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Virginia Zoo & Elation Brewing Forge unique Partnership with Conservation-Focused Beers
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A novel collaboration between the Virginia Zoo and Norfolk’s Elation brewing is raising a glass to community engagement and wildlife conservation, offering a unique lineup of beers inspired by the zoo’s animal residents and mission. The beverages, available at both the zoo and the brewery, represent a creative approach to fundraising and awareness-building for critical conservation efforts.
A Symbiotic Relationship Brewed in Norfolk
The partnership emerged from a shared commitment to sustainability and community involvement, according to representatives from both organizations. “It just seemed like a great partnership to really get involved with the Norfolk community,” a Virginia Zoo spokesperson stated. “The zoo is really a community zoo. Elation and us have a lot of similar commitments to sustainable practices.” Elation Brewing’s General Manager echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the brewery’s pride in collaborating with an accredited zoo that prioritizes animal welfare and participates in global conservation initiatives like the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Sustainable Practices at the Core
Elation Brewing’s dedication to environmental obligation extends beyond the partnership itself. recognized as the 2025 Green Brewery of the Year by the Virginia Green Travel Alliance, the brewery actively minimizes waste through collaborations with Tidewater Compost and sources approximately 90% of its ingredients from within Virginia. This commitment to local sourcing and waste reduction aligns seamlessly with the zoo’s conservation ethos.
Beers with a Purpose: A Look at the Brews
The collaboration has already yielded three distinct beers, each designed to highlight a specific animal or conservation issue. Otter Lager, released this summer, is described as having a flavor profile similar to Stella Artois, with herbal and floral notes, and aims to raise awareness for North American river otters and their vital role in the local ecosystem. The brewery also launched Tiger Trail Apricot Wheat Ale, inspired by the zoo’s “Trail of the Tiger” exhibit, featuring a refreshing apricot flavor and drawing attention to the plight of critically endangered Malayan tigers facing habitat loss due to deforestation.
Perhaps the most intriguing brew is Red Pandamonium Red Ale, which debuted at the zoo’s fall festival in September. The beer’s origin story is rooted in a local legend: the 2017 escape of sunny, the zoo’s red panda, who remains at large. Described as an Irish-style red ale with notes of toffee and a dry finish, the beer also serves as a reminder of the precarious situation of red pandas, with fewer than 2,500 remaining in the wild. A portion of the zoo’s ticket sales directly supports conservation efforts benefiting these and other endangered species.
Expanding Zoo Appeal and Brewery Reach
The partnership is expected to broaden the appeal of both institutions. A zoo representative noted that the collaboration offers an chance to attract a wider audience, including those who might not typically consider visiting a zoo. “Sometimes people think that we are just for families and kids, but there’s so much that we offer and really are for animal lovers of all ages and environmentally supportive people of all ages,” they explained. Similarly, Elation Brewing hopes to draw new patrons who might not usually frequent breweries.
Currently, the Otter Lager remains a staple offering, while the Tiger Trail Apricot Wheat Ale was a seasonal release, though limited quantities may still be available
