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Monday 9am - 4pm Tuesday 9am - 4pm Wednesday 9am - 4pm Thursday 9am - 4pm Friday 9am - 4pm Saturday 9am - 4pm Sunday 9am - 4pm

North Carolina Zoo

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Asheboro, NC
North Carolina Zoo

Celebrating our Golden Anniversary of 50 wild years! 1947-2024 ✨

World's largest natural habitat zoo.
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Celebrating our Golden Anniversary of 50 wild years! 1974-2024 ✨
The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro is the world's largest natural habitat zoo, with over 2,800 acres. At the North Carolina Zoo, connect with wildlife from two different continents as you explore 500 acres of animals in natural habitats. Walk from Africa’s grasslands to North America’s Arctic coast. Escape to the forests and streams

of North Carolina’s beautiful Central Piedmont. Located at the foot of the Uwharrie Mountains, the Zoo is just outside the charming southern town of Asheboro. Discover more than 1,700 animals and 52,000 plants along five miles of shaded pathways.

11/13/2024

🌟 Miracles in the wild! 🌟 Our team at the North Carolina Zoo recently spotted a rare, snow-white deer in a wild herd on Zoo property. This special fawn—who isn’t albino but has a condition called leucism—made his stunning debut, captivating staff and sparking awe across the Zoo. As fate would have it, author Nicholas Sparks recently released Counting Miracles, featuring a white deer right here on Purgatory Mountain, where the Zoo is located! ✨

White deer also have great significance in the traditions and folklore of the Native American Indian tribes throughout the state of North Carolina. Though sightings are rare, his story is a reminder of nature’s wonders. Come visit and explore the magic of wildlife here in Asheboro and check out our newest blog on the elusive white deer—who knows what surprises you’ll discover! 🦌💫

11/12/2024

🚨 As the winter season approaches, we have a few reminders to share with you!

🎟️ The Africa Plaza & Ticketing will remain open through December 1st.

🅿️ AFTER December 1st, all guests will park and enter the Zoo through the North America Plaza & Ticketing. REMEMBER, you are still able to walk OR take the tram to Africa once you are inside the Zoo!

🚐 The parking lot shuttle will operate through December 1st.

🦏 Zoo Trekker Africa will close on November 15th.

🦋 All Attractions close November 15th (Carousel and Butterfly are already closed for the season).

11/11/2024

💙 Thank you veterans ❤️

Today we honor all those who have served our country. At the North Carolina Zoo, many of our employees, volunteers and seasonal staff have served our country. Today we honor & recognize their dedication. Happy Veterans Day, and thank you for your service! 🇺🇸 🌟

11/09/2024

Our hearts continue go out to our neighbors in Western North Carolina who are still suffering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. 💔

The North Carolina Zoo is extending our $5 admission offer to affected residents of the NC counties listed below through December 24, 2024.

Please note the weekend after Thanksgiving, November 29 - December 1, this offer will not be available.

Eligible guests may request the $5 rate (per person), extendable up to five additional guests in the same party. Requesters MUST present a valid form of a North Carolina ID indicating residence within the counties listed below to claim the discount.

Eligible counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Nash, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, Yancey, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee.

We welcome you to visit, explore, and recharge as you continue on your journey toward recovery. 💝

11/08/2024

We are so thrilled to officially announce that the North Carolina Zoo has blossomed into an accredited Botanical Garden! 🌸 🌿 🥳

We are one of only a handful of zoos nationwide to earn this distinction! Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), a membership organization representing botanic gardens in more than 100 countries, grants the zoo accreditation. According to BGCI, the North Carolina Zoo “conforms to the highest international standards” in plant conservation and care. 😍

This accomplishment would not be possible without the incredible dedication and expertise of the Zoo’s Horticulture team! We already knew they are the BEST OF THE BEST, but now, it’s official! ✨

11/07/2024

Military Appreciation Week is next week! 🗓️ From November 9th - 15th we are proud to offer FREE admission to military personnel, veterans, and their spouses. The includes FREE admission for up to three additional accompanying guests for Military Appreciation Week. 🇺🇸

** Military spouses may also get FREE admission without their active duty spouse being present (must present spousal military ID). **

11/01/2024

It’s that time of year again! Today, November 1st, is the first day of our “Winter Hours” 🕓 We will continue to open at 9 am, but starting today the Zoo will close at 4 pm with the last entry at 3 pm. Don’t forget that we are OPEN through the fall and winter months! 🍂❄️

10/31/2024

Celebrating past pets at the North Carolina Zoo through the Beloved Pet Ofrenda!

10/30/2024

The Beloved Pet Ofrenda is happening now at the Zoo in the North America Plaza! Pets play an integral role in our lives, they support, love and care for us unconditionally. The Ofrenda at the North Carolina Zoo is dedicated to these loved ones who are not only pets, but family.

This event provides guests with the opportunity to remember & honor their Beloved Pets, in conjunction with Día de los Mu***os tradition. We encourage you to bring a 4x6” photo of your pet (or pets) to place on the the Ofrenda now through Saturday, November 2nd. We have picture frames available for decoration and alebrijes coloring sheets!

10/28/2024

This week is Polar Bear Week! 🧊💙

Every fall, Polar bears gather on the shores of Hudson Bay near Churchill, Canada, to wait for the sea ice to return so they can hunt their seal prey. But the summer ice-free period is three to four weeks longer than it was in the 1980s, straining the limits of the bears’ fat reserves. Polar bears need sea ice to hunt, mate, roam, and, sometimes, den. If the Arctic continues to warm at its current rates, we will see fewer polar bears in fewer places across the Arctic, making them more vulnerable to extinction.

During Polar Bear Week, we celebrate the bears and draw attention to the need to take action to help preserve sea ice. Check out polarbearsinternational.org to see how you can help today!

10/27/2024

⬛️ National Black Cat Day 🐈‍⬛ calls for photos of Jet the Black Leopard! 🐆 Jet was an integral part of the African Pavilion, which housed a wide variety of flora & fauna, and was beloved by guests & keepers alike. Former Pavilion Keeper, Debbie, described Jet as an easy-going, calm cat who enjoyed his daily naps. 😴

10/25/2024

In honor of World Lemur Day, let’s talk about Red ruffed lemurs:

💚 North Carolina Zoo is home to 2️⃣ Red ruffed lemurs, George and Marie!

🌿 These playful primates are native to Madagascar (as are all lemurs).

🦷 Red ruffed lemurs have 6 bottom teeth known as a “tooth comb” which allows them to peel skin off fruit and groom themselves!

🌍 It is important to remember that Red ruffed lemurs are Critically Endangered, primarily due to habitat loss.

🎟️ A portion of your admission to the North Carolina Zoo goes directly to our global conservation efforts.

10/23/2024

⛔ Be aware, enter if you dare! 👻 Pitcher plants are one of nature’s many carnivorous plants. These fascinating plants lure unsuspecting insects into their deep, cup-like structures with a sweet-smelly nectar. Once the insect falls for the trap they are stuck, sealing their fate as dinner on a plate! 🍽️ 🐛

10/23/2024

The fun continues! 🎉🎃 Get ready for a spook-tacular time at Boo at the Zoo this weekend! Join us for wild costumes, candy trails, and fang-tastic fun for the whole family! 🦇🍬 Don’t miss out on the thrills and chills! 👻

10/21/2024

In honor of National Reptile Awareness Day we are sharing some of our newest (and youngest) reptilian friends! 🥚🦎✨ The North Carolina Zoo has recently welcomed a wide variety of new babies, from Chuckwallas to Knob-tailed geckos! While these babies are not yet on habitat in the Desert Dome, their adult counterparts are visible to guests. 💚

📸 Photos courtesy of keeper Jocelyn!

10/18/2024

BOO at the Zoo is ALMOST here! ✨ Weekend 1️⃣ begins 10/19 & 10/20 from 9am - 3pm and will be packed full of family fun! 👻

Check out these reminders before your visit:

🍂 All Boo activities will take place in Africa.

🎃 Boo at the Zoo wristbands can ONLY be purchased onsite, at both North America and Africa Admission Gates.

🍁 Only individuals PARTICIPATING in Boo activities will need the wristbands. Parents of children participating in Boo do not need wristbands UNLESS the parents/family want to participate in the Costume Contest.

👑 There are costume guidelines that can be found on our website!

💛 Remember to have fun and be respectful of the animals and fellow guests!

🗓️ Don't worry, if you aren’t able to attend this weekend, BOO will also occur from 10/26 - 10/27.

10/17/2024

Pumpkin Palooza may be over, but the fun is just beginning! Over the fall season we will be sharing ALL the best pumpkin content with YOU! Let's give a big thank you to all the keepers who made this event fun and engaging for us and the animals! 🎃 💛

10/16/2024

Veterinary technicians are critical to the day-to-day function of veterinary practices, and play vital roles in preserving animal health and welfare. National Veterinary Technician Week provides an opportunity to recognize veterinary technicians’ contributions. First celebrated in 1993, it takes place in the third week of October each year.

We value veterinary technicians every day of the year and thank them for all they do. During National Veterinary Technician Week, we honor their commitment to compassionate, high-quality veterinary care for all animals! Please join us in celebrating these important team members! We are so grateful to have such a knowledgeable and passionate team of vet techs here at the Zoo! 🩺💗

Address

4401 Zoo Pkwy
Asheboro, NC
27205

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4pm
Tuesday	9am - 4pm
Wednesday	9am - 4pm
Thursday	9am - 4pm
Friday	9am - 4pm
Saturday	9am - 4pm
Sunday	9am - 4pm

Telephone

(800) 488-0444

Website

http://www.nczoo.org/

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Videos

Celebrating past pets at the North Carolina Zoo through the Beloved Pet Ofrenda!

Sincerely, Your favorite Social Media Team ✨

We recently welcomed a new baby woylie to the Desert Dome! 🥹 Also known as bettongs, are critically endangered marsupials native to Australia.🌏 This is the second baby both for the bettong pair and the Zoo; a testament to the excellent welfare and care they receive here at the North Carolina Zoo. Stay tuned for updates on the baby's sex and name! 🥰 Shoutout to Keeper Jocelyn for the wonderful video!

Zoo EDventures: Behind the Scenes at Avian Prop

Fly behind the scenes with us to see where some bird magic happens - Avian Prop! Alongside Keeper Chelsey, we learn why we have a building for bird breeding and uncover the work needed to ensure you get to experience the birds you love at the Zoo. You’ll meet several birds making their home there, and Meghan shows off her creative side!

Winnie is wide open! This girl loves to run, jump and play, and of course nap with Mom. This little explorer is on a mission to discover the wonders of the world! 🌿💫

Bat crazy! 🦇 The North Carolina Zoo is home to over 70 vampire bats! In celebration of Bat Appreciation Month let’s talk about these unique creatures' special diet. They really do drink fresh blood! These animals are the only mammals that exclusively eat the blood of other animals. The blood (yes, it’s actually real blood) is sourced from a local butcher, ensuring they have the freshest sources available to them. 🩸

🐊 Sit back and slow down! Take a moment to unwind with us in Cypress Swamp - ✨ Amongst the Cypress trees you will be transported to a place like no other. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty at Cypress Swamp. 🐢 🌿

The North Carolina Zoo on 35mm Film! Our Zoo has changed a LOT over the past 50 years. While we do not typically hand-raise baby animals today, we cherish these memories from our history. Join us as we celebrate our commitment to wildlife conservation and education! #ThrowbackThursday #NCZooOnFilm

TACO ... not like the food!

It’s TACO time! No – not like the food. Take A Child Out Week starts September 24 so we wanted to take you on a tour of Kidzone and show you some fun things you can do during the week! Getting outside is awesome and there are lots of ways to engage with the outdoors! Join your Zoo EDventures team as we make some music, dance (a little), hike, and more!#onestreamlive #zoo,#NCzoo,#TACO,#ZooEDventures

As fake fall makes its appearance in North Carolina, we are still enjoying the best parts of Watermelon Day from earlier last month! 🍉🍂 The black bear sisters Nova and Luna loved their melons the most! 😂

The Watermelon Day reels continue! 🍉 All of the animals loved their treat, except for maybe the zebras! 😂🦓

Our animals had a fantastic time during Watermelon Day! Lioness 'Mekita', the sweet Giraffes, noisy Hamadryas baboons, slinky Blue-Tongued Skink, crawling Cockroaches, and the gorgeous Eclectus Parrot named 'Princess' all went wild for watermelons!. Take a look! 🍉🐵