I worked there 10 years ago when it was Reston Zoo. Depressing, awful place. Lots of neglect and cruelty. I don’t recommend going to zoos that aren’t accrediated by AZA.

I also can’t believe they have a giraffe. They are extremely delicate, die easily, and suffer in colder environments. Ridiculous.

It's more than a petting zoo. There's a bus ride (the "safari" bit) that takes you around the grounds, so you can see bison roaming and whatnot. Little kids find it cool.

It's a distinct experience from a traditional zoo though.

OP here. Thanks, all! I didn’t realize it’s a petting zoo. I’ll pass as there is one petting farm much closer to my house. The name is misleading!

My kids really like it because they can feed the animals and get up close. It is a bit on the pricey side. If you want a traditional zoo, don't go there. The budgie house is closed for the winter but when that is open it is my favorite part.

They charge $5 / cup of carrots or romaine aand $5/ 3 budgie sticks. So, be prepared to spend more when you go.

It's fun to feed the animals like goats and budgies. I also felt sorry for the giraffe with its tongue hanging out. It's much smaller than NZP.

I must be in the minority. My young kids loved that place when they were younger. Kids can pet and feed animals. There is a tractor ride. I feel like they should call themselves a petting zoo. It is definitely not a safari and not a real zoo either.

It's awful - it's a sad and depressing place, and the giraffe, especially, looked sick. Go to the zoo or the private zoo out in Loudoninstead.

Anonymous wrote:I live by Roer’s. It’s not remotely the same as the National Zoo. It’s part petting zoo with goats and stuff and part a ride on the back of a truck around the “safari” that has like a zebra and a few other animals. You can’t compare it to an actual zoo.

Agree. My kids like it, but no, it’s not anything like the National Zoo. We live about 30 minutes away and it was worth the trek that far.

I live by Roer’s. It’s not remotely the same as the National Zoo. It’s part petting zoo with goats and stuff and part a ride on the back of a truck around the “safari” that has like a zebra and a few other animals. You can’t compare it to an actual zoo.

There is a Groupon now and I’m wondering what is the difference between this place and the National Zoo. Is it worth the $$? It’s quite a drive for us too.