03/01/2025
Special Announcement -Caution Long Post
Throughout life each of us are brought through various challenges, not meant to break us, but rather make us or even those around us better versions of ourselves. In the 17 years the zoo has been open to the public, 2024 was the most challenging. Hurricane Helene brought significant damage in September then the devastating fire in November. The Virginia Legislative season in 2024 and again in early 2025 has a climate of anti conservation and animal welfare for farms, zoos and pet owners alike across the Commonwealth. We want to thank our local politicians for their dedication to fighting this threatening legislation as it continues to arise.
Change is an ever constant part of life and the ability to adapt to changes we cannot control is crucial to moving forward and accomplishing missions. For 2025 the Zoo has been faced with tremendous challenges and as stewards of Gods creation, the long term sustainability of our animals. After much prayer and long conversations with other facilities across Virginia and other states, we have found it unwise to invest additional resources into operations in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Above all, we have an obligation to care for the planet and animals God created. Thus the Zoo has decided to not reopen Creation Kingdom Zoo but instead accomplish our mission in two ways: First, continue conservation efforts outside Virginia privately for a portion of our animals- for nearly 10 yrs prior to opening to the public, we worked to ensure species survival for generations to come and we will continue those efforts moving forward. Secondly, we are also excited to announce we have partnered with Expedition Untamed in Kingsport, TN to bring an indoor rainforest adventure for families to continue learning about the amazing animals and ecosystems we share the planet with. We encourage our followers of Creation Kingdom Zoo to follow and visit Expedition Untamed as we work together to highlight our fragile ecosystems and the impact on the animals that live there. We want to thank every single person, school, and church that has supported the Zoo in Gate City over the years. Your kind words, smiles and laughter have been the fuel that enabled us to help keep some critical endangered species around for at least one more generation. Your generous donations will continue to ensure the Creators Hand in this masterpiece we call Earth is known. You helped make Kashtan’s Wildlife in the Zoo the number one kids documentary in America it’s first season, and season two is surpassing those records with season three finishing filming now. God has risen a tremendous opportunity from the ashes with Expedition Untamed. We look forward to working behind the scenes to ensure no animal is left behind. Stay tuned for more info…….
