Mill Mountain Zoo celebrates 70th birthday with fundraising campaign aiming to restore the Zoo Choo

“Renew the Zoo Choo” will run until the end of March

ROANOKE, Va. – The Mill Mountain Zoo turns 70 this year and what better way to celebrate than with a makeover?

The Roanoke zoo just launched “Renew the Zoo Choo,” a fundraising campaign meant to fund the extensive repairs needed for the Zoo Choo, the zoo’s beloved train that has been chugging along since 1952.

Many mechanical issues over the past few years have prevented the train from operating on a continuous schedule.

That’s why the zoo is now reaching out to the community for donations needed to make proper restorations that include:

  • Engine replacements
  • Electrical updates
  • Platform renovations
  • LED light installations

The campaign will run until the end of March.

Zoogoers can donate through PayPal or the zoo’s website.