Virginia Zoo to fundraise for medical equipment via Give Local 757

Virginia Zoo to fundraise for medical equipment via Give Local 757, hosts orangutan baby shower and trivia.

The Virginia Zoo seeks to raise $11,000 to purchase advanced veterinary equipment, including Pet Map II accessories and an upgraded VetScan VS2, through its participation in Give Local 757, a program created by the Peninsula Community Foundation to spark and grow local philanthropy.

"We are calling on Virginia Zoo supporters to help us go above and beyond in our commitment to excellence in animal wellbeing," Greg Bockheim, Virginia Zoo Executive Director, said. "With the funds raised from this campaign, we intend to take animal care to the next level by purchasing two critical pieces of equipment that allow our veterinary team to provide more in-depth health evaluations."

The Pet Map II is a multi-parameter monitor which provides animal vital signs like heart rate, respiratory health metrics, temperature and more with the right accessories. The main benefit is portability, allowing veterinary staff to use the equipment both in the exam rooms and in the field, which is ideal for large or dangerous animals who are difficult to move.

The Zoo kicked off the month of April by announcing the pregnancy of Bornean orangutan, Dara, to the excitement of many followers. This news, as well as the recent siamang birth, prove rather timely for purchasing Pet Map II accessories as the machine can be used in voluntary medical training with orangutans and siamangs, increasing the amount of health data veterinary staff can collect throughout the babies' lives and limiting the need for sedation.

The VetScan VS2 is a chemistry machine that only requires a small amount of blood to be drawn from an animal to provide vital information including kidney function, hydration levels, liver function, glucose levels and electrolyte levels. This equipment is essential for the care of animals like reptiles, birds and ambassador animals who can only safely provide a limited amount of blood for testing. Upgrading the Zoo's current machine to this enhanced model will allow a more comprehensive understanding of small-scale residents' health.

To celebrate the orangutan pregnancy and raise further awareness about its Give Local 757 campaign, the Zoo will host a baby shower for Dara on April 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Guests are encouraged to stop by, give well wishes to the mom-to-be and hear a special zookeeper chat at 11 a.m. The shower is free with general admission tickets, but in lieu of gifts, donations to the Give Local 757 campaign are appreciated to support advanced healthcare for animals like Dara and her future baby.

The Zoo will also host the first-ever Zoo Trivia Night at Big Ugly Brewing in Chesapeake in conjunction with Give Local 757 on Tuesday, April 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Patrons can test their knowledge of the animal kingdom while competing for Zoo-themed prizes like a soft-shell cooler, Zoo-exclusive sangria by Waters Edge Winery, Zoo tickets and more. Participation is free.

Those interested in supporting the Virginia Zoo can donate from now until April 23rd at www.givelocal757.org. Donations allow the Zoo to continue providing top-notch care for all of its residents, while also focusing on education, conservation and research.

About the Virginia Zoo

The Virginia Zoo, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is home to more than 700 exceptional animals representing over 150 fascinating species. Founded in 1901 and residing on 53 beautifully landscaped acres, the Virginia Zoo has demonstrated a commitment to saving and protecting the world's wildlife by inspiring a passion for nature and taking conservation action at home and around the world. The Virginia Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in education, recreation, science, wildlife conservation, and animal care and welfare. For more than a century, the Zoo has connected adults, families and school children with the natural world and its wildlife. The Virginia Zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with last admission at 3 p.m. For admission prices and to learn more, visit virginiazoo.org.

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