North Carolina Zoo

State: North Carolina. Type: zoo in Asheboro, Randolph County. Opened August 13, 1974; one of only two state-supported zoos in the US (with the Minnesota Zoo). Described as the world's largest natural habitat zoo, with 500 developed acres on a 2,600-acre property. Houses about 1,700 animals representing more than 250 species. AZA-accredited.

The North Carolina Zoo, in Asheboro, is one of only two state-supported zoos in the country and bills itself as the world's largest natural habitat zoo, with 500 acres developed for exhibits out of a 2,600-acre total property. Opened on August 13, 1974, the zoo organizes its collection primarily around African and North American species displayed in expansive, naturalistic habitats rather than traditional cages, exemplified by the 47-acre Watani Grasslands Reserve, which mimics an African savanna and lets visitors observe multiple species together as they would coexist in the wild. The zoo is home to roughly 1,700 animals across more than 250 species, including one of the largest chimpanzee troops of any American zoo and polar bears participating in breeding programs, and it is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, participating in Species Survival Plans for endangered animals such as red wolves and gorillas. It draws more than one million visitors a year and is in the midst of an Asia-themed expansion, expected to open in 2026 with tigers, otters and other Asian species.

The zoo is located at 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205, in Randolph County in the geographic center of North Carolina, often described as being in the "Heart of North Carolina."

Asheboro has a humid subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild winters typical of the North Carolina Piedmont. Because the zoo's habitats are largely outdoors and spread over a very large property, hot, sunny days draw the largest crowds and can lead to temporary admission limits when parking fills.

Cooler shoulder-season days in spring and fall tend to be more comfortable for the extensive outdoor walking the zoo requires, while the zoo notes that warm, sunny days bring its highest attendance and may prompt temporary capacity limits on parking; checking the zoo's social media for real-time crowd updates is worthwhile on peak days.

The North Carolina Zoo opened to the public on August 13, 1974 in Asheboro, established as one of the first zoos in the US built from the ground up around a naturalistic-habitat philosophy rather than converted from an older, cage-based facility. It remains one of only two state-supported zoos in the country, alongside the Minnesota Zoo, and has grown into the world's largest natural habitat zoo, with continuing expansion including an Asia region slated to open in 2026.

Visitors explore expansive African and North American habitat zones on foot or via available park transportation, view naturalistic exhibits such as the 47-acre Watani Grasslands Reserve, and observe the zoo's large chimpanzee troop and polar bear habitat. Because the property is large (500 developed acres), many visitors use the zoo's internal transportation options to move between the Africa and North America regions rather than walking the entire route.

Key areas include the Africa region, anchored by the Watani Grasslands Reserve, and the North America region; a forthcoming Asia region, expected to open in 2026, will add tiger and otter habitats. The zoo's two main entrances correspond to its North America and Africa sections.

The zoo is reached by car via Zoo Parkway in Asheboro, in central North Carolina; the nearest larger regional airports are Piedmont Triad International Airport (Greensboro) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport, both requiring a drive to reach Asheboro.

As of research, the zoo's daily hours were listed as 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the site noting hours can vary seasonally; confirm current hours on nczoo.org before visiting, and note last entry is typically an hour before closing.

As of research, peak season (March 15-November 15) on-site adult admission was $20 ($18 online), seniors 62+/college/military $18 ($16 online), children 3-12 $16 ($14 online), and under 3 free. Low season (November 16-March 14) on-site adult admission was $15 ($14 online), seniors/college/military $13 ($12 online), children 3-12 $11 ($10 online). An NC EBT rate of $5 per person (up to 4 admissions) is available for in-person purchase with a physical card and photo ID. Confirm current pricing on nczoo.org before visiting.

Given the zoo's large size (500 developed acres), a full day is recommended to see both the Africa and North America regions without rushing; a half-day allows a more limited visit to one region.

Asheboro and the surrounding Randolph County area offer hotel chains and other lodging within a short drive of the zoo, typical of a small city serving as a regional visitor gateway.

The zoo has on-site dining options for visitors who don't want to leave the grounds during a full-day visit; Asheboro itself, a short drive away, offers additional restaurant choices for those staying overnight in the area.

Asheboro and the wider Randolph County area, part of central North Carolina's Piedmont region, offer additional small-town attractions for visitors extending their stay beyond the zoo itself.

Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro and Raleigh-Durham International Airport are the nearest airports with substantial commercial service; a personal or rental vehicle is the practical way to reach and get around the zoo given its rural Piedmont location.

Because the zoo spans a very large property with extensive outdoor walking, sun protection and water are important, especially in summer. The zoo may temporarily limit admission when parking reaches capacity on warm, busy days, so arriving earlier can help avoid delays. Service animals are permitted; guests should check in with Guest Services upon arrival.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential given the zoo's size, along with sunscreen, a hat and water for a full day outdoors. A stroller or the zoo's park transportation can help visitors with young children or limited mobility cover the large distances between regions.

Because the zoo can reach capacity and temporarily limit admission on warm, sunny days, checking the zoo's social media or arriving early is worthwhile during peak season. Booking tickets online in advance offers a modest discount over on-site pricing. Given the property's size, using the available park transportation between the Africa and North America regions can help visitors cover more ground in a day.

Dial 911 for any emergency. The zoo's general visitor line is 336-879-7001, per its official site.

North Carolina Zoo - https://www.nczoo.org

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.