West Virginia Zoos and Wildlife Parks: Complete Guide

Discover West Virginia's diverse collection of zoos, wildlife centers, and animal sanctuaries showcasing native Appalachian wildlife, exotic species, and endangered animals. From the AZA-accredited Good Zoo at Oglebay to the state-operated Wildlife Center at French Creek, the Mountain State offers exceptional wildlife experiences for all ages.

5+

Major Zoos & Wildlife Parks

200+

Animal Species on Display

1

AZA-Accredited Zoo

$2-$7

Affordable Admission Prices

Featured West Virginia Zoos

The Good Zoo at Oglebay Park AZA Accredited

Wheeling

West Virginia's only AZA-accredited zoo, home to over 68 species including rare and endangered animals. Features red pandas, cheetahs, sloths, kangaroos, and one of the largest lion habitats in the eastern United States.

  • Animals: 68+ species including exotic and endangered
  • Special Features: Train ride through exhibits, Lorikeet Landing aviary, animal encounters
  • Size: 30+ acres within Oglebay Park
  • Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
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West Virginia State Wildlife Center State Operated

French Creek

Operated by WV DNR, this 338-acre facility showcases 29 species of native and once-native wildlife along a scenic 1.25-mile forest trail. Features animals that once roamed West Virginia including bison, elk, mountain lions, and wolves.

  • Animals: 29 native species, 100+ individual animals
  • Special Features: Wheelchair-accessible trail, French Creek Freddie (Groundhog Day)
  • Admission: $4 adults, $2 kids (free Nov-Mar)
  • Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM (Apr-Oct), 9 AM - 3 PM (Nov-Mar)
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Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo Seasonal

Kingwood

Operating since 1992, this family-owned zoo houses over 30 species including chimpanzees, grizzly bears, tigers, leopards, lemurs, and giraffes. Offers hands-on feeding experiences and baby animal encounters.

  • Animals: 30+ species, 100+ individual animals
  • Special Features: Hand-feed giraffes, baby animal encounters, lion cub experiences
  • Season Pass: $60-$70 (April-October, weekends in Nov)
  • Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily (seasonal)
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Complete West Virginia Zoo and Wildlife Center Directory

Major Zoos and Wildlife Parks

The Good Zoo at Oglebay Park AZA Accredited

Location: 465 Lodge Dr, Wheeling, WV 26003

Phone: (304) 243-4100

Website: oglebay.com/good-zoo

Overview: West Virginia's only zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, dedicated to the memory of seven-year-old Philip Mayer Good. The 30-acre zoo features over 68 species nestled in flowers, trees, hills, and valleys.

Notable Animals: Red pandas, cheetahs, meerkats, spectacled bears, lemurs, sloths, river otters, bald eagles, kangaroos, wallabies, ostriches, zebras, lorikeets

Special Exhibits: Lorikeet Landing (Australian walk-through aviary), Outback Exhibit (kangaroos and wallabies), Wonders of Wetlands (bald eagle), barn with domesticated animals, Discovery Lab for children, Benedum Theater for seasonal programs

Coming 2026: Lions exhibit - one of the biggest lion habitats in the eastern US with immersive experiences and up-close encounters

Transportation: 1863 vintage train tours zoo along 1.5-mile track through ostrich and zebra exhibits

Hours: Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission: $5.50-$7.00 (non-members), free for members; memberships provide year-round free admission plus discounts at 150+ zoos nationwide

Parking: Free

Animal Encounters: Kangaroo and wallaby encounters, red panda encounters, sloth encounters, goat feeding and brushing, Night at the Zoo experiences with night vision goggles

West Virginia State Wildlife Center State Operated

Location: 163 Wildlife Rd, French Creek, WV 26218 (12 miles south of Buckhannon on State Route 20)

Phone: (304) 924-6211

Website: wvdnr.gov/outdoor-recreation/west-virginia-wildlife-center

Overview: Modern 338-acre zoological facility operated by WV Division of Natural Resources, formerly known as French Creek Game Farm (established 1923). Showcases native and once-native West Virginia wildlife in spacious natural forest enclosures.

Notable Animals: Black bears, mountain lions, wolves, coyotes, elk, bison, deer, foxes, otters, raccoons, bald eagles, owls, timber rattlesnakes, black snakes

Special Features: 1.25-mile wheelchair-accessible interpretive trail through mature hardwood forest, glass-walled snake den, man-made otter waterfall and stream complex (built 1990s), French Creek Freddie (Groundhog Day celebrity)

Trail: Interpretive signs throughout educate visitors about each animal's life history, biology, and relationship with humans

Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (April 1 - October 31), 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (November 1 - March 31); open 7 days/week including weekends and holidays (closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas)

Admission: April-October: $4 adults, $2 kids ages 6-15, free under 6; November-March: FREE for all

Facilities: Large wooded picnic area with grills and shelter, fishing pond stocked with bass, trout, catfish, bluegill

Annual Visitors: Approximately 50,000

Special Events 2025: Memorial Day Weekend (May 24) - antler shed hunt for kids, DEP mobile aquarium; West Virginia Day (June 20) - yard games, DNR educational animals

Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo (West Virginia Zoo) Seasonal

Location: 291 Wagner Ln, Kingwood, WV 26537 (approximately 45-minute drive from I-68/Morgantown)

Phone: (304) 329-3122

Website: westvirginiazoo.com

Overview: Family-owned zoo opening for 33rd consecutive season April 19, 2025. Started as small collection of deer, black bears, cougars, and tigers; now features menagerie of exotic animals from around the world in wooded setting with natural shade.

Notable Animals: Chimpanzees, grizzly bears, black bears, orange and white tigers, spotted and black leopards, lions, giraffes, ring-tailed lemurs, baboons, wolves, bobcats, monkeys, raccoons

Species Count: 30+ species, 100+ individual animals

Interactive Experiences: Hand-feed young giraffes, feed black and grizzly bears, feed monkeys and raccoons, farm animal feeding, baby animal encounters (when available), lion cub experiences (up to 4 people, nearly 1 hour, $200), tiger encounters

Season: April-October daily, weekends in November (dates vary yearly, check website)

Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, 7 days/week (seasonal)

Season Pass Pricing: Ages 0-2 free, 3-12 $60/season, 13-64 $70/season, 65+ $65/season, Military $65/season (with ID). Animal feed not included.

Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Travelers Checks accepted (no personal checks, Discover, AmEx, or foreign currency); 3% surcharge on credit cards (no surcharge on debit/cash)

Dining: Hungry Bear Cafe serves lunch, snacks, drinks

Event Rentals: Two pavilions available for birthdays and events

The Reptile House & Rescue Nonprofit

Location: Inside Huntington Mall, Barboursville, WV

Overview: Nonprofit, no-kill rescue and zoo specializing in reptiles and amphibians. Provides sanctuary for rescued exotic reptiles while educating public about these often-misunderstood animals.

Focus: Reptile and amphibian conservation, rescue, and education

Note: Founded by Andy McKee, who also founded the upcoming Huntington Zoo & Aquarium project

Huntington Zoo & Aquarium Coming Soon

Location: Huntington, WV

Overview: Major new zoo project opening in phases over 2-7 years. Founded by former middle school science teacher Andy McKee, this ambitious facility will feature reptile house, exotic animal exhibits, and 1.5 million-gallon marine aquarium.

Planned Attractions: Reptile house, exotic animal vet clinic, science museum, nature trails, playgrounds, splash park, amphitheater, restaurant, botanical garden, multiple biomes, global marine aquarium with fish and marine wildlife from around the world

Status: Opening in phases beginning 2024-2025; check official sources for updates

Wildlife Sanctuaries and Conservation Centers

Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia (ACCA)

Location: Near Morgantown, WV

Website: accawv.org

Overview: 501(c)(3) nonprofit licensed by US Fish & Wildlife Service to rehabilitate injured, ill, or orphaned wild birds

Species: Raptors, eagles, songbirds, waterbirds, waterfowl, seabirds

Mission: Wild bird rehabilitation and conservation education

Three Rivers Avian Center (TRAC)

Location: 110-acre facility between Sandstone and Hinton, Summers County (New River Gorge area)

Website: tracwv.org

Overview: Established 1990, 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on wild bird conservation, ecosystem education, community involvement

Famous Program: Award-winning "Wings of Wonder - West Virginia Birds of Prey" educational presentation featuring resident raptors

Mission: Bird of prey rehabilitation, conservation, and environmental education

Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Location: Canaan Valley, WV

Website: fws.gov/refuge/canaan-valley

Overview: Largest contiguous, high-elevation wetland complex in West Virginia harboring vast assemblage of rare plants and animals normally associated with northern latitudes

Wetlands: 8,400 total acres of wetlands (5,225 acres within refuge) - largest wetlands system in WV

Features: Wildlife observation, hiking trails, environmental education programs

PIGS Animal Sanctuary

Location: Shepherdstown, WV

Overview: Rescue sanctuary for abused and neglected animals, specializing in potbellied pigs but also housing dogs, cats, horses, goats, donkeys, and more

Visiting: Tours available with Saturday reservations

Setting: Acres of rolling countryside where rescued animals recover and thrive

Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center

Location: West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV

Overview: University research center focusing on aquatic conservation in West Virginia since early 2000s

Research Focus: Crayfish (statewide surveys, new species descriptions), hellbenders, fish, endangered crayfish, turtles

Mission: Aquatic species research, conservation, and education

Wild Spirit Horse Sanctuary

Location: Shady Spring, WV

Founded: 2014

Overview: Wildlife sanctuary and refuge dedicated to horse rescue and rehabilitation

Petting Zoos and Farm Animal Experiences

Triple C Farm

Location: Red Creek, WV (southwest of Canaan Valley State Park)

Website: triplec-farm.com

Overview: Family farm offering petting zoo, interactive games, and educational exhibits about farm life

General Admission: $10/person (children under 3 free) includes Schoolhouse Discovery Center, outdoor play area, petting zoo

Features: Educational farm experience, hands-on animal interactions

Barnyard Babies

Overview: Farm featuring larger animals including llamas and pigs; can combine visit with trail rides to see horses

Special Attraction: Adventure Cave stocked with buried fossils and minerals where visitors wear hard hats and use mining lamps, buckets, and shovels

Activities: Animal encounters, trail rides, fossil mining

WVU Farm

Location: West Virginia University agricultural center, Morgantown area

Overview: University agricultural facility opening seasonally for special family days

Animals: Chickens, sheep, pigs, cows, turkeys, grouse

Educational Value: Students and staff answer questions about advanced agricultural techniques while visitors interact with animals

Give Purrs a Chance

Location: Berkeley Springs, WV

Overview: Cat sanctuary and cafe offering feline rescue and interaction experiences

Mobile and Special Animal Exhibits

WV Department of Environmental Protection Mobile Aquarium

Based In: Charleston, WV

Overview: Portable 20,000-gallon aquarium showcasing fish species native to West Virginia

Availability: Available for many types of events (requires shade, nearby water source, parking within 100 feet of electrical source)

Educational Focus: Native West Virginia aquatic species and conservation

Bar C Ranch Mobile Petting Zoo

Service Area: West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia

Website: barcranch.org/petting-zoo

Overview: Mobile petting zoo for party entertainment and events featuring friendly, well-socialized farm animals

Animals: Various farm animals eager to be petted and fed; many animals raised from birth at ranch

Wildlife Watching Locations

Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory

Location: Peters Mountain, Monroe County

Overview: Converted fire tower popular among hikers looking for hawks, eagles, and falcons

Best For: Bird of prey observation, especially during migration seasons

Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

Location: Romney, WV

Overview: Scenic train rides along Potomac River with 90% chance of seeing bald eagles

Best For: Bald eagle observation in natural habitat, family-friendly wildlife viewing

JTJ Nature Preserve

Location: Johnson T. Janes Park, Parkersburg (near Ohio River)

Size: Approximately 36 acres

Wildlife: 80 bird and wildlife species, approximately 55 plant species

Best For: Nature walks, bird watching, native plant observation

Practical Information for Zoo Visitors

Best Time to Visit

Season: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer ideal weather and active animals. Summer is peak season but can be hot and crowded.

Time of Day: Visit early morning (opening time) when animals are most active and feeding. Avoid late afternoons when animals rest and birds may be full from morning visitors.

Weather: Mild, overcast days often result in more active animal behavior. Avoid extreme heat or rain when possible.

Seasonal Closures: Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo operates April-November only. West Virginia Wildlife Center offers free admission November-March. Good Zoo at Oglebay open year-round.

Admission and Pricing

The Good Zoo at Oglebay: $5.50-$7.00 depending on age; memberships available for year-round free admission plus 150+ zoo discounts nationwide

WV Wildlife Center: April-October: $4 adults, $2 kids 6-15, free under 6; November-March: FREE for all visitors

Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo: Season passes $60-$70 (animal feed not included); military discounts available with ID

Money-Saving Tips: Visit WV Wildlife Center in winter for free admission; purchase annual memberships if visiting multiple times; take advantage of military discounts

Payment Methods: Most facilities accept cash and major credit cards; Hovatter's charges 3% credit card surcharge (no fee for debit/cash)

Parking and Transportation

The Good Zoo at Oglebay: Free parking available at Oglebay Resort; accessible via Route 88 North, Wheeling

WV Wildlife Center: Free parking on-site; located 12 miles south of Buckhannon on State Route 20

Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo: On-site parking; approximately 45-minute drive from I-68/Morgantown via Wagner Lane, Kingwood

Accessibility: All major facilities offer parking within walking distance of entrances; check individual zoo websites for specific accessibility accommodations

Accessibility Features

WV Wildlife Center: Fully wheelchair-accessible 1.25-mile interpretive trail through forest; accessible picnic facilities

The Good Zoo at Oglebay: Accessible pathways throughout zoo; Discovery Lab with hands-on exhibits for children; service animal friendly

Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo: Wooded setting with natural shade for heat-sensitive visitors; ground-level viewing areas

General: Contact facilities in advance for specific accessibility needs, wheelchair rentals, or special accommodations

Frequently Asked Questions

The Good Zoo at Oglebay Park in Wheeling is West Virginia's premier zoo and the state's only zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a distinction held by fewer than 10% of zoos nationwide. Home to over 68 species including rare and endangered animals, the zoo features red pandas, cheetahs, sloths, kangaroos, meerkats, spectacled bears, and will add lions in 2026 with one of the largest lion habitats in the eastern United States. The 30-acre facility offers interactive experiences including Lorikeet Landing aviary, a vintage 1863 train ride through exhibits, animal encounters, and educational programs. For native wildlife focus, the West Virginia State Wildlife Center in French Creek is excellent, showcasing 29 species of native and once-native WV animals along a scenic 1.25-mile forest trail.

Yes, the West Virginia State Wildlife Center in French Creek offers FREE admission from November 1 through March 31 for all visitors. During the spring and summer season (April 1 - October 31), admission is very affordable at just $4 for adults, $2 for children ages 6-15, and free for children under 6. The facility is open 7 days a week year-round except New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Visitors can walk the wheelchair-accessible 1.25-mile interpretive trail through mature hardwood forest to see black bears, mountain lions, wolves, elk, bison, eagles, otters, and many other native species in spacious natural enclosures. The facility also offers free picnic areas with grills and a fishing pond.

Yes, several West Virginia zoos offer hands-on animal interactions. Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo in Kingwood provides the most extensive feeding experiences, allowing visitors to hand-feed young giraffes, black and grizzly bears, monkeys, raccoons, and farm animals (feed sold separately from admission). They also offer baby animal encounters when available and lion cub experiences for up to 4 people ($200, nearly 1 hour). The Good Zoo at Oglebay offers animal encounters including kangaroo and wallaby encounters, red panda encounters, and sloth encounters (ages 5+), plus opportunities to feed and brush goats, pet bunnies, train donkeys, and toss treats to chickens. Night at the Zoo experiences allow guests to tag along with keepers for behind-the-scenes adventures using night vision goggles. The Good Zoo also features Lorikeet Landing where visitors can hand-feed nectar to colorful Australian lorikeets in a walk-through aviary.

The West Virginia State Wildlife Center in French Creek showcases 29 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles that are native to or once roamed West Virginia. Current native species include black bears, white-tailed deer, foxes (red and gray), river otters, raccoons, coyotes, bobcats, bald eagles, owls, timber rattlesnakes, and black snakes. The facility also displays animals that have been extirpated (locally extinct) from West Virginia but historically lived in the state, including bison, elk, mountain lions (cougars), and gray wolves. Animals are housed in spacious natural enclosures along a 1.25-mile wheelchair-accessible forest trail. Special exhibits include a glass-walled snake den and a man-made waterfall and stream complex for otters built in the 1990s. The facility educates visitors about West Virginia's wildlife past and present and the history of wildlife conservation in the Mountain State.

For families with children, spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) offer the best combination of pleasant weather, active animals, and fewer crowds. Visit early in the day when zoos open (typically 9-10 AM) as animals are most active during morning hours and more likely to interact, especially at feeding time. The Good Zoo at Oglebay offers summer camps for ages 4-15 with hands-on activities and animal experiences, making summer a great option despite heat. Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo operates seasonally April-November, with weekends-only access in November. For budget-conscious families, visit the West Virginia Wildlife Center between November and March for completely free admission. Special family events include Memorial Day Weekend at WV Wildlife Center (May 24, 2025) featuring an antler shed hunt for kids and mobile aquarium, and West Virginia Day celebration (June 20, 2025) with yard games and educational animals. Avoid extreme heat days in July-August when animals are less active.

Zoo hours in West Virginia vary by facility and season. The Good Zoo at Oglebay Park in Wheeling is open year-round, Monday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, making it accessible for winter visits and holiday experiences like the Festival of Lights. The West Virginia State Wildlife Center in French Creek is also open year-round, 7 days a week including weekends and holidays, with seasonal hours: 9 AM - 5 PM from April through October, and 9 AM - 3 PM from November through March (closed only New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo in Kingwood operates seasonally, typically opening in mid-April (April 19, 2025 for their 33rd season) through October daily from 10 AM - 6 PM, then weekends only in November. Opening and closing dates can vary year to year, so check the zoo's official website or call ahead before planning a visit. Most petting zoos and farm experiences also operate seasonally spring through fall.

Admission prices for West Virginia zoos are very affordable compared to national standards. The Good Zoo at Oglebay charges $5.50 to $7.00 per person depending on age for non-members, with free parking; annual memberships are available providing year-round free admission plus discounts at over 150 zoos nationwide. The West Virginia State Wildlife Center offers exceptional value at $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-15 (free for under 6) from April through October, and completely FREE admission for all visitors from November through March. Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo uses a season pass model: ages 0-2 free, ages 3-12 $60/season, ages 13-64 $70/season, ages 65+ and military $65/season with ID (animal feed sold separately). Most petting farms like Triple C Farm charge around $10/person with children under 3 free. Many facilities offer military discounts and group rates. For the best value, consider annual memberships if visiting multiple times or plan visits to WV Wildlife Center during free winter months.

For exotic animals including giraffes and big cats, Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo in Kingwood offers the most extensive collection in West Virginia. Visitors can see and hand-feed young giraffes, observe orange and white tigers, spotted and black leopards, lions, grizzly bears, black bears, chimpanzees, ring-tailed lemurs, and baboons among 30+ species and 100+ individual animals. The zoo offers unique close-up experiences including lion cub encounters (up to 4 people, $200, nearly 1 hour) and tiger encounters. The Good Zoo at Oglebay in Wheeling features cheetahs, red pandas, sloths, spectacled bears, kangaroos, wallabies, meerkats, lemurs, ostriches, and zebras, with lions arriving in 2026 in one of the largest lion habitats in the eastern United States. The Good Zoo is AZA-accredited, ensuring the highest standards of animal care and conservation. Both facilities offer opportunities to learn about conservation efforts for endangered species. For a more education-focused reptile experience, visit The Reptile House & Rescue inside Huntington Mall in Barboursville.

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Last updated on November 27, 2025