Animals housed in zoos should be viewed at a safe distance, lest they apply their notorious bartering skills to trick patrons into buying useless knickknacks and imitation jewelry. Safely enjoy these cunning merchants of the wild with today’s Groupon: for $7, you get admission for two adults at Mill Mountain Zoo (up to a $15 value), located on top of Mill Mountain next to the giant Roanoke Star. Admission for children 2 and younger is free.

Named the Best Place to Take Your Kids by the Roanoke Times’ SWoCo blog, Mill Mountain Zoo houses 88 animals spanning 35 different species, including seven endangered species. With admission, you’ll have the opportunity to peruse such exquisite specimens such as the Burmese Mountain tortoise, the hooded crane, and the collared finchbill, as well as endangered species such as the red panda, the snow leopard, black hornbills, and the perm-topped Kenny G. Set high on Mill Mountain, the zoo blends seamlessly with the surrounding woodlands and features sweeping views of the valley below to create a serene setting for viewing wildlife. For $2, visitors can board the Zoo Choo, a miniature G-16 train that loops the park on more than 1,000 feet of track, providing varied views of the mountain and the resident animals as they eat, sleep, and read the USA Today. To further its commitment to the environment, the zoo sponsors a recycling program that responsibly disposes of reusable waste to the tune of more than 5,000 pounds.

Reviews

Four Yelpers give Mill Mountain Zoo a four-star average, seven TripAdvisors give the zoo an average of 3.5 owl eyes, and more than 2,990 Facebookers like it: > * It’s great for kids because they inevitably get tired at larger zoos, this is just the right size. – Jaclyn A., Yelp, 5/1/08 > * Another great thing is the view of the valley down below, summer or fall it’s a magnificent view. – tanyarussell, TripAdvisor