We would like to extend our gratitude to our community for the love and support you have shown us. My wife and I are so thankful for the love the town and community has shown our family during this difficult time. My wife when she has rested and taken a much need day wanted me to let everyone know she will be trying to respond to all comments, messages and calls.

The zoo is operating under normal hours of operation. The fire took place at our home that was off site of the zoo so zoo will operate as normal. We apologize in advance if we open a few minutes late as our family adjust to our new normal.

We are in search of a contractor for rebuild insurance is going to provide us with a list but also told us to search local as well. If anyone knows of anyone please call us at the zoo 540-743-4113.

We have secured a place to stay during rebuild.

At this time, we would like to update that we have sufficient clothing items. For those inquiring about other ways to assist, we have updated the list of needed items. One area of ongoing need is diapers as my we lost all the cloth diapers in the fire and grocery items. My wife, I truly did not realize or appreciate fully the amount of work she not only does for the zoo but for our family. A lot of people know we are small rescue Zoo and during the off-season our visitation is very slow so my wife works all summer long to fully prep for the off-season for family groceries. Meaning canning food, freezing food, and stocking the chest freezer with the meat our family needs for the winter. As well as purchasing all necessary goods for making all bread items for the winter as well as if it wasn’t enough for all what she did she always made everything from scratch. 

For right now we are taking one day at a time. We are greving the loss of our home and memories but so thankful we still have each other. Rebuild will take awhile but I know my wife will make it a home once again.