courtesy of Natalie McGill

One of metro Richmond’s more popular Yuletide attractions, “Miracle of Christmas – Live at the Zoo” is a family tradition in the making.  The 2008 season will be the sixth year that The Metro Richmond Zoo has offered this re-enactment of the Christmas story, which is beautifully presented against a period-appropriate backdrop with cast members re-creating events that took place some 2,000 years ago.
This pageant, which is presented three times each evening and lasts about 15 minutes, is followed by musical performances from the local community including school and church instrumental and vocal groups.  Animals from the zoo, including camels, sheep and donkeys, are featured in the program making this a truly unique experience.

Permanent sets have been constructed at the zoo especially for this production, with additions added on an on-going basis by various community organizations and Jim Andelin, Zoo Director.  Tiny white lights now sparkle from all the surrounding trees, and a new zoo trackless train will help transport up to 40 visitors per trip from the parking area.  Each year scores of volunteers lend their time and talents to make this pageant available to the community at no charge.  The response has been gratifying, with attendance over 13,000 each year in the past – and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.

It all began when Jim Andelin started planning a 70-acre zoo in Moseley, Va.  As he was designing and building the new zoo, he was also looking for a place to make a longtime dream of his come true – a nativity pageant with live camels, sheep, goats, and a donkey.  Frustrated with the politics of Christmas - with “Unity” Trees and banning the word “Christmas” in public - he decided that his zoo could be a vehicle to present the true face of Christmas to the community. 

Others shared his dream, and a few years later - with the help of his own and neighboring churches – “The Miracle of Christmas – Live at the Zoo” was born.  This annual live nativity presentation is one of Jim’s treasured accomplishments.  With the help of many, the “Miracle of Christmas” is offered free to everyone, and Jim calls it “our gift to the community.”

Dates are Dec. 21, 22 and 23 – with shows at 7, 7:45, and 8:30 p.m.  The Metro Richmond Zoo is located at 8300 Beaver Bridge Rd. in Moseley, behind Grange Hall Elementary School off Hull Street Road in Chesterfield County. The event offers free admission and parking. Refreshments will be sold at a nominal fee to benefit local charities. 

For more information call the Zoo at (804) 739-5666 or visit our website: http://www.metrorichmondzoo.com.  (press “Miracle of Christmas” tab on the right).