North Carolina Zoo

03/23/2025

🐻 In celebration of Wold Bear Day, meet our bear residents at the North Carolina Zoo:

🐟 Anana, our fabulous 25-year-old female Polar bear, enjoys the finer things in life—fresh fish, the occasional sweet potato, and swimming in her chilly Arctic waters habitat! ❄️🐻‍❄️ This solitary girl couldn’t be happier to have a spacious habitat to roam, and of course, nap! 💤🌊

🌊 Ronan, our playful male Grizzly bear, loves splashing in his pool, long naps, and soaking up sunny days! If you can’t see Ronan on habitat peek behind his waterfall, where he’s likely to be relaxing! Ronan’s is a foodie at heart who enjoys trout, herring, meat, pears, bear chow, and of course, honey! ☀️💤

🐾 Nova & Luna, the adorable black bear sisters, are always up for some enrichment activities! Luna and Nova are sisters who came to live at the Zoo when they were less than a year old. The two girls were raised together and have a very close bond. Nova is a laid-back bear who spends time lounging about, whereas Luna is a bit more rambunctious and energetic! You’ll notice that one of the bear’s ears is brown - this is Luna!🌛 When they were cubs Nova would suckle on Luna’s ear, causing the brown hair to change color.

03/21/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Maximus, our beloved alligator snapping turtle, the gentle giant of the North Carolina Zoo. A resident of Cypress Swamp, Max was a favorite of both guests and staff, and a true marvel of nature at over 100 years old. Estimated to have been born around 1900, he witnessed over 100 years of human history, always with curiosity and grace. 💙

Keeper Audrey shared her memories of Maximus, “I first met Maximus in the fall of 2015 when he moved to Cypress Swamp. He didn’t have a name, so I gave him one: Maximus, fitting for such a majestic creature. Over the years, we shared countless quiet moments, and I had the privilege of getting to ‘swim’ with him as I cleaned his pool. Despite his size, we danced together in our slow, routine movements, each of us occupying our own space, a ritual I will never forget.” ✨

Maximus was always a quiet observer, especially fond of interacting with the little ones who would get down to his level. His calm presence brought joy to so many visitors over the years, even when he was napping in the sun. ☀️

Maximus may no longer be with us, but his spirit will live on in our memories and in the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. Rest in peace, Maximus. You will always be remembered. 🐢💙

03/20/2025

All toads are frogs but not all frogs are toads. 🫳🎤⬇️

Puerto Rican Crested Toads are the only native toad species to Puerto Rico! They are endangered and the last 2 remaining breed sites are becoming overrun with saltwater, making them uninhabitable for the toads in the near future. The North Carolina Zoo works with Puerto Rican based organizations and USFWS to assess the wild population, establish breeding and release ponds, and to release Puerto Rican Crested Toads raised under human care back to their natural habitat to ensure the species' survival. Happy World Frog Day! 🐸💚

03/19/2025

Our friends, the WNC Nature Center in Asheville, NC have opened back up to the public after facing catastrophic damage from Hurricane Helene! We were one of the many AZA-accredited zoos that were able to lend a helping hand. So glad to see them open again! ❤️

This is the story of the WNC Nature Center in Asheville, North Carolina and how it was impacted by Hurricane Helene in 2024.

03/19/2025

Sweet baby kudu, Boreas wanted to say hello! 👋 He is quiet the curious young kudu and enjoys interacting with his keepers. He was born on November 26 and is named after the Greek god of winter, since he was born on a cold, cold night! ❄️

Thanks to Keeper Scout for the photo! 📷

03/19/2025

Zoo EDventures LIVE! Celebrating 5 years of fun! 🐺♥️🥳✨
**Viewer discretion advised, carcass feed at red wolf! **

03/18/2025

Get ready to celebrate with us TOMORROW at 10 am on our page! Zoo EDventures is turning 5 and we want you to join in on the excitement! It's hard to believe it's been 5 amazing years since our journey began. To mark this special occasion, we are going live from the red wolf habitat to shine a light on the world's most endangered canid - the red wolf. 🐺💔 Don't miss out on this incredible anniversary event - see you there! ✨

03/17/2025

You know just what to do…volunteer at the Zoo! 👀 🫶 ☺️

Our Volunteer Services Program includes around 300 volunteers & interns, who contribute upwards of 43,000 hours annually! Whether you are passionate about wildlife, connecting with people, or want to support conservation efforts, we have a role for you.

❤️ 🦁 Make a difference at North Carolina Zoo & volunteer with us!

➡️ Learn more at http://nczoo.org/volunteer ⬅️

03/15/2025

The Africa Plaza & Parking is now open for the season! Don’t forget, parking is free and guests can visit the entire zoo from either entrance!

For additional parking information please see our website: https://www.nczoo.org/visit/directions-parking

🦁 We hope to see YOU at the North Carolina Zoo soon! 🐘

03/13/2025

In the last year, we have had THREE 🐒 Hamadryas baboon births, making our baboon troop one of the largest in the country at a total of 21 baboons in our care! If you’ve visited the zoo lately, you’ve likely gotten the chance to see these awesome babies!

First up is Winnie, a female baboon who was born this past summer and is confident and full of adventure. 🌿 Second is Edgar, who was born in October to first time parents, Zarah and Zanzibar, and lastly our New Year’s baby boy named Uchovu which means “sleepy” or “tired” in Swahili who can often be found napping on mom. 💤

03/12/2025

Ronan knows you haven’t submitted your internship application yet… 🐻 Remember those AMAZING internship opportunities we mentioned last week? Well, they're closing this Friday! Don’t let this exciting opportunity pass you by! Submit your internship application by the deadline, March 14th, 2025.

Learn more today at: https://www.nczoo.org/internship-opportunities

Application Link: https://form.jotform.com/250335193537154

03/10/2025

🌟 CAMPS, CAMPS, and more CAMPS! 🌟 We have quite the variety of Zoo Camps for a wide range of ages! 🥳 You can find out more on our website at nczoo.org by searching “camps.” 🐛

Coming up this month and into April are our one-day Spring Camps for grades K - 8! Each date has a different theme and age range! ☀️ All of the Spring Day Camps are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at $65 per camper. Check 'em out and register now: https://www.nczoo.org/education/camps/spring-camps

03/07/2025

Yes, we promise, the alligators are real!! During the winter months, American alligators exhibit reduced activity levels due to cooler temperatures and enter a state known as brumation. Their appetite decreases, and they display less interest in training with their keepers. This means that their keepers have around six months each year to engage in important training sessions. This state of brumation isn't quite the same as hibernation seen in many other animals; instead, alligators often still become active on those sunny winter days! 🐊 💤 💚

03/05/2025

Looking for a special way to get involved with the North Carolina Zoo? Consider volunteering with us! 🌿☺️

Our Volunteer Services Program includes around 300 intergenerational volunteers and interns, contributing upwards of 43,000 hours annually! Here at the Zoo we are so thankful for our Volunteer Staff and all they do to support our guests and our mission of Saving Wildlife and Wild Places!

🌟 For more information on volunteering see our website: https://www.nczoo.org/volunteer

03/04/2025

Hello animal lovers! 👋 Just a friendly reminder that there are more creatures than what meets the eye at the North Carolina Zoo. 🪺 Keep a watchful eye out for our wild friends who also call the Zoo home. 👀 You never know what amazing animals you may discover! 🐢 Remember to observe, not touch, and treat all wildlife and wild places with care and respect. 🌿 ✨

03/03/2025

Be like Bintu and hang in there!! 😜 We’ve got one more week of voting, help us make it to the finish line! 🗳️ Vote now for the North Carolina Zoo as "Best Zoo" in the USA Today 2025 Reader’s Choice Awards! Once daily per device using the link in our bio 🔗 http://bit.ly/3CNV9hR until March 10, 10:59 a.m.

Also, remember to support the North Carolina Zoo Society for "Best Zoo Membership"! 🎉 Thank you to those who have supported us throughout this exciting process. We are thankful for your dedication and support! 💕

03/02/2025

🌟 ⬇️ INTERN AT THE NORTH CAROLINA ZOO ⬇️ 🌟

It’s time to apply! Whether you're passionate about animal care, behavioral animal research, conservation, education, horticulture, communications, or operations, we have an internship for you!

🦁 Our internship program allows you to explore career paths, develop essential skills, and make a meaningful impact. Interns work alongside dedicated professionals while supporting the daily operations and conservation efforts of a world-class Zoo! 🌍 These internships are available for college students in a related field of study or recent graduates. 🎓

Additionally, our Wildlife Rehabilitation Junior Internship is available for students currently enrolled in high school between the ages of 16-18 years old, or a recently graduated high school student.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!

Learn more today at: https://www.nczoo.org/internship-opportunities

Application Link: https://form.jotform.com/250335193537154

The deadline for ALL 2025 summer internships is March 14, 2025.