NOVA Wild Zoo Reopens in Reston with a Fun, Light Show to Celebrate

New light show launches to highlight grand opening of NOVA Wild in Reston.

Come experience the revamped zoo, a local treasure for generations. Now under new ownership, the nonprofit has teamed up with Lumagica to host the Great Migration Light Show from February 17th – April 19th to celebrate its grand reopening.

The Great Migration Light Show is designed to educate and inspire, with 800,000 LED light displays representing major wildlife migrations around the world. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore 10 uniquely designed animal habitats and discover more than a mile of trails running through the property.

The Great Migration Light Show: Dates & Times
Dates: Feb 17 – April 9, 2023 
Days: Thursday – Sunday + Every Day During Spring Break (April 3 – 7, 2023)
Hours: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Tickets are available now at NovaWild.org

New Ownership with a New Philosophy

Tara Campbell Lussier, NOVA Wild’s Founder, grew up in Reston and still lives nearby. She is the mother of four children whose ages range from 8-13. “I grew up in this town, and we all visited the Reston Zoo when we were kids,” says Campbell Lussier. “I’m excited to give local families the chance to experience wildlife firsthand, and we’re modernizing the property to create an optimal experience, both for our visitors and the animals that live here.”


Accredited by the Zoological Association of America and American Humane, the new owners of Reston’s local zoo have prioritized animal welfare, education, and conservation. The non-profit’s staff, which includes a Ph.D. Animal Welfare Expert and a team of skilled veterinarians, provide animals with enrichment opportunities that keep them healthy, active, and engaged. 

The NOVA Wild team is also committed to educating the public in a fun, interactive environment. Once the revitalized property opens its doors to daytime visitors, it will offer talks with zoo keepers, opportunities to feed the animals, and other unique experiences. All this will exist alongside the drive-through safari and the stroll-through exhibits that Reston’s zoo has offered for decades.

Website: novawild.org.