As used in this article:

Terms Used In Virginia Code 3.2-6594

  • Animal: means any nonhuman vertebrate species except fish. See Virginia Code 3.2-6500
  • Dangerous captive animal: means any bear, cougar, jaguar, leopard, lion, nonhuman primate, or tiger, or any hybrid of any such animal. See Virginia Code 3.2-6594

“Dangerous captive animal” means any bear, cougar, jaguar, leopard, lion, nonhuman primate, or tiger, or any hybrid of any such animal. “Dangerous captive animal” does not include a clouded leopard.

“Direct contact” means physical contact or proximity where physical contact is possible, including an opportunity for photography without a permanent physical barrier designed to prevent physical contact between the public and a dangerous captive animal.

“Keeper” means any person, as defined in § 1-230, who owns, has custody of, or is in control of a dangerous captive animal.

2020, c. 632.