Under New Ownership and Everything is Changing
Nova Wild | Revitalizing a Local Treasure
Animal Welfare
Our team of experts and veterinarians takes a science-based approach to wildlife care, giving the animals at Nova Wild every opportunity to thrive.
Education
Human beings have a deep connection to nature. Nova Wild offers fun, interactive opportunities to learn about different animal species from around the world.
Conservation
The earth’s wilderness and biodiversity are facing startling threats. Nova Wild is a non-profit zoo that financially supports international conservation efforts like the Cheetah Conservation Fund.
30 Acres of Wilderness—Next Door!
Drive Through the Safari
Drive your own vehicle through Nova Wild’s interactive safari, where you and your family can feed and interact with a wide array of wildlife, from Watusis to Asian water buffalo.
Park Your Car & Explore
Once you’ve finished your safari, you can park the car and stroll through exhibits to discover over 30 species of exotic butterflies, colorful birds, cheetahs, lemurs, wallabies, and more!
Reignite Your Sense of Wonder
Enjoy an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression on young people, especially those that have never experienced wildlife up close.
Come get Wild with Us! NOVA Wild is NOW OPEN!
The Zoo and Safari are currently open Thursdays – Sundays from 10am – 4pm. Come discover a world of natural wonders as NOVA Wild brings nature up close and personal. Tickets are also available for purchase on-site at NOVA Wild. Ticket Purchases are valid for any day we are open. Annual Season Passes are available for purchase on-site as well.
Children's Tickets - $15
General Admission Ticket for One Child Ages 3-12 (under three are always FREE!) to NOVA Wild’s Zoo and Safari!
Valid for one day.
Adult Tickets - $20
General Admission Ticket for One Adult Ages 13-64 to NOVA Wild’s Zoo and Safari!
Valid for one day.
Military/Senior Tickets - $15
General Admission Ticket for Military and/or Seniors 65+ to NOVA Wild’s Zoo and Safari!
Valid for one day.
Thriving Wildlife
Nova Wild is a non-profit organization, and animal welfare is an integral part of our culture.
In keeping with the latest research, we provide all of Nova Wild’s animals with enrichment opportunities. This includes regular novel experiences, from a variety of healthy foods to new sights, sounds, and scents that keep them engaged and happy.
We also have a Ph.D. Animal Welfare expert on staff—along with veterinarians who keep our animals healthy and staff who look after their day-to-day wellbeing.
We have secured the highest levels of accreditation, above and beyond federal, state, and local requirements. We are proudly accredited by the Zoological Association of America and certified by American Humane.
NOVA Wild E-Gift Cards are Here!
Give the gift of experiencing NOVA Wild firsthand.
Meet the Founder – Tara Campbell Lussier
Nova Wild began as a planned non-profit venture of a former Reston resident who jumped at the chance to revitalize this beloved local gem.
Tara Campbell Lussier is an entrepreneur and Realtor® who was raised in Reston, VA. She attended nearby Armstrong Elementary and spent her weekends playing soccer at the zoo’s neighbor, Baron Cameron Park. As a professional she has built several successful women-owned businesses based on inclusivity, innovation, and forward-thinking principles. Her prior ventures have been featured in the Washington Business Journal as a “Startup to Watch”, Huffington Post, WTOP 103.5, and named a Loudoun 40 Under 40 Honoree. Tara is first and foremost a mother to four children who are all eager to explore and enjoy the zoo just as she did as a child.
When she learned that the property once known as the Reston Zoo was available she assembled a team of zoo industry thought-leaders with ethics, education, and animal welfare at their core.
Tara and her team have made a number of physical upgrades to the zoo, creating a better experience for everyone (including the wildlife). And they have a long list of improvements planned for the coming year. They intend for the zoo to serve as a family-friendly community wildlife and adventure park for all. They are just getting started.
The entire NOVA Wild team is committed to building a healthy environment for the animals under their care, along with an impactful, fun, educational experience for families and children of all ages that visit NOVA Wild.
