North Carolina Zoo

North Carolina Zoo The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, NC is the World's Largest Natural Habitat Zoo, with over 2,800 acres.
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Official account of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Celebrating our Golden Anniversary of 50 wild years! 1947-2024 ✨

World's largest natural habitat zoo. 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.

06/25/2026

Did someone say… NEW SPECIES?! 👀 🤭
Recently, we welcomed a brand new species to the Desert: meet the Perentie Monitor! The Perentie Monitor is the largest species of lizard in Australia and the fourth largest in the world. 🌏

Our Perentie monitor is still a juvenile at only 3 years old! Although they have a slender body, our young male has a lot of growing to do as adults can reach about 30- 40lbs. and 8 feet long.

Perentie monitors are native to Australia and are found in arid and semi-arid climates. They are known for being quite fast and can reach speeds up to 25 mph for short spurts! As carnivores and active hunters, they rely on their keen eyesight and highly sensitive tongue, which detects scents and chemical cues in the air, to locate prey.

You can see the Perentie monitor in the same habitat where Pandai, the Komodo dragon was previously in the Desert. Don’t worry, all is well with Pandai; she has moved over to her space in Asia.

On North Carolina’s Albemarle Peninsula, the eastern North Carolina Red Wolf population serves as a critical stronghold ...
06/24/2026

On North Carolina’s Albemarle Peninsula, the eastern North Carolina Red Wolf population serves as a critical stronghold for the remaining wild critically endangered American Red Wolf (Canis rufus) population. This population includes both wild-born Red Wolves and individuals released from zoological institutions and wildlife centers, including institutions such as the North Carolina Zoo, as part of ongoing recovery efforts managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Close monitoring of these Red Wolves is essential to support individual health, survival, and the long-term recovery of the species. By studying Red Wolf behavior and movement, biologists can better understand how these animals use the landscape, how much space they require, and how they respond to their environment.

Recently North Carolina Zoo conservation and research staff ventured to the coast to meet with USFWS biologists - touring Alligator River and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuges, learning about Red Wolf monitoring methods, and exploring opportunities for Zoo staff to contribute their skills to recovery efforts. Here at the North Carolina Zoo, we are proud to have the second largest breeding population of Red Wolves in the world. By strengthening the relationship between the North Carolina Zoo and partner agencies such as, Red Wolf Recovery Program working to impact conservation right here in our state, we can work together to build a brighter future for wild animals and wild places. ❤️ 🐾

The North Carolina Zoo, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and hiking trails are open today, June 24! Thank you for your pa...
06/24/2026

The North Carolina Zoo, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and hiking trails are open today, June 24! Thank you for your patience! ☀️

Operations Update: Tuesday, June 23, 2026.Due to repairs on a City of Asheboro water line, the North Carolina Zoo, wildl...
06/23/2026

Operations Update: Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Due to repairs on a City of Asheboro water line, the North Carolina Zoo, wildlife rehabilitation center, and all hiking trails are closed for the remainder of the day.

06/23/2026

THIS is something you don’t hear every day: sand cat kitten calls! 😻 📣Zayn is calling for his mom, Sahara, who is close by enjoying a kitten-free snack moment to herself. Sand cats have a variety of calls but hearing a call is not a common occurrence!

Huge shoutout to Keeper Sam for capturing and sharing this video!👏

06/22/2026

It just doesn’t get any cuter to happen upon lioness Mekita sleeping belly-up! 🥹 Mekita and Haji spend a lot of time napping together, but that’s exactly what they're supposed to do. 😴 African lions can sleep up to 20 hours per day! 🦁

06/21/2026

Happy World Giraffe Day!🦒 We hope this video helps your ID skills for your next Zoo visit! The giraffe can be difficult to tell apart, but its easier when all three are in the same frame😍🦒

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers and father-figures out there! 💚If you’re visiting today, don't forget to mention t...
06/21/2026

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers and father-figures out there! 💚

If you’re visiting today, don't forget to mention the Father’s Day offer at the admission gates and receive a $3 discount on dad's admission to the Zoo! ✨

May not be combined with other offers. Discount not available for online tickets. Expires 4 p.m. June 21, 2026.

Meet the Chestnut-Backed Thrush! ✨ These beautiful birds are listed as Near Threatened according to the IUCN. Found acro...
06/20/2026

Meet the Chestnut-Backed Thrush! ✨ These beautiful birds are listed as Near Threatened according to the IUCN. Found across Asia, they face challenges from the Asian Songbird Crisis, in decline due to trapping in the wild.

Chestnut-Backed Thrush are omnivores, feasting on fruits, veggies, and insects, with a love for nightcrawlers as enrichment! 🪱 These birds are 'sexually monomorphic' meaning males and females are indistinguishable based on appearance.

Swipe to the last photos to see a chick that hatched this past spring! Check out the color difference, as this chick has not yet developed its vibrant adult plumage!

We have been successful in breeding this species, contributing to genetic diversity and the ongoing mission to save wildlife and wild places. 🫶🪺

This summer, we’re sprucing things up at the Zoo! 🌳 As part of our commitment to excellence, you may notice Park mainten...
06/20/2026

This summer, we’re sprucing things up at the Zoo! 🌳 As part of our commitment to excellence, you may notice Park maintenance projects underway. While minimal disruption is expected, some areas may have temporary barriers or visible work crews during your visit. 🚧 Thanks for your patience as we work to make your next visit even more amazing! 🎉

Address

4401 Zoo Pkwy
Asheboro, NC
27205

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(800) 488-0444

Website

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