Pictured is an artist’s rendering of the new look of the entrance to Oglebay’s Good Zoo once renovations are done by this summer.

Pictured is an artist’s rendering of the new interior of the entrance to Oglebay’s Good Zoo once a renovation project is completed by this summer.

WHEELING — The entrance of a longtime Ohio Valley attraction is getting a brand new look.

Construction is beginning at the entrance of Oglebay Park Resort’s Good Zoo to completely reimagine the zoo’s arrival experience. Oglebay officials anticipate the work to finish by this summer.

In the meantime, guests will enter the zoo through a temporary entrance just left of the main entrance. Team members will be on hand to help guests find their way.

“This project represents a meaningful step forward — not only in how we welcome guests, but in how we carry forward the mission of the Good Zoo,” said Bob Peckenpaugh, President & CEO of the Wheeling Park Commission. “This elevated arrival experience will better reflect the sense of wonder, learning, and conservation that defines the Good Zoo.”

When the project is completed, guests will see a new main entrance, lobby, gift shop, café, and ADA-accessible restrooms — all designed to better serve guests and enhance their zoo visit. The updated space will offer a more inclusive and welcoming experience, with ADA accessibility thoughtfully woven into every element of the design.

This project is fully funded by a West Virginia Economic Enhancement Grant authorized by the West Virginia Water Development Authority and secured by the Oglebay Foundation.

The zoo entrance project is separate from the Gary E. West Prideland Villas project. Park officials said that reflects a larger, long-term vision to elevate the Good Zoo as a national leader in conservation. The new facility ensures that Oglebay continues to provide a space where groundbreaking research, breeding programs, and inspiring educational opportunities can flourish.

Oglebay’s Good Zoo is the only institution in West Virginia accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It provides conservation education programming to more than 13,000 students annually and participates in AZA breeding programs for more than 20 rare or endangered species.

The zoo also collaborates with the West Virginia Division of Wildlife to conduct conservation research associated with the rare Eastern hellbender salamander and to rehabilitate nearly 50 ill or injured wild eagles, hawks and owls in the Upper Ohio River Valley annually.

For more information and ongoing updates, visit oglebay.com/good-zoo or follow Oglebay Good Zoo on social media.