Good Zoo Oglebay
Discover rare and endangered species at this charming zoo within the beautiful Oglebay Park, offering unique encounters and conservation insights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals
Good Zoo Oglebay
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover rare and endangered species at this charming zoo within the beautiful Oglebay Park, offering unique encounters and conservation insights.
"A wonderful little zoo for children and adults alike, with unique animals and friendly staff!"
🎯 Book Animal Encounters
Red panda encounters are a hit! Book in advance for a unique, up-close experience.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the animals.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Red Panda Encounter
Get up close with these adorable, endangered creatures. A truly memorable experience for all ages.
Maned Wolves
Marvel at these unique, long-legged canids. A rare sight that captivates visitors.
Albino Alligator
Be amazed by this rare, striking white alligator. A truly unusual and fascinating exhibit.
Trackless Train Ride
Enjoy a charming ride through the zoo grounds on this fun miniature train.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Animal Encounters
Red panda encounters are a hit! Book in advance for a unique, up-close experience.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the animals.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera for amazing shots of unique animals like maned wolves and albino alligators.
💡 Ask Staff Questions
Zoo staff are friendly and knowledgeable, sharing fun facts about the animals.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Animal Encounters
Red panda encounters are a hit! Book in advance for a unique, up-close experience.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the animals.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera for amazing shots of unique animals like maned wolves and albino alligators.
💡 Ask Staff Questions
Zoo staff are friendly and knowledgeable, sharing fun facts about the animals.
🌳 Explore Oglebay Park
The zoo is part of a larger resort with beautiful grounds and attractions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Oglebay Good Zoo for its charming atmosphere, unique and well-cared-for animals, and friendly, knowledgeable staff. Many highlight the educational opportunities and the value for money, especially for families. While it's a smaller zoo, the quality of exhibits and the immersive experiences like behind-the-scenes tours are frequently lauded.
"This zoo is so cute and it's a great retirement home for the animals! I went with some friends to do the behind-the-scenes golf cart led tour and it was fabulous. Brin was our guide - she was so knowledgeable, funny, and nice. Excellent people skills! The facility is so well maintained and we got to tour the animal hospital as well. They take really good care of the animals here, even if it is a smaller zoo. The larger resort surrounding the zoo was also so beautiful! I hope to visit the resort for their holiday lights in the future."
Madelyn Yaceczko
"So many unique animals, particularly the rare maned wolves and red pandas, that you can see up close and learn about. The zoo has a fun and vibrant atmosphere and also has plenty of educational opportunities about animals, nature and conservation. Whether you're a resident of WV or just passing through, absolutely worth the price of admission and then some."
Roza Iorwerth
"This is a great zoo! We have been here several times and we enjoyed it every time. The kids favorite is of course the 3 red Panda's. The pens are clean and are nice environments. Must see the albino Alligator, the Snow Leopard, the Maned Wolf, and the Kangaroo display."
tRic Ster
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Good Zoo Oglebay is located within Oglebay Park in Wheeling, West Virginia. You can drive directly to the park and follow signs for the zoo. Parking is generally available near the zoo entrance.
Public transportation options to Oglebay Park can be limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car. Check local Wheeling transit schedules for any available routes.
From I-70 East or West, take Exit 10 for US-40 East (National Road). Turn right onto National Road and continue for approximately 2 miles. Turn left onto Oglebay Drive, and follow signs for the zoo.
Yes, there is parking available at Oglebay Park, with designated areas near the Good Zoo. During peak times, especially for events like the Festival of Lights, parking can fill up quickly.
Yes, you can use GPS navigation by entering 'Oglebay Good Zoo' or 'Oglebay Park' as your destination. This will guide you to the park entrance and then to the zoo.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Oglebay Good Zoo hours typically vary by season. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current operating hours, as they can change.
Admission prices for Oglebay Good Zoo are generally affordable. Check their official website for the latest pricing details, as they may offer discounts for children, seniors, or group rates.
While some attractions at Oglebay Park may offer online ticketing, it's advisable to check the Good Zoo's specific policy. Purchasing tickets at the gate is usually an option.
Yes, Oglebay Good Zoo often offers membership options that provide benefits like free admission for a year and discounts on special events. Inquire at the zoo or check their website for details.
Oglebay Zoo hosts various special events throughout the year, including seasonal celebrations and educational programs. Keep an eye on their announcements for events like Oglebay Zoo Halloween.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the red pandas, maned wolves, albino alligator, snow leopard, and kangaroos. The zoo features a variety of rare and endangered species.
Yes, Oglebay Good Zoo offers unique animal encounters, such as the popular Red Panda Encounter, which allows for up-close interaction and learning.
A map of Oglebay Good Zoo is usually available at the entrance or can be found on their official website. It helps in navigating the exhibits and planning your visit.
Kids will love the animal exhibits, the trackless train ride, and potentially special art contests or educational programs. The zoo is designed to be engaging for younger visitors. +1
Specific feeding opportunities may be available, such as feeding the goats. Always follow zoo guidelines and only feed animals approved food.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While specific dining facilities within the zoo itself might be limited, Oglebay Park offers various dining options. You can find cafes, restaurants, and snack bars throughout the resort.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted in Oglebay Park, including for a picnic near the zoo. Check park rules for any specific restrictions.
Oglebay Park offers a range of dining experiences, from casual snacks and ice cream to more formal sit-down meals at their various lodges and restaurants.
Many restaurants within Oglebay Park strive to offer diverse menus. It's recommended to check the menus of specific dining establishments or inquire with staff about vegetarian and vegan choices.
There are typically snack bars and cafes located within Oglebay Park, often conveniently situated near popular attractions like the Good Zoo.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture unique shots of the red pandas, maned wolves, albino alligator, and snow leopards. The zoo's naturalistic habitats provide great backdrops.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Oglebay Good Zoo for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals.
Drone usage is typically prohibited within zoo grounds and most public parks to ensure the safety and well-being of animals and visitors. Always check park regulations.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer lighting and more active animals, leading to better photographic opportunities.
Photography is usually permitted during animal encounters, but it's best to confirm with your guide. Some encounters might have specific rules regarding cameras.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a behind-the-scenes tour or an animal encounter for an extra special treat. These experiences offer a more intimate look at the animals and are often a huge hit with younger visitors.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look into Oglebay Good Zoo membership options if you plan on visiting multiple times, as this can offer significant savings over individual ticket purchases.
❤️ Couples & Day-Trippers
Combine your zoo visit with exploring the beautiful Oglebay Park, which offers scenic walking paths, gardens, and the historic Mansion Museum.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Conservation Efforts at Good Zoo
This commitment extends to other species as well. The zoo houses unique animals like the maned wolf and red panda, both of which are subject to conservation programs. By providing suitable habitats and educating visitors about these animals' plights, the zoo aims to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for wildlife conservation.
Visitors can learn more about these efforts through interpretive signage and by engaging with zoo staff. The zoo's dedication to conservation makes a visit not only enjoyable but also educational, highlighting the importance of protecting biodiversity for future generations.
New Lion Habitat: The Pridelands
The Pridelands project signifies the zoo's ongoing commitment to enhancing animal welfare and visitor engagement. By creating larger, more complex environments, the zoo aims to provide a higher quality of life for its animals while offering guests a more captivating and educational experience. The design likely incorporates elements that encourage natural behaviors, such as climbing structures and varied terrain.
This new habitat is expected to be a major draw for the zoo, further solidifying its reputation for providing excellent care and unique exhibits. Visitors can anticipate a thrilling new way to see and learn about lions at Oglebay.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours and Experiences
One of the most sought-after experiences is the Red Panda Encounter. This special program allows participants to get up close with these charming creatures, learn about their care, and understand the conservation challenges they face. Redditors have highlighted this encounter as being particularly fun, affordable, and offering a substantial amount of time with the animals.
Other behind-the-scenes opportunities may include visits to the animal hospital and learning about the daily routines of zookeepers. These tours are not only entertaining but also provide a deeper appreciation for the dedication involved in animal care and conservation efforts at the zoo.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit