So far, a forbearance period lasts until June 1. Address: 1228 Hunter Mill Rd, Vienna, VA 22182, USA. If the zoo does not pay its mortgage payments by June 1, the business could go back to its previous owner. We’d love to hear from you be sure to leave us a comment For more information, you can check out Roer’s Zoofari official website to learn more about admission prices. Roer’s veterinarian is making visits to the zoo and mask-wearing staff work in pairs to take care of animals.ĭonations are still needed, Roer said. Still, the animals are getting good care, she says. “Just getting by right now will mean that we may not get by in 9-12 months.” “Since our revenue is seasonal, each day we are closed, we are not earning money that will be saved for next winter,” Roer said. After technical hiccups on its first application, the Zoofari is still waiting on securing that loan since applying on March 31. “I literally processed payroll at the beginning of that week without enough money to cover the Friday distribution - on a wing and prayer,” Roer said.Īlthough funding soon began pouring in - the zoo received a Paycheck Protection Program loan that covered two months of payroll - the zoo still needs money to keep afloat through June.Ī federal loan through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance is critical to the longterm success of the zoo. Community members have donated produce, meat, dry feed, and hay to help out.īut it took 28 days for the business to receive funds from GoFundMe as other residents and businesses raced to online platforms to secure cash flows. The crowdfunding campaign has raised $34,786 of its $100,000 goal - a response that Roer said went beyond what she expected. The business moved quickly to furlough all non-essential employees. “We plan for four months of little income, but we never saw months five and six with zero income,” Roer said. Typically, the zoo does not make enough revenue to cover off-season costs from November through the end of February. The zoo turned to crowdfunding when it became clear that it would take time for funding from the Small Business Administration to cash in. Then we go outside and kiss our giraffe, hug a baby goat and step forward - one step at a time.” “Most days we keep our chins up, but every so often, we lock ourselves in the walk-in cooler and scream and cry in frustration. Just as COVID-19 led to a local standstill, the zoo had little to bank on in the months where it typically sees visitation pick up due to birthday parties, field trips, and warming temperatures. Owner and CEO Vanessa Roer says the last eight weeks have been an emotional roller coaster. Some take walks with animal care staff where children during field trips and other guests would have walked to enjoy the zoo’s cheetah, zebra, water buffalo, and other animals. With no foot traffic due to stay-at-home orders, zoo staff work in tight shifts to care for animals. No one will not want to miss out on this incredible experience! Check out their website for more information.The fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially rough for Roer’s Zoofari, a local family-owned zoo and safari in the Hunter Mill District, that is temporarily closed. There are African, Asian, and Arid themed sculptures. As one wanders around the Zoofari walk-through area, they are able to view this beautifully rare form of art. One is able to attend any day until January, 2022 from 6:00 PM-9:00 PM. It is a wonderland of lights, with massive displays where holiday spirit meets your imagination.Įxcitement rises as the beginning of the festival takes place.“ We are so excited to be one of the only two locations to host the 2021 LuminoCity Festival, ”said the CEO of Zoofari, Vanessa Roer. They draw two-dimensional designs, which are then transformed into 3-D light sculptures. “Lumis Utopia ”, the name of the event, covers work of artists from New York and Virginia. The theme this year is animals, including famous petstars seen on social media such as TurboRoo and Navy and Duke. It started Friday, October 15th, locals of Reston were able to attend LuminoCity at Roer’s Zoofari.The goal behind LuminoCity was to create an unforgettable experience using lights and imagination. The festival in New York attracts thousands of individuals every year to enjoy the vibrant displays.

LuminoCity is a unique outdoor light display festival that is rooted from the tradition of Chinese lanterns.This event started three years ago in New York and has been a huge success.

The famous LuminoCity is being brought out of New York City for the first time and taking place in Reston.

Lumino city roers zoofari