Evolve your instincts
The ultimate training ground, where the call of the wild meets the challenge of the course.
Zoo Ninja Gym was founded by American Ninja Warrior competitor Justin Andelin, the original “Zoo Ninja”, to bring the thrill of obstacle course racing to our community. Inspired by the strength and agility of the primates at the Metro Richmond Zoo, we believe finding your inner athlete starts with tapping into your primal instincts and following the lead of the true experts.
From our signature Wild Ninja course (a rugged two-mile trek with dozens of obstacles around the zoo) to our focus on animal conservation, we're dedicated to helping you “escape extinction.” Whether you're a seasoned pro looking for grip-strength training or a beginner ready to swing through the trees for the first time, this is a community built on perseverance, play and respect for the natural world.
Unleash your beast and run wild with us.
Join today
Meet Justin Andelin
Founder · the original “Zoo Ninja”
Justin is the General Manager of the Metro Richmond Zoo. He didn't just grow up near the animals — he grew up with them, trading standard gym equipment for swinging from branches and training on great ape exhibits.
A five-time American Ninja Warrior competitor (seasons 10, 11, 14, 18, and 19), he's known for bringing his wild coworkers to the course — a friendly African penguin, a whiskered screech owl — as a reminder that nature is the ultimate training ground.
Known for his agility and a background in tumbling, he brings that same untamed energy to the gym. Just watch out for the penguins — they've been known to get a little nippy.
Our core values
- Wild at Heart
- We never forget that “monkeying around” is where the magic happens.
- Perseverance
- Never back down from a challenge.
- Protect the Troop
- Community is our greatest strength.
- Conservation
- We are stewards of the planet.
- Survival
- Total awareness and safety-first instincts.