well-being. It's an opportunity to connect with animals on a more personal level and support a worthy cause.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Luray Rescue Zoo: A Commitment to Rehabilitation
While some reviews note that certain unique animals may no longer be present, the zoo's focus remains on providing a safe and caring environment for the animals they currently house. The enclosures are generally described as clean and well-maintained, and the animals appear healthy and happy. This dedication to rescue and rehabilitation is a key differentiator for Luray Rescue Zoo.
For those seeking a more profound connection with the animals and a deeper understanding of their care, the 'after-hours Zoo tour' is an absolute must. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn directly from the source and witness the genuine love and dedication that goes into running this rescue facility.
Experiencing Luray Rescue Zoo with Family
The reptile house also provides a captivating experience, showcasing a variety of snakes and other reptiles that often fascinate children. The zoo's manageable size means it's not overwhelming for little ones, and the overall atmosphere is welcoming and family-friendly.
Beyond the animals, the zoo's affordability makes it an accessible option for families. Combining a visit with nearby attractions like Luray Caverns or enjoying an ice cream treat from Flotzie's afterward adds to the overall family fun.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit